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Colleges / Clarkson University

Clarkson University

Potsdam, NY 4-Year Private
Acceptance Rate78%

Clarkson University Admissions

Clarkson University is moderately difficult to get into. Clarkson University admitted 78% of all applicants in 2022. Out of 6,594 applications received in 2023, 5,171 students were offered admission.

If you are considering submitting an application to Clarkson University, the deadline for Fall 2024 admissions is 1/15 and the fee for the application costs $50.

Students who submit their applications to Clarkson University for fall should hear back from Clarkson University by January 18.

Clarkson University Admissions Stats at a Glance

Here's an overiew of some of Clarkson University's admissions stats.

Clarkson University 2023 Admissions Statistics
Mean Unweighted GPA 3.8
Admitted Students in Top 10% of Graduating Class 38.1%
Mean SAT Score 1280
Admissions Test Policy Test Optional
Applicants Who Submit SATs 58.7%
Applicants Who Submit ACTs 12.3%
Waitlist Yes

Clarkson University Application Deadlines

These are the application deadlines for Clarkson University.

Application Type Offered Application Deadline Notification Deadline
Early Decision I Yes December 1 January 1
Early Decision II
Early Action No
Regular Decision Yes 1 15 January 18

Want to Apply Early to Clarkson University?


Clarkson University offers early decision but not early action. Early decision is binding, which means you must attend if you are admitted, while early action allows you to apply early without committing.

🗓️ Early Decision I applications are due by December 1 EDI applicants should receive a decision by January 1.

Some students apply to college early in hopes that it will increase their chances of being offering admission. When you apply early, your application is considered before all the regular decision applicants apply. Applying early may increase the chance of being admitted, since it demonstrates that you are very interested in a school.

➡️ Discover a list of some top colleges that accept significantly more applicants during early decision or early action than during regular admission.


More on Clarkson University Admissions


Is Clarkson University Challenging To Get Into?

It is moderately difficult to get into Clarkson University. Clarkson University evaluates applicants carefully based on multiple criteria to decide who to admit, and who to deny or waitlist.

In 2022, Clarkson University accepted 78% of students, around 5,171 of the 6,594 students who applied.

Schools that are moderately difficult to get into, like Clarkson University, accept fewer than 85% of all applicants. At least 75% of all admitted students have GPAs in the top 50% of their high school class and scored over 1010 on the SAT or over 18 on the ACT.

Transferring to Clarkson University

Transfer student admissions is moderately difficult.

For Students Waitlisted to Clarkson University

In 2022, Clarkson University waitlisted 112 students and 11 accepted a place on the waitlist. Of those, 3 eventually received an admissions offer.

What Does Clarkson University Look For in an Applicant?

Colleges consider a range of factors when choosing who to admit for their next incoming class. Each college determines which factors are they consider most important in the admissions process. When creating your list of schools to apply to, you may want to consider your strengths and any possible weaknesses in your application, and apply to colleges that prioritize the admissions factors where you're strong.

Admissions Factors at Clarkson University

What does Clarkson University consider during the admissions process? Take a look at the list below to see which factors are most important during the admissions process.

Admissions Factor Level
Academic GPA Very Important
Rigor of Secondary School Record Very Important
Class Rank Important
Extracurricular Activities Important
Recommendation(s) Important
Volunteer Work Important
Alumni/ae Relations Considered
Character/Personal Qualities Considered
Application Essay Considered
Standardized Test Scores Considered
Talent/Ability Considered
Work Experience Considered
Level of Applicant's Interest Considered
First Generation Considered

Make sure to check with Clarkson University for more information on admission factors.

Clarkson University 2022-2023 Application Requirements

To apply to Clarkson University, all applicants must submit the following items. Double check with Clarkson University's admissions department to confirm all application materials and requirements.

Area Required Recommended Required for Some Details (If Any)
Interview
Transcript(S) of College Record
Statement of Good Standing From Prior Institution(S)
Letter(s) of Recommendation 2
Written Essay or Personal Statement
Transcript of High School Record

GPA and Testing


What GPA Do I Need To Get Into Clarkson University?

Students admitted to Clarkson University have an average unweighted GPA of 3.8.

Out of all students that were admitted, 54% submitted a class rank. At Clarkson University 38.1% of students ranked in the top 10% of their graduating class in high school, 71.7% were in the top 25% and 94.7% were in the top 50%.

GPAs of Admitted Students

At Clarkson University, student GPAs fall in the following ranges.

GPA Percent of Students
4.0 GPA 13.9%
3.75 and 3.99 44.7%
3.50 and 3.74 27.7%
3.25 and 3.49 8.1%
3.00 and 3.24 3.1%
2.50 and 2.9 2.2%
2.00 and 2.49 0.2%

This chart depicts the percentage of all enrolled, degree-seeking, first-time, first year (freshmen) students who had high school grade point average within the given ranges.

Note: Some schools choose not release this information. If you have any questions regarding missing numbers, be sure to reach out to Clarkson University directly.

