Each year, we welcome a new group of first-year students who share the same commitment to academic adventure.

Although our admission process is selective, we are equally committed to enrolling students with diverse backgrounds and unique talents that will contribute to life at Puget Sound.

In order to simplify the application process for our prospective students and uphold our commitment to environmental responsibility, Puget Sound uses the Common Application for first-year and transfer student applications.

 

Begin your Common Application today!
Ready to jump right in? Kickstart your journey to becoming a Logger below.
Important Dates

Application Timeline

Application Guide for First-Year Students

Review your application checklist and important admission info below. If you have questions about applying to Puget Sound, please send an email or call the Office of Admission at 253.879.3211. You may also contact your admission counselor.

Puget Sound accepts applications for fall and spring admission. First-year applicants for fall admission can choose from one of three application plans:

Early Decision Admission (Binding)

The deadline to apply Early Decision is Nov. 1. Candidates will be notified by December and, if admitted, are required to enroll by Jan. 15.

Students who have selected Puget Sound as their top choice for college are invited to submit an application for Early Decision admission. Applicants will be either admitted, deferred to Regular Decision review, or denied. Puget Sound's Early Decision program is binding, which means if you are admitted, you are expected to accept our offer of admission and withdraw any applications to other colleges or universities.

Early Action Admission

The deadline to apply Early Action is Nov. 1. Candidates will be notified by January.

Early Action candidates submit applications in November of their senior year of high school and will be notified of their admission decision in advance. Applicants will be either admitted, deferred to Regular Decision review, or denied. This option is not binding; admitted students have until May 1 to decide on accepting our offer of admission.

Regular Decision Admission

Regular Decision candidates should apply to Puget Sound by Jan. 15 for priority consideration. Puget Sound will begin to notify applicants of their admission decision starting by March.

Applicants will be either admitted, offered a spot on our waitlist, or denied. This option is not binding; admitted students have until May 1 to decide on accepting our offer of admission.

Spring Admission

Applications for spring admission are accepting on a rolling basis, with priority consideration given to students to apply by Nov. 1.

We are so excited you're ready to become a Logger! Below you will find a complete list of requirements for first-year applicants. Make sure to carefully review all admission and financial aid deadlines as well.

Requirements
  • Common Application, including required essay
  • $65 Application Fee (fee waivers available)
  • Member Questions
  • Early Decision Agreement (if applicable)
  • School Report | You will need to invite your high school counselor or advisor to submit this part on your behalf
  • One Counselor Recommendation and One Teacher Evaluation
  • Official Transcript | Your high school counselor can submit your transcript with the School Report section
Optional
  • Standardized Test Scores (SAT or ACT) | Official score reports can be forwarded to Puget sound directly from the testing agency for students who choose to report scores.
  • Interviews 
    • In person interviews are available when you visit, and while admission counselors are travelling in your area!
    • Virtual/online interviews are available with admission counselors at your convenience.
    • International applicants are encouraged to interview with InitialView or Vericant.
    •  

SEMESTER SUBMISSION DEADLINE NOTIFICATION
Spring 2024 Nov. 1 Rolling
Fall 2024 (Early Decision) Nov. 1 By mid-December
Fall 2024 (Early Action) Nov. 1 By mid-January
Fall 2024 (Regular Decision) Jan. 15 By March

Since 2015, Puget Sound has been test-optional and applicants are not required to submit scores from the SAT or ACT exam.

Our goal is to provide you with options to put your best foot forward in your application. Puget Sound reviews applications holistically, meaning that we consider academic performance, curriculum strength, writing, community leadership and involvement, and many other factors in our evaluation. You will not be penalized in the application review process for the option you choose.

Important facts about Puget Sound’s test optional policy:

  • Standardized test scores (ACT and SAT) are optional.
  • International students are eligible to apply to Puget Sound test-optional by either attending a high school where English is the primary language of instruction or demonstrating English Proficiency by submitting scores from the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test.
  • For students who decide to submit scores from the SAT or ACT exams, official score reports can be sent from the testing agency (code 4067 for the College Board and code 4450 for the ACT.) Puget Sound accepts self-reported test scores, but requires enrolled students to send official test scores.
  • Candidates interested in applying to the Lillis Foundation Scholarship or Matelich Scholarship are required to submit standardized test scores for the purposes of scholarship selection. However, eligible applicants can still choose to be reviewed for admission under our test-optional policy. Please be assured that for Test-Optional candidates applying for scholarship consideration, test scores sent to Puget Sound will not be factored in the general review of the admission application.
  • Need-Based Financial Aid: To apply for need-based financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  • Academic Scholarships: All incoming undergraduates are considered for merit-based scholarships.
  • Lillis Foundation Scholarships: Our most prestigious honor for students who combine extraordinary promise in academics and scholarship, which covers the cost of attendance. An additional application is required.
  • Matelich Scholarships: Our most prestigious honor for students who demonstrate a capacity for a life of leadership and sustained personal growth, covers the cost of attendance. An additional application is required.
  • Talent Scholarships: Puget Sound offers scholarships to incoming full-time undergraduates for performance excellence in music, theatre, art, and forensics. An additional application is required.
FINANCIAL AID SUBMISSION DEADLINE NOTIFICATION
FAFSA (Early Decision) Jan. 15 February
FAFSA (Early Action) Jan. 15 By March
FAFSA (Regular Decision) Jan. 15 By March
Lillis Foundation Scholarship Dec. 1 By March
Matelich Scholarship Dec. 1 By March
Talent Scholarships Jan. 15 By March

Applicants are invited to apply to our distinct academic programs as part of their admission application.

Business Leadership Program

The Business Leadership Program (BLP) is a highly selective program within the School of Business & Leadership. Each year, up to twenty-five first years are admitted into this experiential four-year program. Once admitted, students are required to maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average.

Interested students must submit a separate BLP application to be considered

Honors Program

The Honors Program offers a unique pathway through the university’s required core curriculum that engages and interrogates the intellectual traditions of the liberal arts as a tool for understanding our contemporary world and its historical origins. The program is not itself a major, but is taken in conjunction with any major. Honors students benefit from the rich conversations that build over their four years of shared academic, residential, and co-curricular experiences.

Interested students must submit a separate Honors application to be considered.

School of Music

An entrance audition is required for acceptance to the School of Music (major/minor programs), as well Music scholarship consideration, regardless of major or minor. Students must audition and complete the audition application to be considered.

PROGRAM SUBMISSION DEADLINE
Business Leadership Jan. 15
Honors Program Jan. 15
Music (Early Action & Early Decision) Nov. 5
Music (Regular Decision) Feb. 11
  • 50+

    academic areas of study
  • 23

    NCAA Division III Athletic Teams
  • 11:1

    student-to-faculty ratio
Classes are held outdoors on a sunny spring day.