Apply to Pitzer
In keeping with its commitment to the individual, Pitzer College has developed a highly personalized approach to the selective admission process. The Admission Committee will personally review your application to determine your academic preparation, the level and quality of your extracurricular activities, and your potential fit with our college community.
Students will do best at Pitzer if they demonstrate strong academic ability, maturity and independence. Your application should demonstrate the ways in which you feel you will benefit from, contribute to or be challenged by Pitzer's unique approach to an undergraduate education. Because different people can show their strengths in different ways, the Admission Committee does not expect essays to be answered in the same way, nor do we expect students who will benefit from Pitzer to have the same background, the same course work or the same culture.
Pitzer College adheres to the letter and spirit of the Statement of Principles of Good Practice of the National Association for College Admissions Counseling. Pitzer College admits students of any race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, age, creed, handicap, or national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the College. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, handicap, or national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, scholarships and loan programs, athletic and other College-administered programs and employment policies.
First-Year Students
Your best preparation for success at Pitzer is the completion of a rigorous college preparatory program. Continuing academic challenge is important, and that challenge should continue through your senior year. Your studies should include four years of English (especially courses that emphasize writing); at least three years of social and behavioral sciences; and three years each of a foreign language, laboratory science, and mathematics. We strongly recommend that you take advantage of honors and advanced placement courses offered at your school. Learn more about applying as a first-year student.
Transfer Students
Pitzer College welcomes transfer applicants from two- and four-year institutions. To be considered for transfer admission, candidates must complete at least 16 semester units or 24 quarter units in academic subjects (including the humanities, social sciences, mathematics, and natural sciences) prior to the application deadline. Transfer candidates must also successfully complete the English composition sequence prior to admission. Applicants who have completed at least 32 semester units or 48 quarter units in academic subjects may be reviewed without high school transcripts or test scores. Learn more about applying as a transfer student.
New Resources Students
Pitzer College established the New Resources program in 1974 to bring the small, liberal arts college experience to students of non-traditional college age. The program was founded with the conviction that a truly diverse campus is one eager to encounter the added dimension brought by students of a range of ages as well as backgrounds and interests. To be considered for admission the applicant must be in good standing at the last institution attended and be 25 years of age or older. Learn more about the New Resources program.
International Students
Pitzer College welcomes applications from international students. In addition to the other required credentials, students whose native language is not English need to demonstrate their English proficiency by submitting their results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum score of 95 IBT or 240 CBT on TOEFL is required for regular admission though a score of 120 IBT or 300 CBT will be considered more competitive. Students who are qualified for admission to Pitzer in all ways except English proficiency but have achieved a TOEFL score of at least 70 IBT or 190 CBT are eligible for Pitzer Bridge admission. Learn more about Pitzer Bridge admission.
Joint Medical Program - Pitzer College & Western University of Health Sciences
A medical program is available through Pitzer's partnership with Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California. Through this program, a student can obtain a B.A. and an D.O. in seven years. This rigorous and highly selective program, offered to incoming first-year students only, is designed to produce physicians in osteopathic medicine with a focus on the prevention of disease, promotion of health, and the compassionate treatement of the patient as a whole person. Learn more about the Joint Medical Program with Western University of Health Sciences.