Admission: Arts & Sciences

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Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for the answer to a quick question? We’ve collected some of the most commonly asked questions all in one place.

For High School & College Counselors

If you don’t see the information you seek, contact the Office of Admission at admission@linfield.edu or 800-640-2287.

Academics

What majors and minors are available?
Linfield is solely undergraduate and offers a curriculum based in the liberal arts and sciences. More than 40 academic majors, 36 academic minors and four academic programs are available. In addition, pre-professional advising programs are offered.

What does "liberal arts" mean?
All Linfield students will take classes outside of their selected major and/or minor. The goal of the Linfield Curriculum is to expand all students' horizons and broaden their scope of learning. Students are also encouraged to engage in experiential (hands-on) learning such as collaborative research or internships.

Why is Linfield not a university?
It’s quite simple – we don’t have graduate students or offer graduate programs. Our faculty and staff are dedicated to educating 1,700 undergraduate students. A few benefits of being solely undergraduate include: all classes are taught by professors - not teaching assistants; our students have ample opportunities to conduct research starting freshman year; our students have first-hand access to unique campus facilities, such as our cadaver lab, radio station and anthropology museum. In short, our faculty get to teach their classes and our students receive a very personal and dynamic education.

Who can I talk with about my major or to receive advising?
When students first arrive on campus, they are enrolled in a Colloquium course. This one-credit course serves as an introduction to college life, organized in a seminar and discussion format led by faculty and peer advisors. Advisors discuss matters related to academic goals, academic planning, time management and career preparation.

After Colloquium is completed, and once students declare a major, they will be assigned a faculty advisor within their major department. Students are also welcome to connect with advisors in the Office of Academic Advising, or for more specialized advising, the Office of Learning Support Services or Counseling & Career Development.

All freshman students will also enroll in an Inquiry Seminar, which provides an introduction to college writing and presentation skills, in the context of a compelling subject.

What is the average class size?
Our average class size is 17 students. Seventy-one percent of all classes have 22 or fewer students.

What is the student-to-faculty ratio?
Linfield’s student-to-faculty ratio is 12 to 1.

What percent of the faculty hold the terminal degree in their field?
Ninety-four percent have attained the highest degree in their field.

What is the academic calendar?
Linfield operates on a 4-1-4 calendar, with two semesters (fall & spring) and a January term session.

What is the January term?
January term (Jan term) is an optional, 4-week study intensive session during the month of January. Students may enroll in an on-campus class or take a travel course.

Is tutoring available? Are there other study resources?
Yes, peer tutors are available for all students. In addition to the tutoring program, students may also use the Writing Center and the Speaking Center for assistance with essay editing and presentation practice.

What services are available for students with learning differences?
The Office of Learning Support Services provides advising and assistance for students with documented learning differences. Students will work Learning Support Services on an individual basis to arrange note takers, distraction-free or extended tests or other accommodations to make the most of their educational experience.

Are there study abroad opportunities at Linfield?
Yes! Linfield has a strong tradition in study abroad and more than 70 percent of the Class of 2010 studied abroad before graduating. With our one-year, semester and optional January Term programs, Linfield students have numerous opportunities to explore the globe. Linfield even pays for your first round-trip airfare!

What do graduates do after Linfield?
After graduating from Linfield, our alumni are ready for anything. Linfield graduates live in every state and approximately 55 countries. Often, the path they take directly after graduation is related to the field of study – business students may take the CPA exam and work for an accounting firm, whereas biology majors may pursue graduate or medical school. Others have completed research abroad as part of the Fulbright Scholarship program (20 since 1999), French government teaching scholarships or other opportunities, like Teach For America and the Peace Corps.

Overall, approximately 90 percent of Linfield graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within a year of completing their degree.

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Admission Process

How do I apply to Linfield?
Students interested in applying for admission to the McMinnville campus of Linfield should submit the Common Application, along with the Linfield supplement form. Other requirements include an official copy of high school or college transcripts, official SAT or ACT scores, one teacher recommendation and the Secondary School Report, typically filled out by a counselor.

Students, and parents, should review specific requirements and deadlines for freshman, transfer, international or other applicants (homeschooled students, pre-college applicants, returning students and non-degree students).

How hard is it to get accepted to Linfield? What is your selectivity?
Linfield is considered moderately selective and grants admission to students who are likely to grow and succeed in a personal and challenging liberal arts environment. Each application is reviewed individually in a number of areas including high school or college transcripts, college test results (SAT or ACT), personal writing sample and academic letters of recommendation. The depth and quality of an applicant’s involvement in community and school activities is also evaluated. Approximately 75 percent of applicants are accepted each year.

