- <a href="/live/image/gid/186/width/650/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.jpg" class="lw_preview_image lw_disable_preview" tabindex="-1"><picture class="lw_image lw_image90782"> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 500px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/500/height/240/crop/1/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.rev.1634160348.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/500/height/240/crop/1/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.rev.1634160348.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/186/width/500/height/240/crop/1/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.rev.1634160348.jpg 3x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 800px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/800/height/383/crop/1/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.rev.1634160348.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/800/height/383/crop/1/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.rev.1634160348.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/186/width/800/height/383/crop/1/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.rev.1634160348.jpg 3x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 1200px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/1200/height/575/crop/1/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.rev.1634160348.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1200/height/575/crop/1/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.rev.1634160348.jpg 2x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(min-width: 1201px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.rev.1634160348.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.rev.1634160348.jpg 2x"/> <img src="/live/image/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.rev.1634160348.jpg" alt="" width="1440" height="690" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.rev.1634160348.jpg 2x" data-max-w="3200" data-max-h="2136"/> </picture> </a><div class="hero-full_image_caption collapsable-caption"></div>
- <a href="/live/image/gid/186/width/650/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.jpg" class="lw_preview_image lw_disable_preview" tabindex="-1"><picture class="lw_image lw_image98147"> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 500px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/500/height/240/crop/1/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.rev.1679093776.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/500/height/240/crop/1/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.rev.1679093776.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/186/width/500/height/240/crop/1/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.rev.1679093776.jpg 3x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 800px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/800/height/383/crop/1/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.rev.1679093776.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/800/height/383/crop/1/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.rev.1679093776.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/186/width/800/height/383/crop/1/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.rev.1679093776.jpg 3x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 1200px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/1200/height/575/crop/1/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.rev.1679093776.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1200/height/575/crop/1/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.rev.1679093776.jpg 2x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(min-width: 1201px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.rev.1679093776.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.rev.1679093776.jpg 2x"/> <img src="/live/image/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.rev.1679093776.jpg" alt="Our campus is even prettier in person." width="1440" height="690" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.rev.1679093776.jpg 2x" data-max-w="3200" data-max-h="2133"/> </picture> </a><div class="hero-full_image_caption collapsable-caption"> Our campus is even prettier in person.</div>
- <a href="/live/image/gid/186/width/650/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.jpg" class="lw_preview_image lw_disable_preview" tabindex="-1"><picture class="lw_image lw_image90786"> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 500px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/500/height/240/crop/1/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.rev.1634160376.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/500/height/240/crop/1/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.rev.1634160376.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/186/width/500/height/240/crop/1/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.rev.1634160376.jpg 3x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 800px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/800/height/383/crop/1/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.rev.1634160376.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/800/height/383/crop/1/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.rev.1634160376.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/186/width/800/height/383/crop/1/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.rev.1634160376.jpg 3x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 1200px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/1200/height/575/crop/1/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.rev.1634160376.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1200/height/575/crop/1/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.rev.1634160376.jpg 2x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(min-width: 1201px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.rev.1634160376.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.rev.1634160376.jpg 2x"/> <img src="/live/image/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.rev.1634160376.jpg" alt="" width="1440" height="690" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.rev.1634160376.jpg 2x" data-max-w="3200" data-max-h="2136"/> </picture> </a><div class="hero-full_image_caption collapsable-caption"></div>
- <a href="/live/image/gid/186/width/650/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.jpg" class="lw_preview_image lw_disable_preview" tabindex="-1"><picture class="lw_image lw_image90785"> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 500px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/500/height/240/crop/1/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.rev.1634160361.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/500/height/240/crop/1/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.rev.1634160361.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/186/width/500/height/240/crop/1/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.rev.1634160361.jpg 3x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 800px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/800/height/383/crop/1/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.rev.1634160361.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/800/height/383/crop/1/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.rev.1634160361.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/186/width/800/height/383/crop/1/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.rev.1634160361.jpg 3x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 1200px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/1200/height/575/crop/1/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.rev.1634160361.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1200/height/575/crop/1/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.rev.1634160361.jpg 2x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(min-width: 1201px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.rev.1634160361.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.rev.1634160361.jpg 2x"/> <img src="/live/image/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.rev.1634160361.jpg" alt="" width="1440" height="690" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.rev.1634160361.jpg 2x" data-max-w="3200" data-max-h="2136"/> </picture> </a><div class="hero-full_image_caption collapsable-caption"></div>
Apply
Apply to Lewis & Clark and Join Our Community!
