First-Year Application Requirements

You will submit the following items through Common App or Coalition on Scoir:

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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:

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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)

The following options can help provide additional context and dimension to your application, but are not mandatory:

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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?

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Admission interview
You can request an admission interview directly through Occidental.

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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.

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Standardized test scores 
SAT and ACT scores are completely optional and can be submitted through Common App or Coalition on Scoir.

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Additional letter of recommendation
This can be requested through Common App or Coalition on Scoir.

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Arts supplement
You may submit an optional portfolio via Slideroom on Common App.