Admissions Process

Pacific Lutheran University welcomes applications from students who have strong academic records and are prepared for success at the university level. Admission to PLU is competitive and we look for students who:

• Demonstrate success in a challenging college preparatory curriculum
• Communicate clearly
• Serve in their community, church or school
• Will share unique or special talents
• Desire academic and personal challenges

Each application is reviewed based on grade point average, class rank, transcript pattern, standardized test scores, personal essay, and an academic recommendation. Applicants for admission are evaluated without regard to race, color, national origin, creed, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, disabling conditions, financial resources, or any other status protected by law.

Standardized Tests
Freshman applicants will need to take either the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT). Please have scores sent directly to PLU from the testing agency. To be eligible for all PLU scholarships, you will want to take the test by November of your senior year. For more information about these standardized tests, see your high school counselor.

Required Prep Courses
• Mathematics: 2 years of college prep math with an average grade of C or higher
• Foreign Language: 2 years of the same language with an average grade of C or higher

If you are deficient in these entrance requirements, but are admissible by all other criteria, you may still be offered admission. You will be required to complete the deficiencies during your first year at PLU.

Recommended Prep Courses
• English: 4 years
• Social Studies: 2 years
• Laboratory Science: 2 years
• Visual or Performing Arts: 1 year
• Electives: 3 years (selected from the areas listed above, as well as courses in keyboarding, computer science, speech and debate)

Weighted GPA

When reviewing applications of prospective freshman, PLU creates an "Admissions GPA" for the applicant. The Admissions GPA gives more weight to classes that are identified on the high school transcript as International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP), Honors, or Accelerated. This weighted GPA will be used throughout the PLU admissions, financial aid, and scholarship process. If the applicant's high school produces their own weighted GPA, the Office of Admissions will use the better of the two. The maximum GPA for PLU admissions and financial aid purposes is 4.0.

Running Start, AP and IB Credit
If you have participated in Washington State Running Start, Advanced Placement (AP) exams, or International Baccalaureate (IB) exams you may be eligible for college credit. PLU accepts Running Start credits as college credits, and awards up to 30 semester hours for AP and IB exam results.

Freshman Admission
Freshman applicants may begin the application process after completing their junior year in high school. Notification begins October 1 for all other applicants. For optimal financial aid awarding, postmark all application materials by January 31.

Transfer Admission
PLU welcomes students who wish to transfer with credit from other colleges. In fact, each year undergraduate transfer students comprise about 40 percent of the PLU community. They bring to campus a wealth of knowledge and diverse sets of experience.

Making the transition to PLU may require some help. We invite you to contact the PLU Admissions Office well in advance of your transfer.

To transfer to PLU, you must be in good academic and personal standing at your previous institution(s). To be considered for admission as a transfer student, PLU looks for a 2.50 or higher GPA in college-level work from accredited institutions. If you have completed less than one year of college credit (30 semester credits or 45 quarter credits), your high school record and SAT or ACT scores may also be considered.

Community college students may transfer a maximum of 64 semester (96 quarter) credits. All students must complete the final 32 semester credits in residence to graduate with a PLU degree.

If you are attending a community college in the state of Washington, please call us (253-535-7151 or 1-800-274-6758) to request a Transfer Equivalency Guide. You can also view the equivalency guide on-line through the PLU Registrar's Office. The guide lists all transferable courses and their equivalencies. PLU accepts the state of Washington community college direct transfer associate degree. Students transferring from other institutions may call the Office of Admissions or the transcript evaluators in the Registrar's Office for further information regarding course equivalency.

International Admission
PLU values the diversity of perspectives that international students contribute to the campus community. Students should submit the International Student Application. From overseas, please call Admissions at 101-253-535-7151.

Applicants whose high school instruction is in a language other than English must provide the following proof of English proficiency:
• TOEFL score of 213 (computer administered), or
• Two quarters or one semester of college-level writing courses with grades of B or better from a US accredited college or university.

Students who hope to increase their English proficiency may wish to enroll in the American Cultural Exchange Language Institute located at PLU. The number is 253-535-7325.

All admitted international students are offered a grant. No application is necessary. The grant is awarded and renewed annually to qualifying students.

Deferring Your Admission
As an admitted student, you may defer admission for up to two years to participate in a special program, work or travel. When you are ready to start at PLU, contact the Office of Admissions to request that your admission file be reactivated. Please note that during your deferment changes may take place with course offerings, degree or graduation requirements and financial aid.