You’ve spent your time and energy learning about us … now it’s our turn to do the same for you! We’re eager to know how you will contribute to our great student community.
Apply on the Common App Website Check Your Application Status
Application Deadlines
Application | Date |
Early Decision (binding) | Deadline: November 1 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time |
Early Action (nonbinding) | Deadline: November 1 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time |
Regular Decision (nonbinding) | Deadline: January 15 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time |
Transfer | Deadline: Rolling (recommended all credentials submitted by April 1) |
Application Requirements for First-Year Applicants
It’s easy to apply to Lewis & Clark through the Common Application site. We don’t charge an application fee, and we’ve been leaders in the movement of test-optional admissions since 1991. We believe in your potential beyond standardized test scores, but for those that do wish to submit scores, we will include them in our holistic review of your application materials for admission (they do not play a role in the awarding of merit- or need-based financial aid).
Transcripts
First-year applicants need to submit a secondary school report that shows completion of a rigorous curriculum including at least four years of math and English, three to four years of history and social science, two to three years of foreign language, three years of lab science, and a year of fine arts.
Letters
Teacher recommendation completed by a teacher who taught you in an academic course (English, mathematics, science, world language, history, or social studies) in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade.
Essay
We require one personal essay. Your writing helps us get acquainted with you in ways different from courses, grades, test scores, and other objective data. It also gives you a chance to demonstrate your ability to organize your thoughts and express yourself. Not sure what to say? Check out our tips!
Check Your Application Status
Your L&C Portal gives you access to the most up-to-date information about your application credentials. The first time you log in, use the temporary PIN provided in the email sent upon receipt of your application.
Optional Submissions
We are happy to consider additional materials along with the required parts of the application for admission. Academic materials—graded writing samples, science research summaries, etc.— tend to be more helpful for us than those that are nonacademic. We do not require special portfolios or applications for admission to particular majors, so items such as artwork, slides, performance recordings, and creative writing portfolios will be considered only as background for the overall admissions decision. Please note that submissions will not be returned.
Supplemental materials can be uploaded through your L&C Portal after your Common Application is received by our office and your application file has been established.
Interviews are a great way to have a more personal experience during the application process. Interviews are recommended, but not required. You can schedule a virtual interview, or email your admissions counselor for more interview availability.
Please schedule your interview prior to the application deadline under which you are applying:
- For Early Action and Early Decision applicants, interviews must be completed before November 1.
- For Regular Decision applicants, interviews must be completed before January 15.
- For Transfer students, interviews should be completed prior to submission of an application.
We have been test-optional since 1991 and do not require SAT or ACT scores. You are not at a disadvantage if you do not submit scores. Both merit-based scholarships and need-based aid are awarded independent of test scores, and you will be considered for all forms of aid whether you submit scores or not. Read more information about our Test-Optional Policy.
Our admissions review process is holistic, so if you choose to submit test scores, we will take them into consideration. If you choose not to send scores, we will rely only on the materials we have to make a decision. If you choose to send us your scores, they can be submitted directly from the testing agency, included on an official high school transcript, sent directly to our office by your high school counselor (as a PDF or screenshot of your online or paper score report), or uploaded through our Self-Reported Test Scores form.
