How to strengthen your Lewis & Clark College application

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What Lewis & Clark College weights most

Lewis & Clark favors students who show genuine engagement with global issues, environmental stewardship, and experiential learning. Successful applicants typically have demonstrated sustained activity in international affairs, outdoor/environmental projects, or community-based internships, plus clear intellectual curiosity in small-class liberal arts settings. They are a bit more flexible on perfect test scores and raw GPA than selective peers, but expect concrete evidence of initiative and fit with the college's fieldwork, study abroad, or practicum-heavy programs.

Supplemental essay strategy

Use the "why LC" essay to cite specific faculty, the Off-Campus Programs Office, or the Pacific Northwest Field Studies opportunities and connect them to a clear project you want to pursue, for fall 2027 entry. Mention particular courses, the International Affairs Program or environmental labs, and how you plan to contribute to their small seminar culture or community-based internships, showing preparedness to take advantage of hands-on study abroad and fieldwork.

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Where to focus next

If you only have time for one thing this month, do this:

1. Read 2 admitted-student essays from Lewis & Clark College (search official admissions site or Reddit r/lewisclark). Notice the level of specificity — that's the bar.
2. Write the ‘why this school’ supplement first, before anything else. If you can't fill 250 words with school-specific reasons, pick a different school.
3. Find one current student to ask about their experience — admissions offices often connect prospective applicants with current students. The follow-up email becomes specific essay material.