First-Year

Applying for Admission

Scripps College is committed to a holistic and thorough review of each application. When evaluating applications, admission officers carefully consider the following factors: academic program and performance, standardized test scores, personal essay, recommendations, and co-curricular activities.

Early Decision Applications

Early Decision is an excellent option for students who know that Scripps is their top-choice college. Early Decision is a binding process that provides an early application review and notification of admission decision. Applicants who are admitted Early Decision I or II must withdraw their application(s) to other colleges and enroll at Scripps.

Merit-Based Scholarships

All first-year applicants are considered for Trustee and Presidential Scholarships, which are four-year, renewable scholarships in the amount of $15,000 and $10,000, respectively. To be considered for the James E. Scripps Scholarship (four-year, renewable awards in the amount of $20,000) or the New Generation Scholarship (a four-year, full expenses award), applicants must submit all admission application materials by November 15 and check the merit-based scholarship box on the Common Application, regardless of admission plan (Early Decision or Regular Decision). Finalists for the James E. Scripps and New Generation scholarships are announced in early January and are brought to campus in early February at the College’s expense for final interviews; all scholarship recipients are notified by April 1.

Application Checklist

• Common Application
• $60 application fee
• Scripps Supplement for First-Year Admission
  *Please use as reference only.  Supplements should be submitted through the Common Application online.*
• School Report and counselor recommendation
• Two teacher recommendations from junior or senior year academic classes
• Official transcript(s) from all secondary schools attended
• Official SAT Reasoning or ACT with Writing scores

Optional Credentials

• Interview
• Official SAT Subject Test scores
• Art, music, dance, and/or athletic supplements

Admission Interviews

An optional part of the admission process, an interview can give you the opportunity to discuss your interests and goals and to learn more about Scripps. Students may interview after May 1 of their junior year. On-campus interviews can be scheduled as part of your visit to Scripps; alternatively, off-campus interviews may be available in your local area.

Standardized Testing Policy

Scripps College requires that applicants submit official SAT Reasoning and/or ACT with Writing scores. While not required, SAT Subject Tests are also accepted. Best SAT score is determined by combining the highest score received on each section from any combination of testing dates. Best ACT score is determined by the single testing date with the highest composite score. International students for whom English is not their first language must also submit either the TOEFL or IELTS.

International Students

The following materials are required in addition to those on the application checklist above:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Second Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) results
• Official results of any International Baccalaureate or national exams
• College Board International Student Certification of Finances
• CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE (if applying for need-based financial aid)
• Certified English translations of all documents

Please see the International Students page for more information.