About GPAs

Your high school grade point average (GPA) is a number that reflects your high school academic performance. A weighted GPA or an unweighted GPA are the two possible GPA scores considered by colleges.

An unweighted GPA is an average of your scores from each class on a four-point scale. Unweighted GPAs range from 4.0 to under 1.0. A weighted GPA considers your average grade and the difficulty of your classes. A weighted GPA boosts your average by adding extra points for honors or Advanced Placement courses.

Standardized Test Scores

Clarkson University is a test optional school. Test optional schools allow students to choose if they want to submit ACT or SAT scores with their applications or not.

In 2022, 58.7% of Clarkson University's first-year students submitted their SAT scores with their application. 12.3% of admitted applicants sent ACT scores.

What is a Good SAT Score for Clarkson University?

To be competitive with other Clarkson University applicants, you should aim to earn between 1210 and 1360 (or higher!) on the SAT. At Clarkson University 25% of admitted students scored higher than 1360 and 25% of scored lower than 1210, but the majority of students scored somewhere in between these two numbers.The mean composite SAT score for a Clarkson University student is 1280.

On the SAT Math Section, 25% of Clarkson University students scored 690 or higher and 75% of students scored 580 or higher. On the SAT Critical Reading section (formerly called the Verbal section), 25% of Clarkson University students scored 680 or higher, and 75% scored a 580 or higher.

To be most competitive at Clarkson University, you should strive to earn between 25 and 30 on the ACT.

An ACT score of 30 means you fall in the 75th percentile for Clarkson University's admitted students. One out of every four students scored above a 30, and three out of four students scored lower than 30 on the ACT.

A 25 on the ACT is the 25th percentile for Clarkson University students. Only one out of every four students scored below 25.

More Information on Transferring to Clarkson University

For transfer students, it is moderately difficult to get admitted to Clarkson University. Transfer applications are processed on a on a rolling basis as they are received.

Transfer students can enroll in Clarkson University during the following terms:

• Fall Term

• Winter Term

• Spring Term

• Winter Term

• Summer Term


Clarkson University Admissions FAQs


Can I defer my acceptance to Clarkson University?

✅ Yes, admitted students can defer their admission to Clarkson University.

Does Clarkson University accept transfer credits?

✅ Clarkson University accepts eligible transfer credits from accredited institutions. Clarkson University accepts:

• CLEP subject tests • DSST/DANTES

Does Clarkson University accept Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) credits?

✅ Clarkson University accepts International Baccalaureate credits (IB) credits.

Do I have to submit test scores to Clarkson University?

❌ No, Clarkson University is test optional, so it's up to you if you want to submit test scores or not. If you have higher than average scores, you should strongly consider submitting them. If your scores are average or below average, you it might make sense to leave them out of your application.

What is Clarkson University's acceptance rate?

✅ Clarkson University's acceptance rate is 78%.

What is the early decision acceptance rate at Clarkson University?

✅ Clarkson University offers early decision but the school has not provided an acceptance rate.

Want To Learn More About Clarkson University?

Click below to find out more about the admissions requirements and deadlines, student life, academics, majors and more.

Overview

Student Life

Academics

Tuition & Aid

Join the conversation about about Clarkson University in the College Confidential forums

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Clarkson University Admissions Requirements

Admission Difficulty

Somewhat Selective

78%

How hard is it to get into Clarkson University? Clarkson University is a somewhat selective institution. The Clarkson University acceptance rate is 78%. This means that the institution accepts 78 out of every 100 applicants.

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Clarkson University Application Deadline

First-Year Applications are Due

Jan 15

Transfer Applications are Due

Continuous processing

The deadline for Fall first-year applications to Clarkson University is Jan 15.

The deadline for Fall transfer applications to Clarkson University is Continuous processing.

Check the school website for more information about deadlines for specific programs or special admissions programs

Clarkson University SAT Scores

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Composite SAT Range

1210 - 1360

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Math SAT Range

610 - 690

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Reading SAT Range

580 - 680

Estimated Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score

SAT Score

Estimated Chance

1360 and Above

Good

1210 to 1360

Avg

1210 and Less

Low

SAT Scores Needed to Get Accepted

The median SAT score for Clarkson University students is 1280. Applicants with SAT scores of 1360 and above have a good chance of being admitted to Clarkson University, while applicants with SAT scores between 1210 to 1360 have an average chance of admittance, and prospective students with an SAT score below 1210 have a low chance of being offered a spot at Clarkson University.

Clarkson University GPA

Avg. High School GPA (non-weighted)

3.79

GPA Needed to Get Accepted

At Clarkson University, the average unweighted high-school GPA for admitted students is 3.79. This is the average, which means that some applicants submit GPAs lower than this and some applicants submit GPAs above this level. If your GPA falls below the average, strong test scores or other qualifications may help you make you a more competitive applicant.

Data Source: IPEDs and Peterson's Databases © 2022 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved

Quick Facts

Total Enrollment

3,719

Campus Setting

Small Town

Acceptance Rate

78%

Tuition and Fees

In State

$57,950

Out-of-State

$57,950

Fall Freshmen
Application Deadline

Jan 15
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