What are the minimum GPA, SAT and ACT scores required for admission to Linfield?
We do not currently have a minimum requirement for GPA or test scores. However, the enrolling class of 2010 had a mid-range unweighted GPA of 3.32-3.83, a mid-range composite SAT score of 1000-1190 on the Critical Reading and Math section (Linfield does not consider the Writing section), and a mid-range composite ACT score of 21-26.

What are the minimum requirements for high school coursework?
We strongly recommend that applicants have 4 years of English, 4 years of math, 2-4 years of foreign language, 3-4 years of social science and 3-4 of natural science. When reviewing the transcript, we’re looking for consistent success in college preparatory coursework to demonstrate that a student is prepared and motivated for a rigorous college education.

Is an interview required?
Formal interviews are not required; however, we do encourage you to meet with an admission counselor while visiting campus, or take advantage of opportunities to meet with Linfield counselors when they are in your area.

If students have specific concerns regarding their application, or potential for admission, please consider submitting an additional essay, scheduling time to talk over the phone or corresponding via email so that we can provide you with good advice regarding Linfield and your educational future.

What is Early Action? When is the Early Action deadline?
Students who have identified Linfield as a top choice institution may take advantage of our Early Action option. Early Action provides the opportunity to resolve your college choice early in your senior year. You may still apply to other colleges and are not committed to enrolling at Linfield under the Early Action policy guidelines. Early Action applications must be postmarked by November 15.

When is the Regular Decision deadline?
Regular Decision applications must be postmarked by February 15 for freshman students and April 15 for transfer students.

Am I a transfer student?
Transfer students are former or current college students with at least 12 transferable semester credits from another regionally-accredited college or university. Students must have completed high school at the time of application to be considered a transfer student. High school students who are enrolled in Running Start or another dual-enrollment program will be considered freshman applicants and their college credits will be evaluated on a course-by-course basis upon enrollment. Transfer students may request a transfer credit evaluation prior to applying for admission or enrolling.

Does Linfield award credit for AP exams and IB classes?
Yes, students will be awarded up to five elective credits for AP scores of 4 or higher. Elective credits will also be awarded for upper-level IB exams passed with a 5 or higher.

Will community college credits transfer to Linfield?
Classes completed at a community college will be evaluated on a course-by-course basis. Generally, courses that are academic in nature, over the 100-level (Math 095 is accepted) and a “C” grade or higher will transfer for some type of credit.

How does admission to the nursing program work?
Freshman candidates will complete Nursing pre-requisite coursework during their first two years on our main campus in McMinnville. Pre-Nursing students that have completed all prerequisite courses with a ‘C’ grade or better and have a cumulative 2.75 Linfield GPA, will migrate to the Portland campus for their remaining two years. The Portland campus is in downtown Portland and adjacent to the Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital. Transfer candidates (who have completed all pre-requisite coursework) will apply directly to the Portland campus.

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Athletics

What is your athletic affiliation?
Linfield athletics participate in the NCAA Division III Northwest Conference. The NWC is comprised of other small private schools in Oregon and Washington including: George Fox University, Lewis & Clark College, Pacific University, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, Whitman College, Whitworth University and Willamette University.

Which varsity sports do you offer?

Men’s intercollegiate teams include: baseball, basketball, cross-country, football, golf, soccer, swimming, tennis and track.

Women's intercollegiate teams include: basketball, cross-country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming and volleyball.

If you are interested in learning more about Linfield athletics, please submit an athletic inquiry form online. We also encourage you to register with the Office of Admission.

Can I participate on the team as a walk-on?
Yes, but it depends on the team. Most of our teams are competitive in selecting members, but some have JV teams. We strongly encourage potential student-athletes to connect with coaches to gauge interest and potential for participation.

What intramural and club sports are available?

A variety of intramural teams are offered including: basketball, bowling, football, racquetball, soccer, softball, Ultimate Frisbee® and volleyball.

Club sports include bowling, men’s lacrosse, tennis, Ultimate Frisbee® and water polo.

How many students participate in athletics?
About 25 percent of Linfield students participate in a team sport at the intercollegiate level.

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Financial Aid

How do I apply for financial aid?
In order to qualify for financial aid, students must first be admitted to Linfield College. Merit-based scholarships are awarded and based on academic qualifications included in the application for admission. No separate application is required for merit-based scholarships. Eligibility for need-based aid (such as grants, loans and work) will be based on information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Are there deadlines for financial aid?
Students who meet the preferred application deadline (February 15) will be considered for merit-based scholarships. A student who is interested in being invited to the Competitive Scholarship Day (our on-campus, exam-based scholarship program) must submit his or her application for admission by December 1 and mark (on the Linfield Supplement form) the exams they are interested in sitting for. In order to be considered for need-based aid, students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 1.

