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Early Action: Nov 15
Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 15
The Requirements: 2 essays of 250 words each
Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why
Sounds simple enough! Why are you interested in attending California Lutheran University? How will Cal Lutheran help you accomplish your goals? You only have 250 words, so brevity is key. Begin by getting familiar with Cal Lutheran’s website (including: classes, professors, clubs, organizations, and campus life). What stands out to you? What excites you? Where do you see yourself fitting in seamlessly? Are you excited about the prospect of living so close to LA? (But far enough to escape the craziness and traffic?) Admissions wants to know that you’re not applying for the heck of it, but that you can demonstrate real interest in being a student at Cal Lutheran next fall.
For this essay, let’s go beyond, “I love war documentaries, so majoring in History will be a great fit for me.” We get it, Ken Burns is your LeBron. But how might Cal Lutheran’s courses and professors (get specific!) shape you and teach you something new? And what do you hope to accomplish upon graduating with your intended degree? In college, you will reach new depths of knowledge you may not have even known existed. After explaining why your major piques your interest, describe the experiences you’ve had with it already. Build a bridge between your past and your future for admissions so they can see that you have already demonstrated interest in this field. Did you work on a science experiment that taught you about the basics of physics? Maybe you watched The Wedding Planner (we love you, J.Lo!) in third grade and KNEW that your future would include white gowns, master spreadsheets, and outdoor venues–and Cal Lutheran’s Hospitality and Tourism Management major will help you get there. Throughout your life, you’ve been exposed to so many different subjects and career paths, and Cal Lutheran wants to know why this one has caught your eye. Finally, look ahead five or ten years and imagine how this degree will catapult you into a fulfilling career that you may not have access to otherwise.