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p> After touring and hearing from the experience of a family friend, I was enamored by the beauty of the campus and the opportunities for travel L&C could offer. I also loved the idea of being close to Portland’s activity, yet also have the peace of the forest nearby.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/18475-beau-staun-list">Beau Staun-List BA ’25</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Topanga, California</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p> I fell in love with the campus and greatly appreciated the open-discussion classroom settings. The discussion-based learning was really incredible and I felt like I learned more and was more involved in my education. </p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/19795-isabel-bowen">Isabel Bowen BA ’19</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Bozeman, Montana</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The environment of Lewis & Clark was unlike any other college I visited. It is an amazing place to wake up to every day.</span></p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/16643-whitney-maxfield">Whitney Maxfield BA ’25</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Riverton, Utah</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I wanted to attend a college that was smaller and more personal, but still allowed me to have access to a big city.</span></p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/16676-laura-everson">Laura Everson BA ’22</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Sitka, Alaska</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p> L&C stood out to me because despite it being a small school, it still had lots of great and unique opportunities. Further, everyone I interacted with clearly loved being a part of the college.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/19700-zach-schonrock">Zach Schonrock BA ’18</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Salt Lake City, Utah</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p> I was eager to attend a school teeming with hiking trails and evergreen trees, and specifically a liberal arts college with an emphasis on cultivating relationships with surrounding local community members and organizations.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/18324-leah-huffington">Leah Huffington BA ’25</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Long Beach, California</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I decided to come to L&C because I wanted to attend a school that would allow me to explore my interests in science without having to sacrifice my love for the humanities.</span></p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/16650-sofia-reeves">Sofia Reeves BA ’23</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Sacramento, California</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p> With small class sizes, you are able to truly collaborate and challenge each other, which coupled with the diversity on campus, ends up raising important questions.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/19884-ashley-brown">Ashley Brown BA ’20</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Napa, California</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There were many factors in my decision to come to L&C: the</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Third Culture Kid</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">network, the</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">international affairs</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">program, and the</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">overseas opportunities</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">, among others.</span></p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/16673-brenna-ketchum">Brenna Ketchum BA ’23</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Fort Collins, Colorado</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p> I wanted to attend a small school because I perform best in smaller class environments where I can connect with my peers and work closely with my professors.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/18351-bryn-romig">Bryn Romig BA ’25</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Albuquerque, New Mexico</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p> L&C gave me a bustling community full of activities and events, rigorous academics, friends and professors who cared about me, Portland, and the space to cultivate myself into the person that I wanted to be.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/19825-emily-davis">Emily Davis BA ’19</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Orinda, California</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The main reasons I came to L&C were the liberal arts education and the small size of the school.</span></p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/14637-william-lew">William Lew BA ’23</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">San Ramon, California</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p> I chose L&C not only for the campus beautiful, but also the fact that the faculty and students were an unusual combination of intelligent and down to earth. The whole environment felt very welcoming and comfortable.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/18377-raiven-greenberg">Raiven Greenberg BA ’17</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Huntington Beach, California</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I was captivated by the gorgeous scenery, and only grew more in love as our tour guide talked about the small class sizes, the warm community, and the variety of programs L&C offers. I have felt at home since the moment I arrived.</span></p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/14557-haley-wildhirt">Haley Wildhirt BA ’22</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Longmont, Colorado</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p> What made me come to Lewis & Clark is how much it felt like home. I immediately fell in love with the campus.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/18310-katie-shimaura">Katie Shimaura BA ’24</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Mililani, Hawai‘i</span></p></blockquote>
After Applying
The waiting is always the hardest part, but there are still plenty of things to do and learn after you’ve submitted your application. Here are some of the most important things to know about Lewis & Clark.
Affordability
The cost of college can be daunting, but don’t be discouraged. The sooner you can submit the FAFSA for financial aid consideration, the better! Our federal school code is 003197, and our Office of Financial Aid is here to help.
Campus Living
There’s no better place to live than in the residence halls, where you’re surrounded by friends and close to your classes and activities. Get a feel for what on-campus life is all about.
Programs
We offer 29 majors, 33 minors, and robust preprofessional programs. Get a sense for what it’s really like to be a student here—and what our alumni do with their degrees—by browsing our program pages and reading student, alumni, and faculty profiles.
