Occidental College Admissions: Acceptance Rate & Apply

1600 Campus Road
Estd 1887

Updated on - May 24th, 2022 | 12:23 PM By Anjan Patel

In Los Angeles, one of the world's most innovative and dynamic cities, Occidental College is a nationally acclaimed liberal arts college. Oxy mixes personal scale with a limitless span as a small campus in a global city. Students who receive an Oxy education are encouraged to learn about different locations, cultures, and ideas both within and outside the classroom. It cultivates the intellectual, social, and practical abilities that will help you to contribute effectively to the world through a diverse variety of academic fields, distinct interdisciplinary programs, and a focus on research.

Occidental College Admission Requirement

Complete at least one semester (16 units) of academic courses at an accredited college or university by the time of application and have completed two semesters (32 units) at the point of anticipated enrollment. Submit SAT or ACT scores (optional). Please note, that to make adequate progress toward graduation, 16 units (usually four courses) must be completed each term. Although Occidental College accepts applications from any student who meets the above criteria, their most competitive applicants usually possess the following characteristics: Enrollment at an accredited college or university for at least one year (two or more semesters), and maintaining a 3.6 GPA or better in academic coursework.

Undergraduate Admission at Occidental College

Agriculture, Legal Arts, American Studies, Architecture, Psychology, Law/legal studies, Legal arts, and Science technologies are among the bachelor's degrees offered by Occidental College. Students can postpone their enrolment for a maximum of one year after they have been accepted. Before the deadline, students must submit all of their documentation to Oxy. The average cost of Occidental College's bachelor's degree is $76,600. 

Eligibility Criteria for International Students

  • Oxy’s required short answer questions
  • Application fee
  • School report
  • Counsellor recommendation form
  • Official transcript
  • Standardized test score
  • SAT and ACT score
  • Midyear report after the first term of senior year
  • Two letters of recommendation from teachers
  • While applying for Early Decision, complete a binding Early Decision Agreement
  • Supplements (where specified) like
  • Artistic supplement
  • Interview

Graduate Admission at Occidental College

Graduate programs at Occidental College cost the students $56,576. Occidental College provides a graduate degree in the discipline of Biological and Biomedical Sciences. To get admission to the Master of Arts in Biology, students need to apply before the deadline.

Eligibility Criteria for International Students

  • Application form 
  • Official Transcript
  • Letter of recommendation 
  • Resume Required
  • Personal Statement Required
  • GRE/GMAT Score GRE General Test
  • GRE Subject Test in Biology
  • Financial Aid Provided
  • Essay Required

Occidental College Application Process for International Students

Occidental College offers opportunities to any student with exceptional talent and a strong desire to do good in the world, regardless of where they are from. International students make up at least 7% of this college's student body. International students with an exceptional secondary school record, a decent academic GPA, and a strong application essay are admitted to Occidental College.

Required Documents

  • Required Oxy Short Answer questions
  • School report
  • Counsellor recommendation form
  • Application fee or a fee waiver
  • Official Transcript
  • Standardized test score 
  • SAT, ACT
  • TOEFL, IELTS
  • International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA)
  • 2 Letters of recommendation
  • Early Decision Agreement while applying for Early Decision
  • Any other program-specific supplements

How to Apply?

The steps for applying for admission at Occidental College are as follows:

  • Students can apply online via Occidental College's official website using the online application form. They should start by completing the online application
  • When students submit their applications, they will be charged an application fee. 
  • The application fee must be paid before the deadline

Occidental College Application Deadlines

Occidental College provides a place in its programs by offering two rounds of Early Decision admissions. The rate of admission for early admission is quite high as compared to that of Regular decisions. It reserves 33% of the seats in the first-year class for students in the Early Decision round while the remaining seats (2/3 seats) are reserved for those applying for Regular Decision. Following are the application deadlines for Occidental College:

Early Decision (ED)

Application Deadline

Decision Notification

ED I

November 15

Mid-December

ED II

January 1

Early-February

Admission Procedure of Occidental College

Here’s a glimpse into the upcoming tasks, along with some general timelines of when materials will need to be completed and items that will be due after getting admitted to Oxy. This list will be updated with forms, deadlines, and additional information throughout the summer. Students will be emailed further instructions about all of these steps as well. Following are the steps to be followed by newly admitted students at Occidental College:

  • Activate Oxy network account (myOxy) and Oxy email address (sent out to students in late May)
  • Deadline to submit COVID-19 vaccination status to be eligible for campus housing
  • Complete the 2022-23 Housing Form
  • Registration for all First-Year Seminars (FYS)
  • Complete the Advising Information form
  • Select a meal plan
  • Submit final high school transcript (First-year students only)
  • Submit payment for tuition and fees
  • Complete the Online Entrance Interview, Master Promissory Note, and Disclosures for Oxy and federal loans (if applicable)
  • Review Clearance form in myOxy
  • Complete/Submit the waiver of the FERPA Privacy Rights form in myOxy

Acceptance Rate at Occidental College

Occidental College has a 37% acceptance rate. Candidates must demonstrate their ability to succeed to be accepted. Occidental places the greatest emphasis on a student's academic rigour and classroom performance. They also rely on a variety of standardized exam scores to provide context for their work.