- <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>
Join our community!
Lewis & Clark College brings together challenging, supportive academics; an institutional commitment to sustainability; conservatory-calibre fine arts offerings; leadership in overseas and off-campus study; and an inclusive, welcoming community. The icing on the (Voodoo!) donut is that we do this on arguably the most beautiful campus in the U.S. in the cool, progressive city of Portland, Oregon.
We’d love for you to join us.
Apply Now on the Common App Website Transfer Students International Students
- <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> I wanted a school small enough that I would be able to regularly see familiar faces on walks around campus, but big enough that I would still have opportunities to meet new folks, and L&C does just that!</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/18354-mack-mae">Mack Mae BA ’25</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Ogden, Utah</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> While walking the tree-lined cobblestone paths that wind through campus, I immediately felt at home. I also felt that the intimate classroom sizes and smaller college community would be a great support system for me to grow and to learn.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/19664-alex-olsen">Alex Olsen BA ’20</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Elmira, Oregon</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>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p> I appreciated that L&C is in a place with easy access to the outdoors and a vibrant city, while also feeling like it held its own space. I also loved the flexibility of course selections. I was able to double major, pursue extracurriculars, and study abroad.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/19705-ana-sundvall">Ana Sundvall BA ’21</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Boulder, Colorado</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p> I tried going to another school, but I ended up struggling greatly there and had to withdraw for my own mental health. Once I felt ready for a four-year school again, I realized that the supportive, friendly environment I felt at L&C was exactly the kind of atmosphere I needed to be able to succeed at college—and I was right!</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/19756-terin-trachtenberg">Terin Trachtenberg BA ’21</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Lincoln City, Oregon</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p> At Lewis & Clark, I can be a massive chemistry nerd, a musician, an athlete, and a regular person all at the same time, which isn’t possible at many other schools.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/18325-katya-schwieterman">Katya Schwieterman BA ’24</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Paonia, Colorado</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p> I visited Lewis & Clark and knew it had everything I wanted, which was to be at a small, liberal arts college in a Pacific Northwest city. It was also important to me to be able to join the swim team and go to an academically rigorous college.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/17799-claire-baco">Claire Baco BA ’25</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Shingle Springs, 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> 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> The beautiful campus drew me in, but ultimately the small class sizes, professor to student ratio, and the unique community led me to make my decision to come to L&C.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/19638-claire-lyman">Claire Lyman BA ’18</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Wilmette, Illinois</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p> I chose L&C because the liberal arts education was super exciting to me. I wanted room in my schedule to take an art class, or even yoga as my physical education. Studying abroad was also a priority for me.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/17728-julia-salomone">Julia Salomone BA ’23</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Parkland, Florida</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p> I chose L&C because I had high hopes for my future here and the unique experiences that it would offer me.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/18361-marta-ruzi">Marta Ružić BA ’25</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Travnik, Bosnia and Herzegovina</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When I got accepted, I felt welcomed and that I belong here. The small classes and the opportunities that come from a small, but supportive, community also played a big factor in my decision.</span></p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/14559-juan-martin-lopez-melendez">Juan Martín López Meléndez BA ’23</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">La Piedad, Michoacán, México/Fresno, California/Las Vegas, New Mexico</span></p></blockquote>
February 2024 Update
Reply Deadline Extension for Early Action and Regular Decision applicants
In light of the government’s recent additional FAFSA delay, we have pushed back our deadline to reply to offers of admission to June 1. This applies to Early Action and Regular Decision applicants! We understand the uncertainty around the FAFSA process can cause stress to students and families. We are here to help! Please contact admissions@lclark.edu with any questions or concerns.
Plan Your Visit
Visiting our beautiful campus is the best way to get to know us. Whether you are just starting to think about college or you’re an admitted student (congrats!) on the brink of making your decision, we have virtual and in-person options for you.
- Best
Lewis & Clark’s economics department is on U.S. News and World Report’s 2023-24 “Best Undergraduate Economics Programs.”
- #1
L&C is #1 when it comes to Niche’s 2024 list of “Best Colleges for Music in Oregon.”
- 12:1
Lewis & Clark College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1.
- #10
Lewis & Clark is #10 on Architectural Digest’s “53 Prettiest College Campuses in America.”
- Green
Our commitment to sustainability has earned us a spot in the top 50 on Princeton Review’s 2024 “Green Colleges” list.
Admission Requirements for First-Year Applicants
Lewis & Clark accepts the Common Application, and there is no application fee. We are a leader in test-optional admissions and have not required standardized test scores since 1991. As part of your application, you will need to submit:
- A secondary school report
- A personal essay
- A teacher recommendation
Optional Application Submissions
- Academic and nonacademic work
- Interview
- SAT or ACT scores
Lewis & Clark Admission Deadlines
Application | Deadline to Apply | Notice of Decision |
Early Decision (binding) | Deadline: November 1 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time | Late November |
Early Action (nonbinding) | Deadline: November 1 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time | Mid-December |
Regular Decision (nonbinding) | Deadline: January 15 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time | Mid-March |
Transfer | Deadline: Rolling (recommended all credentials submitted by April 1) |
Rolling |
- Emily Larabee BA ’25
There are a ton of places where I find community on campus, but one that stands out is the Artemis Ultimate Frisbee team. I love getting to move my body, socialize, and channel my competitive spirit without having it be a huge time commitment.
Sociology and Anthropology | Hispanic Studies | Anchorage, AlaskaMore about Emily - Mateo Kaiser BA ’23
My spare time is filled with meetings and events for Garden Club, Students Engaged in Eco-Defense (SEED) Club, College Democrats, and German Club. Each club offers a unique and niche community on campus, and they collectively enrich my L&C experience.
History and international affairs (double) | Political economy | Mountain View, CaliforniaMore about Mateo - Elana Goff BA ’22
One of the joys of a liberal arts education is constantly meeting and connecting with people from all backgrounds and interests.
Studio Art | Palo Alto, CaliforniaMore about Elana
Learning at Lewis & Clark
We offer 29 majors, 33 minors, and robust preprofessional programs. You will graduate ready to take on the world with a bachelor of arts (BA) degree. Our liberal arts curriculum emphasizes the top things you need for success in any career: critical thinking, written and verbal communication, teamwork, and problem solving.
Find Your Pacific Northwest Home
Portland, Oregon, is the perfect launching pad for adventures throughout the gorgeous Pacific Northwest, and Lewis & Clark is the perfect community to find friends who will want to adventure with you.
Already Applied
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.
Check Your Application StatusFinancial Aid
Admissions 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.
More Frequently Asked Questions
Featured News
Popular L&C Headlines of 2023
As the calendar year draws to a close, we’ve compiled a sampling of top stories from the undergraduate college, the graduate school, and the law school.
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