First-Year Application Requirements

Review our required and optional materials for first-year applicants.

Choose an application platform and review the checklist below to make sure you have everything you need.

Required Materials
You will submit the following items through Common App or Coalition on Scoir:
✔ ✔	Personal essay Early Decision agreement (if applying Early Decision)
Plus, you will need to request these from your counselor through Common App or Coalition on Scoir:
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔	High school transcript School report Counselor recommendation letter Midyear transcript Midyear report
You will also be able to request this from a teacher through Common App or Coalition on Scoir:
✔	Letter of recommendation (one from a 10th, 11th, or 12th grade teacher in a core subject)

Optional Materials
The following options can help provide additional context and dimension to your application, but are not mandatory:
✔	Short answer Highlight why you and Occidental are a good match by submitting an optional short answer statement (maximum 250 words) through Common App or through a Coalition on Scoir supplemental form. The prompt for Fall 2026 is: Why are you applying to Occidental? Why do you think Occidental is the right place for you to pursue your interests?
✔	Admission interview You can request an admission interview directly through Occidental.
✔	College transcripts (if applicable) If you have enrolled in courses at a community college or other higher education institution, you can request the transcripts to be sent directly to Occidental.
✔	Standardized test scores SAT and ACT scores are completely optional and can be submitted through Common App or Coalition on Scoir.
✔	Additional letter of recommendation This can be requested through Common App or Coalition on Scoir.
✔	Arts supplement You may submit an optional portfolio via Slideroom on Common App.

International applicants and transfer applicants have additional admission requirements and should consult their checklists to make sure they have all the necessary materials. We also have an undocumented and DACA students webpage with guidance on how to fill out the application.

First-Year Application Deadlines

App Round	Admission Deadline	Financial Aid Deadline	Decision Release
Early Decision I	November 1	November 1	By Mid-December
Early Action	November 1	November 1	By Mid-January
Early Decision II	January 10	January 10	By Mid-February
Regular Decision	January 10	January 10	By Mid-March

Financial Aid

If you’re applying for need-based financial aid, be sure to submit the FAFSA, CSS Profile, and all required documents by the appropriate deadline for your application round. Occidental meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted domestic students.

Submitting additional materials and checking on your application

Once you submit your application through the Common App or Coalition on Scoir, you’ll receive an email from Occidental within 24–48 hours with instructions to access your .

Through the portal, you can:

Check your checklist
Update your contact information
Upload additional documents
View your admission decision when it’s released

You can also submit documents by email or mail, if needed:

Email: admission@oxy.edu

Mail:

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Office of Admission
1600 Campus Road M-18
Los Angeles, CA 90041

Have questions about your application?

Every applicant is assigned an admission counselor based on region. Find your counselor and connect with them for support at any point in the process.

Essay Writing Tips

Learn how to develop your narrative with this recorded application essay writing workshop.

Contact Admission

Collins House

1600 Campus Road
Los Angeles, CA 90041

Phone: (323) 259-2700

admission@oxy.edu

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