Lawrence University Course Catalog

Lawrence admits students whose talents and aspirations match well with university offerings and who will make a positive contribution to our academic and residential community. Applicants are most competitive for admission when they have taken at least 16 academic units in English, mathematics, history, social studies, natural sciences, and foreign languages.  Our holistic admission review identifies students who have been successful in challenging academic work, who demonstrate the ability to communicate well, and who value a liberal arts and sciences education.  

Lawrence considers the strength of each applicant’s course of study, grades, essays, recommendations, and extracurricular activities. First-year candidates are required to submit a completed application, official secondary school transcripts, and a teacher's recommendation. Test optional since 2005, Lawrence is proud to be one of the first selective colleges in the Midwest to embrace a test-optional admissions review. This means that ACT or SAT test scores are not required for admission or scholarship consideration. International students whose first language is not English must submit the results of the ACT, SAT, IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo language exams. 

Candidates for a music degree at Lawrence are also evaluated on musicianship, musical background, performance potential, and recommendations from music teachers. In addition to the standard application materials listed above, applicants must submit a recommendation from a music teacher in place of the general teacher's recommendation and complete an audition on their primary instrument. Applicants may also choose to audition on additional instruments. 

We encourage applications from transfer students. Transfer applicants are required to submit a completed application, official college transcripts from every institution they have attended, and final high school transcript or proof of completion of secondary school. Transfer candidates for a music degree must submit a recommendation from a music teacher and complete an audition on their primary instrument. Applicants may also choose to audition on additional instruments. 

Lawrence accepts qualified applicants for early admission who are prepared to graduate from high school at the end of their junior year. 

For information on residence requirements for each degree program, please see Residence Requirements under Degree Requirements in the course catalog. 

First Year Application Deadlines  

There are four application rounds for first-year students planning to enroll in September 2027. 

See the LU Apply webpage for application deadlines for each of these rounds.

Students admitted through Early Decision are expected to enroll at Lawrence and to submit their enrollment deposit by December 15. All other admitted students have until the May 1 National Candidates Reply Date to choose to accept or decline Lawrence’s offer of admission.

Transfer Application Deadlines  

Transfer admission is competitive and offered on a space-available basis. We consider transfer students for admission to any of our three terms, though we generally discourage mid-year transfers from students who are currently enrolled in their first term at another college.

Tuition Deposit:  Admitted students are encouraged to submit a non-refundable tuition deposit of $400  to secure  their  enrollment at Lawrence soon after making the decision to attend.