Entering First-Year Students

Students admitted as first-year students must graduate from high school before enrollment. Admission is determined by the University’s estimate of the student’s probable success in college-level work. This estimate is based upon the number of and the grades in high school academic subjects, together with the SAT 1 or ACT test scores (optional), recommendation(s), an essay, and the major the student plans to pursue. The best preparation for study at the University of Portland includes four years of English, three to four years of mathematics, three to four years of laboratory science, three to four years of social sciences/history, and two to four years of an international language.

To prepare for some majors, a more intensive background in certain academic areas is recommended. For example, one year of high school chemistry is required for students interested in the School of Nursing and one year of Pre-Calculus is the preferred minimum math requirement for the School of Engineering.

Candidates should complete the following procedures by November 15 for the recommended deadline. January 15 is the final deadline. However, additional admission decisions will be made to later applicants as space allows. In making an application for admission, candidates must complete the following procedures:

• Application Form Submit the University of Portland Application or the Common Application to the Office of Admissions with a $50.00 non-refundable processing fee. Please note: any incoming student interested in a major in Nursing must indicate this intent on the application.

• Pre-College Testing (Optional) Take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT 1) or the American College Test (ACT) prior to February of the senior year in high school. Submit official or copies of your results to the Office of Admissions.

The University reserves the right to rescind an applicant’s acceptance any time before the first day of classes for reasons including, but not limited to: grade performance, high school or transfer institution disciplinary charge and/or action, suspension and/or expulsion, arrest and/or conviction, falsification or withholding of pertinent application information, or any behavior that brings into question the applicant’s honesty, maturity, or moral character.