• <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/650/90785_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/650/90786_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/650/98147_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>

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

  • <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p> I liked that Lewis & Clark encouraged me to explore all my interests. I got the sense that as a first year it was perfectly fine that I didn’t have my life planned out yet, which made me feel safe to explore my passions. </p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/17614-genevieve-basile">Genevieve Basile BA ’23</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Santa Rosa, California</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> 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 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> The campus took my breath away. Everything felt wet and alive and vibrant. It was small enough that I could see myself finding a community quickly, but not so small as to be constraining. There was room to grow without getting lost in a sea—a perfect-sized pond if you will.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/19829-jonah-svihus">Jonah Svihus BA ’18</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Monterey, 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> I knew that I wanted to go to a small school where I would have the opportunity to get to know my professors.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/19675-ravyn-malatesta">Ravyn Malatesta BA ’19</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Dayton, Ohio</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;">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 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> When touring the Lewis & Clark campus, I encountered a community that embodied the liberal arts spirit I was seeking. Making the decision to attend Lewis & Clark was easy, it felt like coming home.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/19800-hannah-singleton">Hannah Singleton BA ’21</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Corvallis, Oregon</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> Lewis & Clark checked all my boxes for what I wanted in a school. The campus is gorgeous and near the forest, the school is small with a close-knit community, and the professors are passionate about their work.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/20604-clover-sinning">Clover Sinning BA ’26</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta"> Minneapolis, Minnesota</span></p></blockquote>
  • <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p> I chose Lewis & Clark because of the beautiful campus, the close-knit athletic programs, and the highly regarded programs and faculty.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/19823-megan-sawyer">Megan Sawyer BA ’20</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Battle Ground, Washington</span></p></blockquote>
  • <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p> I knew I wanted to go to a small college in a cooler climate with lots of trees and greenery, making sure to avoid a cutthroat and competitive academic environment.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/18340-avi-strok">Avi Strok BA ’25</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Los Angeles, California</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.

Undergraduate campus

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.

Financial Aid


Student life on campus

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.

Living on Campus


Students studying outside

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.

Academic Programs


Application FAQ