Occidental College Acceptance Rate 2023

Occidental College is a private liberal arts college in Los Angeles, California. Occidental College was founded in 1887 by clergy and members of the Presbyterian Church.

Occidental College is one of the oldest and still standing liberal arts colleges on the West Coast of the United States. The school offers 40 majors and 9 minor-only programs, including Linguistics and Public Health.

Occidental College is ranked #42 in National Liberal Arts Colleges. Occidental College’s acceptance rate has been said to be more selective. Do you want to know if you still stand a chance?

In this article, you will know the rate at which students are being accepted into Occidental College. Scroll down, your answer awaits you.

Occidental College acceptance rate

Occidental College admissions are more selective with an acceptance rate of 37%. Half the applicants admitted to Occidental College have an SAT score between 1270 and 1460 or an ACT score of 28 and 33.

However, one-quarter of admitted applicants achieved scores above these ranges, and one-quarter scored below these ranges.

Occidental College acceptance rate by year

2016-2017: 45.8%

2017-2018: 41.8%

2018-2019: 37.3%

2019-2020: 36.7%

2023-2023: 37%

Occidental College admission process

The application and admission process at Occidental College is quite simple and it includes only 4 steps which are:

1. A prospective candidate needs to complete submitting the application. The first step which a candidate is required to make for admission at Occidental College is applying to the university. Interested candidates can apply online.
2. Acceptance by Occidental College: After applying to the university, applicants should wait to receive their admission decision, students are needed to submit the following documents: Essay Submission, Transcripts or academic records, and Official SAT Test Score. However, additional documents or information may be requested once the applications are reviewed.
3. This involves confirmation of attendance. As part of Step 3 in the admission process, the candidates must confirm their attendance at Occidental College. Additionally, they will be required to complete their Financial Check-In process and select their housing as well. These processes include reviewing and verifying the summary of Accounts and Financial Aid (scholarships, fees, and tuition costs), choosing a lodging option, selecting a payment plan, and making the first payment as well. Before proceeding to register for classes, candidates also have to complete the Math and English assessments.
4. In Step 4, candidates need to register for classes The candidates have to register for courses once all the processes mentioned above are completed.

What is the GPA required for Occidental College?

Occidental College accepts an average GPA of 3.64, with a lot of A’s and B’s.

Students with lower GPAs have a slim chance of getting admitted. Occidental College is very concerned about the academic performance of any student coming into the College.

Therefore, if you still have the chance to increase your current GPA, now is the right time.

GPA Breakdown

36% 3.75 – 3.99

30% 3.50 – 3.74

18% 3.25 – 3.49

7% 3.00 – 3.24

2% 2.50 – 2.99

SAT and ACT requirements for Occidental College

Occidental College is quite selective when it comes to academics. To stand a better chance, you should be able to score a 1450 SAT or a 32 ACT or above, this improves your chance of getting in.

Occidental College only accepts SAT or ACT. Therefore you can decide to submit the one you know stands a higher chance of favoring you.

During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 68% of admitted students submitted SAT scores.

Occidental College requirements

• An essay or Personal Statement
• High School Transcript
• High School Rank
• Letters of Recommendation
• Interview
• Application Fee of $70
• SAT or ACT
• SAT Essay or ACT Writing

What are the most popular majors at Occidental College?

The most popular majors at Occidental College include:

• Econometrics and Quantitative Economics
• International Relations and Affairs
• Biology/Biological Sciences,
• Political Science and Government
• Psychology,
• Film/Cinema/Media Studies
• Biochemistry
• Cognitive Science
• English Language and Literature
• Computer Science

The average freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 89%.

Occidental College scholarships for International students

All international students who apply to Occidental will be considered for merit-based scholarships, but need-based financial aid for international students is limited and highly competitive.

Merit awards are given to students who show outstanding academic, extracurricular, and personal achievement.

Occidental College only offers financial aid to two international students each year. Therefore, international students who are able to meet the costs should not expect any need-based financial aid.

International students who seek need-based financial assistance must complete the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) along with their application.

Can you double major at Occidental?

It is possible to double major. A student must complete all requirements for the major in each of two separate departments. Students must complete separate comprehensive examinations.

