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Occidental is committed to admitting and enrolling a highly qualified and diverse student body. To that end, the admission committee evaluates each applicant individually and holistically.
Academic preparation is paramount, and we will closely examine your high school transcript, focusing on your performance and course rigor. However, a simple profile of grades, scores, interests and activities cannot assure admission. We also give serious consideration to qualities such as motivation, curiosity, energy, leadership ability, and distinctive talents. Your portion of the application, notably essays and extracurricular commitments, as well as your secondary school counselor and teacher recommendations offer us insight into your personal qualities.
As of Fall 2009, we are using the Common Application exclusively. You may submit it online or download the application from the Common Application website, and submit it via mail accompanied by your first-year or transfer supplement to the Common Application and payment. Please see our First-Year, Transfer, and International Student Application Requirements pages for requirements and more information.
Application Deadlines
| First-Year Application Type |
Deadline | Decision Mailed |
| Early Decision I | November 15 | Mid-December |
| Early Decision II | January 2 |
Late January |
| Regular Decision | January 10 |
Late March |
| Transfer Application Type | Deadline |
| Fall Admission | March 15 |
| Spring Admission (US Citizens/Perm. Residents Only) | October 15 |
Applying for Financial Aid?
Click here for application information.
Wondering how it all happens?
Check out the video:
Graduate Students
- Request a marine biology application be sent to you by mail.
Graduate Application Due Dates
| Summer Admission | March 1 |
| Fall Admission | March 1 |
| Spring Admission | Oct. 1 |