Lewis & Clark / How to get in
How to Get Into Lewis & Clark
Around 78 percent of applicants are admitted, which makes Lewis & Clark less selective on paper than its reputation suggests. Do not let that number lull you. The college is test-free and genuinely reads what you write, so a thoughtful, specific supplement carries real weight in the file. The average admitted student brings roughly a 3.65 high school GPA, and the essay is where a strong writer separates from a strong transcript. Here is the academic profile that keeps you in the running, what Lewis & Clark weighs most, and where to put your energy.
- 3.65
- GPA (middle 50%)
Every college publishes how heavily it weighs each part of your application in its Common Data Set. Here is how Lewis & Clark reads applicants, most important first.
- Course rigor
- Grades (GPA)
- The application essay
- Character and personal qualities
- Recommendation letters
- Extracurricular activities
- Talent or ability
- Class rank
- First-generation status
- Legacy relation
- Geographic origin
- Demonstrated interest
Lewis & Clark is test-blind, so SAT and ACT scores are not considered at all.
Early Decision Nov 1 · Early Action Nov 1 (notify by Jan 1) · Regular Decision Jan 15. Applying early (Early Action or Early Decision, where offered) can modestly improve your odds and signals commitment.
Your grades and course rigor are mostly set by now. The highest-leverage things left are your essays and how you frame your activities. Lewis & Clark reads holistically, so a specific, well-told essay is where you separate yourself from other qualified applicants.
How to get into Lewis & Clark: FAQ
Is Lewis & Clark hard to get into?
Around 78 percent of applicants are admitted, which makes Lewis & Clark less selective on paper than its reputation suggests. Do not let that number lull you. The college is test-free and genuinely reads what you write, so a thoughtful, specific supplement carries real weight in the file. The average admitted student brings roughly a 3.65 high school GPA, and the essay is where a strong writer separates from a strong transcript. At Lewis & Clark, applicants clear a high academic bar first, then stand out through essays, activities, and character.
What GPA do you need to get into Lewis & Clark?
Admitted students at Lewis & Clark typically have a GPA around 3.65 (middle 50 percent). A strong GPA in demanding courses is the foundation, though it never guarantees admission.
What does Lewis & Clark look for in applicants?
Lewis & Clark weighs course rigor, grades (gpa), the application essay, and character and personal qualities most heavily, alongside a strong academic record. The parts you most control late in the process are your essays and how you present your activities.
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