First-Year Applicants

Scripps College is committed to a holistic and thorough review of each application, with a careful consideration of the following: academic program and performance; personal essay; recommendations; and activities and experiences. We imagine what the applicant would be like as a member of the Scripps community, engaged inside and outside of the classroom.

Scripps reserves the right to review and render a decision for a file that includes, at minimum, an application, transcript, and one letter of recommendation.

Yes! This means students are not required to submit the SAT or ACT. International students for whom English is not their first language must submit the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test.

Yes, if a student takes the SAT or ACT more than once, we will consider your best score. The best SAT score is determined by combining the highest score received on each section from any combination of testing dates; note that we will not combine subscores from the new and old versions of the SAT.

If a student chooses to submit their ACT scores, Scripps does not require the science section but will review it if submitted. If you do not take or do not submit the science section, we are still able to calculate an ACT composite superscore by combining the highest score received on each section from any combination of testing dates.

Students who choose to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their application can send official scores or self-report scores through the Common Application, QuestBridge Application, or through the Self-Reported Test Scores form in the Application Status Portal form checklist. Students who self-report scores as part of their application to Scripps and choose to enroll are required to submit official score reports. If there is a discrepancy between self-reported test scores and official scores, this may affect a student’s offer of admission. Please note that we do not accept self-reported test scores for the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test.

The appropriate Scripps academic department will determine waiver of major requirements or placement into advanced courses based upon AP or IB courses and scores. Learn more about AP credits here or visit the Registrar’s site for more information.

Yes, you may submit your portfolio as part of your application. A portfolio is optional material and is not required for admission to Scripps College. Please submit your portfolio through SlideRoom in the Common Application. Your Common Application must be submitted prior to submitting your SlideRoom portfolio.

Deadlines

Early Decision I: November 16

Early Decision II: January 14

Regular Decision: January 14

Scripps welcomes applications from anyone who indicates female as their legal sex on the Common Application, and from anyone who self-identifies as a woman. This means an applicant who lists their legal sex as male or X and identifies as a woman is eligible for admission. Applicants who list their legal sex as male or X and do not identify as women are not eligible. We do not require government-issued documentation to verify sex or gender identity. 

Early Decision is an excellent option for students who feel confident that Scripps is their top-choice college. It is a binding application process that provides an earlier application review and admission decision, giving students greater clarity about their college plans earlier in the year. If Scripps feels like the place for you, Early Decision gives you more time to get to know your future community, connect with incoming classmates, and look forward to what’s ahead.

Regular Decision is our traditional application option, and the majority of admitted students are evaluated and offered admission during Regular Decision. See application deadlines.

If the $60 application fee is a financial burden for you or your family, you may request a fee waiver on the profile screen in the Common Application fee waiver section.

Scripps College meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students. Beginning with the 2027–2028 academic year, students from families with a total income of $250,000 and typical assets or less will receive at least $30,000 in Scripps grant aid. Financial aid for first-year applicants is awarded at the time of admission. Submission of the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE and FAFSA is required for first-year students who wish to be considered for financial aid. The college is committed to working with families to best understand a student’s individual financial situation and provide concise, timely information. For more information, please contact the Office of Financial Aid. 

All first-year applicants are considered for scholarships ranging from $15,000 to $30,000 annually. Scholarships are awarded to applicants whose strong academic performance and school or community involvement indicate they will add vitality and intellectual value to our campus. All scholarships are renewable for four years and applicants are notified whether they have been awarded a scholarship at the time of admission. No additional forms or early application is required. Please contact the Admission Office for questions about scholarships.

We understand that students applying to college may face catastrophic natural disasters which will inevitably impact the college admission process. If you are affected by a natural disaster during the admission process, email or call us to discuss options for a deadline extension.

Yes, you may include Schoolhouse.world materials as an optional part of your application. While these certifications do not replace official materials like transcripts, they can provide additional context about your academic strengths and reflect mastery in subjects, engagement in peer learning, and service. Send a copy of your Schoolhouse portfolio to [email protected] with the subject line, “Schoolhouse.world Portfolio”.

What is Schoolhouse.world? Schoolhouse.world is a free, global learning platform founded by Sal Khan, the creator of Khan Academy. It allows students to demonstrate proficiency in a variety of subjects and tutor other students.