- <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/650/90785_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>
- <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/650/90786_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>
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; an inclusive, welcoming community; and excellent preparation for whatever path you take after graduation. 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> The diverse community of international students, study abroad programs, College Outdoors trips, and small class sizes made me want to come to Lewis & Clark.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/19821-uwella-rubuga">Uwella Rubuga BA ’19</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Dar es Salaam, Tanzania</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I knew that I wanted a very hands-on education where I could build personal relationships with my professors and fellow students, and that is exactly what I found here at L&C.</span></p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/14604-alie-cicero">Alie Cicero BA ’24</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Arcadia, California</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p> I chose to attend L&C because I wanted a warm campus environment, while also having the ability to immerse myself in a new city.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/19888-tyler-langley">Tyler Langley BA ’22</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Los Angeles, California</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p> I have the opportunity to explore most of my interests without having to leave campus, get mentors in my disciplines of interest, gain work and volunteer experience both in and outside of campus, and participate in student run activities or organizations. Lewis & Clark has changed my way of thinking.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/20603-kiara-y-gonzalez">Kiara Y. González BA ’27</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Moca, Puerto Rico</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p> When looking into L&C, I felt like almost every single thing was grabbing my attention. The student clubs, the community, the various events and possibilities for integration, the support, and the genuine happiness and satisfaction that was apparent in the students enrolled. </p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/17735-kenan-imamovic">Kenan Imamovic BA ’25</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p> I choose Lewis & Clark for its academic rigor, its faculty-to-student ratio, and its commitment to ensuring its students have access to a wealth of research opportunities. The campus’ proximity to both natural areas and Portland, a city built for creatives, informed my decision as well.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/19822-justin-howerton">Justin Howerton BA ’21</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Memphis, Tennessee</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> The campus is serene with the perfect balance of studious and social capabilities all while being secluded but not far from the happenings of Portland.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/19642-olivia-weaver">Olivia Weaver BA ’22</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Downers Grove, Illinois</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 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 was drawn to Lewis & Clark by the small, intimate environment paired with the liberal arts approach to academics. I also wanted a school that is really supportive and aware of students’ needs for expanding their own interests and initiatives.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/16200-audrey-perry">Audrey Perry BA ’25</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Lincoln, Nebraska</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><span style="font-weight: 400;">I wanted to come to L&C because the campus was so inviting when I visited. I loved how green the campus was, and the small class sizes were really attractive as well.</span></p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/16644-annabelle-rousseau">Annabelle Rousseau BA ’23</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Modesto, California</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p> I was drawn to Lewis & Clark’s beautiful campus, its proximity to Portland, and the stellar reviews I had heard of the school’s faculty and staff.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/19828-sophie-vigeant">Sophie Vigeant BA ’19</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Tomales, 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>
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.
- 96%
Within six months of graduation, 96% of the Lewis & Clark Classes of 2018–2022 were already changing the world through employment (76%), continuing studies (19%), and service work (1%), like the Peace Corps.
- #1
Lewis & Clark is ranked #1 for service on Washington Monthly’s 2023 “Best Liberal Arts Colleges” list.
- Best
Lewis & Clark is on the list of “America’s Best Colleges,” per Money magazine.
- Green
Our commitment to sustainability has earned us a spot in the top 50 on Princeton Review’s 2024 “Green Colleges” list.
- #1
L&C is #1 when it comes to Niche’s 2024 list of “Best Colleges for Music in Oregon.”
Admission Requirements for First-Year Applicants
Lewis & Clark accepts the Common Application, and there is no application fee. A leader in test-optional admissions since 1991, we will be adopting a test-free admissions policy beginning with the fall 2025 entering class. 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
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 |
- Grayson Smith BA ’25
I really enjoy the live music scene in Portland, and being able to volunteer at The Coop introduced me to a lot of new bands I never thought to explore. I just recently joined intramural volleyball and it has been a blast.
Studio Art | Oakland, CaliforniaMore about Grayson - Frankie Spurbeck BA ’23
I love being part of LC Improv, and getting to be friends with my teammates has been a real source of joy.
Political Science | Data Science | Minneapolis, MinnesotaMore about Frankie - 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
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.
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
International Affairs Symposium Focuses on Control
The 62nd annual Lewis & Clark International Affairs Symposium is one of the oldest student-run symposia in the country. This year’s event, which runs from April 8 to April 10, is titled Strings Attached: Tracing the Global Systems That Bind.
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