Portfolio Path to Admission

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.

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.

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.