Occidental College sports

Occidental College holds membership in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Division III, and the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC).

Occidental believes that their students show examples of the true meaning of the term “student-athlete” by successfully blending these two experiences. The College offers twenty-one intercollegiate sports, 10 for men and 11 for women.

Men’s sport

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross-country
• Football
• Golf
• Soccer
• Swimming and Diving
• Tennis
• Track and field
• Water Polo

Women’s sport

• Basketball
• Cross-country
• Golf
• Lacrosse
• Soccer
• Softball
• Swimming and Diving
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Volleyball
• Water Polo

Occidental College Ranking

• Occidental College ranked #16 in Top universities in California 2023.
• Occidental College ranked #4 in the Top 10 Colleges in the Los Angeles Area.
• Occidental College ranked #16 in the 20 Most Beautiful Colleges in California.
• Occidental College ranked #5 among the 6 Cheapest Universities in Los Angeles for International Students.
• Occidental College ranked #11 in Fulbright US Student Top Producing Institutions By Year.
• Occidental College is #61 of 555 best Colleges for Performing Arts in America.
• Occidental College ranks #37 of 278 best Colleges for Film and Photography in America.
• Occidental College ranks #35 of 1,014 best Small Colleges in America.
• Occidental College ranks #33 of 210 best Liberal Arts Colleges in America.
• Occidental College ranks #62 of 206 best Colleges for Global Studies in America.
• Occidental College ranks #66 of 631 best Colleges for Environmental Science in America.
• Occidental College ranks #68 of 759 best Colleges for Anthropology and Sociology in America.
• Occidental College ranks #63 of 384 best Colleges for Religious Studies in America.

FAQs

Are students required to live on-campus?

Yes, Occidental College believes that living on campus is a vital part of the Occidental experience. Therefore, students are required to live on campus for their first three years.

What kind of students goes to Occidental College?

Occidental College, also known as Oxy has all types of students but the majority of the people are your average middle-upper class white folks. you’ll be able to find your niche. Oxy prides itself on diversity, but there are small groups of various ethnicities.

What makes Occidental College Unique?

Its location. Occidental is a small oasis of calm in the center of the bustling metropolitan city of Los Angeles. It provides easy access to Hollywood and Beverly Hills but is also removed from the distractions that can accompany these areas. It’s the vest of both worlds.

What does Occidental College look for in a student?

The median 50% of students admitted to Occidental received a cumulative ACT score between 28 and 32, while 25% scored over 32, and 25% scored under 28. In 2019, the mean high school GPA of Occidental College’s freshmen class was 3.64, and nearly 75% of the class had a mean GPA of 3.5 and over.

What type of application does Occidental College use?

All application materials should be submitted via the Common Application. Once you have submitted your Common App, you will receive an email within 24 to 48 hours with log-in information for the online Application Portal.

Are interviews required for Occidental College?

Interviews aren’t required but are strongly encouraged as they help the admission board get to know you.

What is Occidental College’s acceptance rate for transfer students?

Occidental College accepts only 18.55% of transfer students wanting to be admitted.

Are transfer students eligible for financial aid and merit scholarships?

Yes. Transfer students are eligible for financial aid and merit scholarships. The deadlines vary depending on the application status.

How many transfer students enrol at Oxy each year?

Occidental College enrols about 5-10 transfers for spring admission and 30-40 transfers for fall admission. Transfers make up approximately 8% of the overall student enrollment.

When will students be notified of their admission decision?

Students applying for spring admission are notified in mid-December. Notification for students that have applied for fall admission begins in early May and continues through early June.

Can I get admitted into Occidental College with a 2.0 GPA?

Not likely. The average GPA required is 3.64 and Occidental College puts more consideration on students who are able to meet this requirement.

Conclusion

Occidental College California is an institution that embraces the academic stability of incoming students. The institution is well concerned about admitting students who are stable academically and can put in efforts to be better when they get admitted.

If you’re academically sound and you met all or almost all the requirements of Occidental College, you should consider enrolling because apart from being strong academically, the school gives room for all-around growth.

Find up-to-date acceptance rates for all Universities and Colleges here.