I have Fort Lewis on my radar, and I'm trying to figure out my chance of admission. Does anyone know what they specifically look for in an applicant? Any inside scoop on their admissions process?
Fort Lewis College, a public liberal arts college located in Durango, Colorado, uses a holistic approach to admissions. This means they consider a variety of factors when reviewing applications. While they do consider academic performance, GPA, and course rigor, they also value unique personal qualities, involvement in extracurricular activities, and community service.
Now, to break down these factors:
1. Academic Performance: They primarily look at your GPA and the rigor of the courses you've taken in high school. A competitive applicant will have a balance of regular classes along with honors, AP, or IB courses.
2. Extracurricular Activities: Just like many colleges, Fort Lewis appreciates students who have engaged in activities outside of academics. This could be sports, clubs, volunteering, or other leadership roles. It's fine if your activities are spread out, but remember, depth (think leadership roles, major projects, or awards) can often be more impressive than breadth.
3. Personal Traits: Your personality also counts. They value students who show resilience, ambition, and a strong sense of personal responsibility. Your personal essay can be a key avenue to show these qualities.
4. Service and Community Involvement: They are interested in applicants who are involved in their communities through volunteering or other service activities.
Remember that all of these factors will be weighed together. So if you don't feel strong in one area, it doesn't necessarily mean you'll be rejected. They really want to see a complete picture of who you are as a student and an individual.
One more helpful tip: Fort Lewis is a test-optional institution, which means you can choose whether or not to submit your SAT or ACT scores as part of your application. Consider this option if your test scores aren't in the typical range for admitted students (SAT: 990-1160, ACT: 19-25), or if you feel your scores don't accurately reflect your academic potential.
Lastly, don't hesitate to reach out to the admissions office if you have any specific questions. They can provide the most up-to-date and specific information about the application process. Good luck!
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