Our Review Process

You’ve applied to Lewis & Clark. What happens after you click “submit”?

Step 1: Collecting the Pieces

As soon as we import your Common Application into our database, we will email you instructions on how to log into your student portal to check on the status of your application and supporting documents. (Make sure your email address is always up to date!)

Step 2: Reading Your Application

When your file is complete, your application will be reviewed by two admissions counselors, who will evaluate everything from your academic performance to the strength of your curriculum, to your essay writing skills, and contributions to your school, community, or family. Lewis & Clark is also test-free, meaning we do not consider ACT/SAT test scores as part of the application review process.

Step 3: Making a Decision

By having two counselors review and discuss your application at the same time, we reduce bias in the admissions decision process and ensure that all parts of your application—which we know you’ve worked hard on!—are seen and considered. Throughout the process, we’re looking for evidence indicating you’re capable of academic success here at L&C and that you’ll be engaged in our residential community.

Step 3.5: Scholarship Selection

While we’re making an admission decision, we’re also looking to see if you might be eligible for one of our merit-based scholarships which can range from $2,000 to full tuition. Most of these merit-based scholarships do not require a separate application.

Step 4: The Need-Based Financial Aid Process

To apply for need-based financial aid, we require students to submit the FAFSA.

Step 5: Releasing a Decision

Once your application has been fully reviewed and considered for financial aid, your admissions decision and financial aid award notification will be released on or before:

• December 15 for Early Decision applicants
• January 1 for Early Action applicants, with financial aid award notifications soon after
• April 1 for Regular Decision applicants

In addition to being admitted or being denied, we may defer some early applications to be reviewed again in the Regular Decision application pool, once fall senior grades become available. Some Regular Decision applicants may be offered a place on the waitlist, in case space in the entering class opens up.

Step 6: Your Turn

If you’ve been admitted, now it’s time for you to decide if Lewis & Clark is the right match for you. We really hope it is! The deadline to make your decision is May 1 for Early Action and Regular Decision applicants.

What about transfer students? Although the above information is specific to first year students, the overall steps of the process are similar for transfer students. We accept applications from transfer applicants on a rolling basis, and your file will be reviewed as soon as it’s complete. We will mail your admission decision within three weeks of the file completion date. You will have until June 1 to reply to our offer of admission.