College is a time for growth. Knowledge, work experience, friendship, and more. Your first step to that is your college application. Check out the video to get a step-by-step look at Pacific’s application, then read the article below for a more in-depth explainer and a checklist to guide you through the process.
How to use Pacific’s application
Pacific’s Admission Application is a streamlined way for you to apply to University of the Pacific in just one sitting. There are just a few simple steps to set up an account and submit your application.
- Before you start your online application, make sure you have the following on hand:
- A copy of your high school transcript to report your grades and any current courses.
- A list of your extracurricular activities, work or volunteer experiences, awards and honors.
- SAT or ACT scores, if you have them. Pacific is a test-optional university.
- Family information, including your parents’ occupations, employment status and level of education.
- If you’re a first-time user, choose the “Create an account” option to start your application. If you have an application in progress, log back in using your credentials.
- To create an account, fill out the form with your personal information. Please provide an email address you check often.
- Next, check your email for a temporary PIN to log in and set a password.
- On the next page, Application Management, choose “Fall 2026/Spring 2027: Click here to start an application” to begin.
- Answer the questions about your academic plans, major choice, background and other details about your extracurriculars/accomplishments.
- Under student type, choose “First-Year” if you have not previously enrolled in college/university or “Transfer” if you have enrolled in a college/university after high school. If you earned college credit while in high school, choose “First-Year.”
- You can upload your personal statement at this point, or you can complete and send it to us later. Hit save and continue.
- Indicate any Pacific pre-professional programs and extracurricular activities you’re interested in.
- On the following page, enter your full legal name to certify that all information provided is correct. Before you do, take a moment to review your application.
- Make sure you have provided a personal email and phone number. If you enter the email account tied to your high school, you may not receive important information about your application.
- Finally, the application will notify you if there are any blank sections. You must fill in that information before you can submit.
- Pacific will then set up your account in the Tiger Connect Application Portal and provide your next steps, including how to submit your application fee, transcripts and other documents.
- You can log in to this page to see the status of your application, any outstanding tasks and submit missing materials.
Your application checklist: tips for success
You can reference this list throughout the application process to make sure you aren’t missing any key steps. We recommend bookmarking this page so you can pull it up as you’re completing your application.
- Keep track of deadlines. Pacific’s early application deadline is Nov. 15 and its regular decision deadline is Jan. 15. Mark them on your calendar and set a reminder on your phone so you don’t forget.
- Request letter of recommendation (optional). Have your recommender email their letter, with your full name on it, directly to our Office of Admission (admission@pacific.edu). Ask them early so they have plenty of time to write your letter and don’t forget to thank them after!
- Make sure your transcripts are sent. Talk to your high school counselor or registrar about your application deadlines to ensure your transcripts are sent to Pacific in a timely manner.
- Read application questions and instructions carefully. Make sure to go through each question carefully. Take your time while answering, so you don’t miss important details.
- Take plenty of time on your personal statement. Your essay is your chance to shine and Pacific’s chance to get to know you on a personal level, so don’t wait until the last minute to write it! We recommend writing a few drafts and sharing your essay with at least two people to get feedback before you submit. Don’t forget to proofread!
- Do a final review. Better safe than sorry! Go over everything one more time to make sure you haven’t missed anything and all your information is accurate. If you feel comfortable doing so, you can also ask someone you trust to review the application. They might catch something you’re overlooking.
- Give yourself a pat on the back. You did it! Sit back, relax and treat yourself for all your hard work.
- Keep an eye on your application portal and the email you used to apply. Early action admission decisions are released in December, while regular decision admissions are released in March. In the meantime, learn more about the Pacific experience or schedule a campus tour.