Transfer Students
Your New Chapter Starts Here
Lewis & Clark welcomes transfer students for the perspective and experience they bring to the college—so much so that we purposefully reserve places in the incoming class for you. Whether you are coming from a two- or a four-year institution, our top priority is to make sure you will succeed in the classroom. We look for transfer students who have been successful in rigorous courses that match up well with Lewis & Clark’s liberal arts and sciences curriculum. Our challenging academics, Pacific Northwest location, and friendly community await you!
Shvetank Prakash BA ’20More about ShvetankThe best way Lewis & Clark has supported me as a transfer student has been by not treating me like one. I have been welcomed into the existing community and accepted as an “original” student from day one, which has aided my integration into the culture of this great school.
Greta Burton BA ’22More about GretaUltimately, I let fear guide me and I chose a different institution, going against my instinct. That instinct brought me back to L&C, and now I cannot imagine having attended school anywhere else.
Niels Truman BA ’22More about NielsAs a transfer student, I was very worried that I wouldn’t be able to make friends or ever truly feel like a part of L&C. But I received so much support from day one—especially from the faculty—that I felt I had access to a real community.
Transfer Student Requirements
You are considered a transfer applicant if you have completed 12 or more semester credits (18 quarter credits) of college-level coursework after graduating from high school or earning a GED. If you have completed fewer than 12 semester credits, you will be considered a first-year applicant.
Transfer admission is selective; each year around 50 transfer applicants enroll. While there are no GPA or credit distribution requirements, we look for academic success in a well-rounded course load that should include college-level math, natural science, world language, and writing-intensive classes, and be balanced by additional courses in the social sciences and humanities.
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.
Transfer Application Checklist
Here’s what you need for your application.
Transcripts
Official college transcript(s) showing all college coursework completed and a high school transcript showing your entire high school academic record and verification of graduation are required. If you took the GED or other high school proficiency exam, we require an official score report as well as transcripts for any completed high school coursework. Note: to be considered official, transcripts need to be sent to us directly from the school or via a transcript service.
Written Statement and Personal Essay
We require two written components: one statement about why you want to transfer to L&C and one personal essay via the Common App. 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!
Letter of Recommendation
We require one academic evaluation/recommendation completed by a college instructor who has taught you in a full-credit, traditional academic (non-performance, activity, or studio) college class taken post-high school graduation.
Current/Projected Course List
You will need to submit a complete list of all the classes you are currently taking and those you plan to take prior to enrolling at Lewis & Clark. You may use our online form or email transfer@lclark.edu with your list. Please be sure to include course numbers, course titles, and the credit amount each course carries.
Optional Submissions
Transfer Application Deadlines
There is no set deadline by which fall applications must be completed; however, to ensure full consideration of your application, we strongly recommend you submit all credentials by April 1. Transfer applications are evaluated on a rolling basis, and review of applications for fall semester begins after January 15. We will notify you of our admission decision approximately three weeks after your application is completed.
Transferring Your Credits
We evaluate transfer credit on a course-by-course basis. Credit will not be granted for the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), life experience, credit by examination, repeated courses, or for coursework completed over 20 years ago. No more than 68 semester credits transferred from other institutions may be applied toward your Lewis & Clark degree. (If you are transferring from an institution that is on a quarter system, one quarter credit equals 0.67 semester credits.)
Your class standing upon enrollment at Lewis & Clark is determined by the total number of credits transferred.
| 0-28 semester credits | First-year standing |
| 29-60 semester credits | Sophomore standing |
| 61-68 semester credits | Junior standing |
Innovative Learning, Exceptional Results
Lewis & Clark’s rigorous liberal arts curriculum allows you to choose from 29 majors and 33 minors across a variety of academic disciplines. Our small classes allow for deep and engaging discussions with your peers and one-on-one mentorship by your professors. Our commitment to creating global citizens is evident in our unique approach to overseas study. Here, you will have many leadership and experiential learning opportunities right at your fingertips, and direct pathways to careers or advanced degrees (perhaps through our Graduate School of Education and Counseling or School of Law!).
Academic Programs Overseas and Off-Campus Programs
Find Your PNW Home
Transfer students are just one component of the Lewis & Clark diverse student body. You will engage with a community that represents a wide array of ages, cultures, backgrounds, gender identities, nationalities, sexual orientations, races, ethnicities, and beliefs. We embrace them all.
There is never a shortage of activity on campus, and you will find new and exciting ways to get involved through our 110+ student clubs and organizations. Discover new passions and make lifelong friendships at Lewis & Clark!
Your Pacific Northwest Home Student Life
Plan Your Visit
There’s no better way to get to know us than by visiting. When you step foot on the nation’s most beautiful college campus, you won’t want to leave!
Already Applied?
Get Support From Admissions Counselors
Karin Dobbins Sherer, senior associate dean of admissions, is here to support you and answer any questions you may have as you navigate the college application process.