Portfolio Path

Since 1990, our Portfolio Path option has allowed students to achieve a more personal representation in the admission process. While no single factor determines admissibility to the College, we strongly believe that a student’s past academic performance is the best single predictor of academic success at Lewis & Clark College. This alternative admission option is designed especially for students who have demonstrated such exceptional academic achievement. Students applying via the Portfolio Path have the option of not submitting their standarized test scores.

To supplement the standard application form, Portfolio Path applicants create a portfolio consisting of at least four samples of graded academic work. This work should represent the breadth and strength of the applicant’s academic program.

A portfolio must include the following:

- Two samples of writing (expository, essay exams, research papers…).

- One sample of quantitative/scientific work (science lab report, math/science/economics test or work).

- One sample of your choice.

- Three Teacher Recommendations (from academic teachers)

Additional important criteria:

- First-year applicants must submit work from their junior or senior years in high school.

- Transfer applicants must submit college-level work, preferably completed at their current institution (or the institution most recently attended).

- All work must be graded.

- No more than one piece of artwork (visual or performance) may be submitted.

- If artwork is to be included in a portfolio, do not submit originals. Instead, please submit slides or photographs of your work.

- Students wishing to have their Portfolio returned at the conclusion of the admission process are required to provide an appropriate self-addressed, stamped envelope.

To further evaluate the work done in the classroom, students must submit a total of three academic teacher recommendations (i.e. English, mathematics, foreign language, social studies, science). First-year student recommendations must be from classes taken junior or senior years. Transfer applicant recommendations must be from recent college/university courses. Students applying via the Portfolio Path have the option of not submitting standardized test scores. They must request that the school counselor remove SAT-I and/or ACT scores from official transcripts.