Application FAQ
If Lewis & Clark is the college that is clearly the best fit for you, there is no better way to indicate to us that L&C is your top choice than by applying Early Decision. Your college selection process may be completed months before many of your peers if you apply under Early Decision. Since the application is binding, if admitted, your selection is made and you can look forward to becoming a Pioneer while focusing on finishing your high school career.
The main advantage to applying under our non-binding Early Action plan is timing. Since you get your materials to us earlier (November 1) we are able to get a decision letter to you earlier (by January 1). The admissions committee will look for all the same criteria that we look for in the Regular Decision timeframe (see what are we looking for), so a student is not necessarily more likely to be admitted if they apply Early Action.
Keep in mind that there is one important difference between the early application plans and Regular Decision: under Early Decision and Early Action, we require grades through the end of junior year, along with an accurate list of senior year courses. Some Early Decision and Early Action applicants provide first quarter or trimester reports as well. Under Regular Decision, we require that you submit the first set of grades from your senior year. If it is important to you that the admissions committee reviews your senior grades, you may wish to apply Regular Decision. Finally, the Early Decision and Early Action plans are not appropriate for students who will be relying on the November SAT/ACT or later test dates to complete their files.
There is no fee to apply to Lewis & Clark.
You should strive to submit your materials by the application deadline. Late applications may be accepted at the discretion of the Admissions Office. If you are interested in applying after the January 15 deadline, contact the Admissions Office and speak with an admissions counselor about your options.
Please note: students whose applications are received after the deadline may not receive their admissions decisions until after April 1. Financial aid notification may also be delayed and funds may be limited.
It is not necessary for your teacher to use the Common Application Teacher Evaluation form. However, if your teacher will not be using the form, he/she should submit the evaluation on school letterhead, clearly print your full name on the top of the letter, and indicate the course(s) and grade level(s) in which he/she taught you.
We do not require a letter of recommendation from a counselor, only the Secondary School Report form.
However, it is in your best interest for you to get to know your guidance counselor. Beyond completing required college application forms, you may find that your counselor can also provide excellent guidance throughout your entire college search process. If it’s just not possible for you to get to know your counselor (and we certainly understand that situation may arise if you attend a large school) or if you have a new counselor at your school, you should (at minimum) have your current counselor fill in the blanks of the Secondary School Report form. That form provides vital information we need in order to complete your record at the college. You may have another high school administrator or former counselor provide a letter of recommendation addressing your preparedness for college, your high school performance in relation to the rest of your senior class, and other pertinent information. We will only accept such an evaluation in addition to the Secondary School Report form completed by your current high school counselor.
In our holistic admissions review process, we consider all material that a student submits. For students that do include their scores, we will take them into consideration. For students that choose not to send scores, we will rely on the materials we do have to make a decision. A student who does not send scores is not at a disadvantage and will be considered for all forms of aid including merit-based scholarships and need-based aid, which are awarded independent of test scores.
Please read more information about our Test-Optional Policy.
The admissions committee gives all applicants a comprehensive review before making an admissions decision. This is why we ask for a number of credentials to complete your application. The main priority of the committee is to make sure that the applicant is able to meet the college’s academic challenge and the expectations of our faculty.
While all credentials will be carefully reviewed, an applicant’s transcript is most beneficial in providing evidence of a student’s academic potential to thrive at Lewis & Clark. The committee examines course selection, curricular rigor, grade trends, and other academic factors reflected on the transcript.
Teacher and counselor evaluations, SAT and/or ACT scores (if submitted), the essay, and the actual application form reveal other dimensions of an applicant and are also important in the application process.
Non-academic activities are considered as well, since we need students who will play a role in our small, residential community, but these factors are only considered if a student is academically admissible. In the end, the committee hopes to admit students that are prepared for the challenge that an education at Lewis & Clark will offer while also contributing positively to the college community.
Admissions is located in Frank Manor House on the Undergraduate Campus.
MSC: 32
email admissions@lclark.edu
voice 503-768-7040
fax 503-768-7055
Vice President of Admissions and Financial Aid
Eric Staab
Admissions
Lewis & Clark
615 S. Palatine Hill Road MSC 32
Portland OR 97219