Fort Lewis College, nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, offers a distinctive academic experience in a breathtaking natural setting. With its focus on liberal arts and outdoor adventure, Fort Lewis attracts students seeking a well-rounded education and a passion for the wilderness. If you’re considering applying to Fort Lewis College, this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential information you need to craft a successful application.
Overview of Fort Lewis College
Location: Durango, Colorado
Campus Size: 375 acres
Enrollment: 4,600 undergraduate students
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Acceptance Rate: 81% (Fall 2022)
Tuition and Fees (2023-2024):
- In-state: $16,632
- Out-of-state: $32,599
Mission Statement:
Fort Lewis College integrates experiential and inquiry-based learning with a transformative liberal arts education to prepare students for the challenges inherent in an increasingly interconnected and complex world.
Academic Offerings
Fort Lewis College offers a diverse range of undergraduate degrees across the following academic divisions:
- Arts and Humanities: Art, communication, English, history, music, philosophy, religious studies, Spanish
- Business: Accounting, business administration, economics, finance, marketing
- Education: Elementary education, secondary education, special education
- Health and Human Sciences: Criminology, exercise science, nursing, psychology, public health
- Natural and Social Sciences: Biology, chemistry, computer science, environmental studies, geology, mathematics, physics, political science, sociology
Admissions Requirements
Freshman Applicants:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- GPA of 3.0 or higher (4.0 scale)
- ACT composite score of 22 or higher (optional)
- SAT combined score of 1060 or higher (optional)
- English proficiency test (international students only)
Transfer Students:
- GPA of 2.5 or higher from previous college coursework
- Minimum of 12 semester hours of transferable college credit
- Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges
Application Deadlines:
- Fall Term: June 1
- Spring Term: November 1
How to Apply
- Create an account: Visit the Fort Lewis College admissions website and create an account.
- Submit the application: Complete the online application form and pay the application fee of $55.
- Provide official transcripts: Request official transcripts from all previously attended high schools and colleges.
- Submit test scores: For freshman applicants, ACT or SAT scores are optional but recommended. For transfer students, test scores are not required.
- Write a personal statement: Compose a 300-500 word personal statement that highlights your academic goals, interests, and experiences.
- Submit letters of recommendation: For freshman applicants, two letters of recommendation are strongly encouraged. For transfer students, letters of recommendation are not required but may be submitted.
- Apply for financial aid: If you need financial assistance, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Admissions Process
Once your application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. The admissions office will review your application holistically, considering your academic record, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and any other supporting materials you provide. Decisions are typically released within 6-8 weeks of the application deadline.
Acceptance Rates and Profiles
Fort Lewis College has an acceptance rate of 81%. The average GPA of incoming freshmen is 3.6, and the average ACT composite score is 24. The average SAT combined score is 1100.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Fort Lewis College offers a variety of financial aid options to assist students with the cost of attendance. These include:
- Scholarships: Fort Lewis awards over $12 million in scholarships each year, including merit-based, need-based, and athletic scholarships.
- Grants: Grants are need-based financial aid that do not have to be repaid.
- Loans: Loans are financial aid that must be repaid after graduation.
- Work-study: Work-study programs allow students to earn money while attending school.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incomplete or inaccurate application: Make sure to provide all the required information on the application form and submit all supporting materials.
- Low GPA or test scores: If your GPA or test scores are below the average, consider taking a gap year to improve your academic record.
- Weak personal statement: Your personal statement should be tailored to Fort Lewis College and highlight your unique strengths and aspirations.
- Lack of extracurricular activities: Involvement in extracurricular activities demonstrates your well-roundedness and commitment to your community.
- Not applying for financial aid: Even if you don’t think you qualify for financial aid, it’s important to apply to ensure you receive all the available assistance.
How to Increase Your Chances of Admission
- Build a strong academic record: Maintain a high GPA in challenging coursework.
- Prepare for standardized tests: Take the ACT or SAT and aim for a high score.
- Craft a compelling personal statement: Share your passions, goals, and experiences in a way that makes you stand out from other applicants.
- Get involved in extracurricular activities: Participate in clubs, sports, volunteer work, or other activities that demonstrate your interests and leadership skills.
- Apply early: Applying before the deadline shows your enthusiasm for Fort Lewis College and gives you more time to prepare your application.
- Visit campus: Take a campus tour to get a firsthand experience of the Fort Lewis College campus and community.
- Attend admissions events: Fort Lewis College hosts admissions events throughout the year. These events are a great way to learn more about the college and meet with admissions staff.
Step-by-Step Application Timeline
Fall Term:
- June 1: Application deadline
- July-August: Admission decisions released
- August-September: Financial aid received
- September: Orientation and enrollment
Spring Term:
- November 1: Application deadline
- December-January: Admission decisions released
- January-February: Financial aid received
- February: Orientation and enrollment
Additional Tips
- Be yourself: The admissions committee wants to get to know the real you. Don’t try to be someone you’re not.
- Don’t give up: If you don’t get accepted to Fort Lewis College on your first try, don’t give up. Reapply the following year with a stronger application.
- Consider your options: If Fort Lewis College is not the right fit for you, there are many other great colleges and universities out there. Explore your options and find the school that best suits your needs.
Conclusion
Fort Lewis College offers a unique and transformative educational experience in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. With its rigorous academics, stunning campus, and abundant opportunities for outdoor adventure, Fort Lewis is a destination for students seeking a well-rounded and fulfilling college experience. By following the guidance outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can increase your chances of admission and embark on an unforgettable chapter in your life at Fort Lewis College.