Can anyone participate in Competitive Scholarship Day?
Competitive Scholarship Day (CSD) is a "by invitation only" on-campus scholarship program. Students must have submitted their applications and supporting materials by December 1 (postmark deadline). They must also indicate on the Common Application Supplement for Linfield that they wish to be considered for the program. Invited students will take one academic exam for the opportunity to earn a $10,000 - $16,000 scholarship. Each department offering an exam may award up to three scholarships.

What is the FAFSA4caster and is it required?
If you apply for admission under the Early Action deadline (November 15), you may choose to fill out the FAFSA4caster and provide your estimated Expected Family Contribution (EFC) to the Office of Financial Aid by December 1. Providing this information is optional and will allow students to receive an estimated need-based financial aid package in early January. All students will need to submit the FAFSA between January 1 and February 1 of their senior year to be considered for need-based financial aid.

What percent of students receive financial aid?
Ninety-two percent of Linfield students are receiving some type of financial aid. For the 2009-2010 school year, the average financial aid package was approximately $20,000 (out of a total direct cost of $39,164).

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General Information

I’ve heard that Linfield’s campus is really large, but isn’t your student body relatively small?
While are population is fairly small (1,700 students), we are fortunate to have one of the largest campuses in the Northwest. Our historic Georgian Colonial campus spans nearly 200 acres and also includes a relatively new library and arts quad.

How many students attend Linfield?
Approximately 1,700 students are enrolled at the McMinnville campus and 350 students comprise Linfield’s School of Nursing and Health Sciences located in Portland, Oregon.

From where are most of the students?
Linfield students represent 19 states and 22 countries. Currently, the majority of students come from the western U.S. including Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. Each year we welcome more students from the Southwest, Midwest, Rocky Mountain states, as well as a few from the east coast. International students comprise 6 percent of our student body.

How ethnically diverse is the student body?
Eleven percent of our American students have indicated ethnic diversity, with 8 percent Asian, 5.1 percent selecting two or more races, 4.5 percent Hispanic or Latino, 1.7 percent Native American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and 1.5 percent African American. Six percent of our students come from abroad and 7.5 percent do not declare a race. Sixty-six percent of students declare themselves as White.

What is the male to female ratio?
Approximately 41.3 percent of the students are male, 58.7 percent are female.

What is Linfield's retention rate?
Our freshman to sophomore retention rate is 81 percent (five year average). Linfield has a 68.6 percent graduation rate (five year).

Does Linfield offer an ROTC program?
Linfield College does not house an ROTC program. However, Linfield (and 15 other colleges and universities in the region) have a cooperative agreement with the University of Portland where Linfield students may participate in the Air Force ROTC program offered at UP. The weekly time committment is typically about 10 hours and students are required to drive from McMinnville to Portland (approximately 60-90 minutes) weekly. For additional information, contact the Unit Admissions Officer at rotc695@up.edu or 503.943.7216.

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Location

Where is McMinnville?
"Mac," as it is affectionately known, is centrally located between the state's capital (Salem), Lincoln City on the Oregon Coast, and Portland (Oregon's largest city). By car, it takes an hour or less to reach each of these destinations.

How large is McMinnville?
Approximately 32,000 residents call McMinnville home.

What do students do for fun in Mac?
Aside from the active social life on campus, downtown McMinnville is home to several coffee shops, bookstores and art galleries, and is within walking distance of campus. Other activities in town include three theatres, a large indoor water park (opening summer 2011), an air and space museum (featuring the Spruce Goose), and a variety of parks, bike trails and running paths to enjoy.

Is there an airport?
Yes, but the closest airport with commercial flights to domestic and international destinations is in Portland. Portland International Airport (PDX) is about 90 minutes northeast of McMinnville. There is a Linfield-run shuttle service to and from the airport during fall orientation, major holidays, breaks and the end of school.

What is the weather like?
The temperature in McMinnville is fairly moderate. The average high temperature in the winter is 49 degrees F and the average high temperature in the summer is 79 degrees F. Average annual precipitation is 42 inches, most of which is rain in the winter months.

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Residence Life

How many years do students live on campus?
Linfield is a residential college, and our students are required to live on campus for at least their first three years. Most seniors still choose to live on campus. Our 17 residence halls generally house freshman and sophomores. On campus apartments are available for juniors and seniors. Approximately 75 percent of Linfield students reside on campus.

Are there freshman-only or 'themed' residence halls?
Although freshman will typically be roomed together, they will share the residence halls with upper classmen. All halls are general interest halls and represent the diverse interests of our students. However, there are two substance-free halls available for students who are interested in committing to a healthy lifestyle.

What is included in a residence hall room?
Each room has a standard twin bed, desk, chair and dresser for each student. Because of the historic nature of our many residence halls, some offer built in furniture, while others provide a more flexible arrangement. Residence hall rooms can be doubles, triples or quads. A few halls also offer sinks in each room.

Each residence hall has card swipe access for outside doors, laundry facilities (free to use), public call boxes, a lounge with television, expanded basic cable, wired and wireless internet, kitchen, recycling and a variety of other community facilities.

Can freshman students bring cars to campus?
Yes, however, it is probably not necessary, and only about half of Linfield students bring a car to campus. Students are asked to register their vehicles with the Linfield College Community Public Safety & Security Department and obtain a parking permit, which is $85.00 for the school year. Linfield is also a U-Car Share member, which is a program allowing students to “rent” vehicles on-campus for an hour or a full day. More details regarding U-Car can be found online at www.ucarshare.com.

How does the meal plan work?
Each meal plan includes nine all-you-care-to-eat meals a week and a range of declining balance dollar amount levels. New students will automatically be assigned the standard meal plan for the first semester. Sodexo is the food service provider and students may use their meal cards in Dillin Hall (the main dining hall), O’Riley’s (a coffee shop on campus) or the Catty Shack (a sandwich shop with many convenience store items).

What if I need other groceries or a pharmacy?
An Albertson’s grocery store, with a Sav-On pharmacy, is located on the south side of campus. A Walgreen’s pharmacy is located across Baker Street on the north side of campus. Other grocery and department stores in town include Wal-Mart, Winco, Grocery Outlet, Safeway, Harvest Fresh (a local grocery store providing many local and organic products) and Rite-Aid.

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Student Life

What is Linfield's religious affiliation?
Linfield is historically and currently affiliated with the American Baptist Church. While we do offer faith-based student groups and a Religious Studies department, religious commitment is not required, and our curriculum is not faith-based. Linfield students represent and respect a wide range of religious traditions.

What types of clubs or other activities do students participate in?
With over 80 clubs and other organizations to choose from, Linfield students find it hard to pick just one. If students wish, they may also propose a new club and receive funding for related programs throughout the year.

What happens at Linfield during the weekends?
Linfield strives to offer a variety of activities everyday. Many events, such as lectures, are academic (we are one of only five schools in the world that participate in the Nobel Laureate Symposium, which brings Nobel Prize winners to campus). Other activities are more relaxed (we’ve hosted countless comedians and music groups in recent years). Regardless of the day, there’s always something going happening.

Is there a Greek system?
Yes, there are four fraternities and four sororities on campus. Approximately 25 percent of Linfield students participate in Greek life. Fraternities provide a live-in option; however, the sororities have elected not to maintain houses.

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Visiting Linfield

How do I schedule a campus visit?
One of the most important aspects of the college search is finding a campus that fits. Often, the only way to find out is to visit. The Office of Admission is open Monday-Saturday during the academic year and offers two student-led campus tours daily. Complete the online form or give us a call at 1.800.640.2287 to schedule a visit.

The Office of Admission also hosts a number of open house events throughout the year. A larger event can be a good way to learn general information about the college and attend special presentations throughout the day.

Can prospective students spend the night? Attend a class?
We welcome high school seniors and transfer students to attend a Linfield class and spend the night. Academically qualified high school juniors are also welcome to attend a Linfield class. While special accommodations may be granted, we do not encourage overnight visits for high school freshmen, sophomores or juniors.

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For High School & College Counselors

What should my students be requesting of me for their application?
We require the Common Application School Report (to be completed by a counselor or whomever has advised the applicant), one teacher or instructor evaluation, official SAT or ACT scores and official high school and college (if applicable) transcripts.

Do I have to complete the full Common Application School Report form and write a letter of recommendation?
While we appreciate you completing the school report form, we will accept either the school report form and/or a letter of recommendation. If you know the applicant well or had the opportunity to interview him or her, a letter of recommendation is very helpful. We realize that you may not know all of the students that you advise well. If this is the case, please complete the School Report form to the best of your ability.

What do you want to see in a letter of recommendation?
Simply put, we want to know the student's strengths and challenges. While we certainly want to know about the student’s honors, activities and personal qualities, we also want to ensure that we have a good grasp on their academic accomplishments and perhaps struggles. In short, we appreciate any additional information about things we may have concerns about, including: lower or inconsistent grade(s), suspension/disciplinary issues, etc.

Can I fax application materials to you?
Yes, as long as items are faxed from the high school, they will be considered “official.” This includes SAT and ACT score reports, transcripts and letters of recommendation. Our fax number is 503.883.2472.

Should my students that have taken college coursework apply as transfer students?
Transfer students are former or current college students with at least 12 transferable semester credits from another accredited college or university. High school students who are enrolled in Running Start or another dual-enrollment program will be considered freshman applicants and their college credits will be evaluated on a course-by-course basis upon enrollment. Transfer students may request a transfer credit evaluation prior to applying for admission or enrolling.

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