Transfer Students: Clarkson University's Policy Explained

Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York, accepts transfer students and has a transfer acceptance rate of 67.65%. The university offers a smooth transfer process and provides transfer-specific events, resources, and campus visits. Transfer students are guaranteed on-campus housing and can choose from various housing options, including residence halls, suites, and apartments. Clarkson University requires transfer applicants to submit official transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statements, and test scores. The minimum college GPA requirement is 2.8, and transfer students need a minimum of 12 credits.

Transfer application requirements

Clarkson University does accept transfer students and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Here are the requirements for a transfer application:

Step 1: Start Your Application

Complete ONE of the following applications:

• Clarkson Transfer Application (online)
• Common Application (online)

Step 2: Review Admission Requirements for Transfer Students

Submit the following supporting materials:

• Dean of Students Recommendation Form (to be completed prior to enrollment)
• Official transcripts from each college or university attended. If you attended college outside of New York State, provide course descriptions.
• Letters of recommendation are not required but are considered during the application review process. These can be from a professor, employer, former teacher, coach, or another professional.
• A personal statement (250-500 words) describing a special interest, experience, or achievement that is meaningful to you.
• All transfer students must submit a final high school transcript. This is required for federal aid and will not be considered for admission if you have earned 24 or more credit hours.
• If you have earned fewer than 24 credit hours at your current college or university, you must also supply an official high school record and SAT/ACT scores (although these are optional).

Step 3: Additional Information for International Transfer Students

If you are an international transfer student, you must also:

• Submit official English proficiency test scores, unless you are from a country with English testing waivers.
• Show proof of financial support by completing and returning the Certificate of Finance Form or providing a certified letter from your sponsor.
• Apply for a student visa, if you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Transferring credits

Step 1: Understand the Requirements

Before applying to transfer to Clarkson University, it is important to understand the requirements. The university requires a minimum of 12 credits for transfer students. Additionally, transfer students must submit official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities. If you have fewer than 24 credit hours, you may also need to provide your high school record and SAT/ACT scores.

Step 2: Complete the Application

You can apply to Clarkson University by completing either the Clarkson Transfer Application or the Common Application. Along with the application, you will need to submit supporting materials, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.

Step 3: Credit Evaluation

Once you have been accepted to Clarkson University, the academic departments will review your prior college-level coursework to determine how many credits can be transferred. This evaluation process typically takes place within two weeks of your acceptance.

Step 4: Articulation Agreements

Clarkson University has 2+2 and 3+2 articulation agreements with certain institutions, which allow for a smooth and direct transfer of credits. If your previous institution has an articulation agreement with Clarkson, some of your credits may be automatically approved, provided your transcripts show proper course selection.

Step 5: Off-Campus Credits

If you plan to take any courses at another campus that you want to transfer to Clarkson, you must complete the Off-Campus Permission Form before enrolling in those courses. This form requires your personal information, information about the course you plan to take, and approval from the relevant department at Clarkson.

Step 6: Finalize Credits

After your credits have been evaluated and approved, you will work with your advisor to outline the rest of your studies at Clarkson. This includes determining how your transferred credits fit into Clarkson's General Education, Common Experience, and major requirements.

By following these steps, you can successfully transfer your credits to Clarkson University and continue your academic journey at this innovative and collaborative institution.

Scholarships and financial aid

Clarkson University offers a high-quality, affordable education through a robust financial aid program. Nine out of ten Clarkson University students receive financial aid, and many of them are transfer students. When applying to Clarkson University as a transfer student, you are eligible for merit-based scholarships, including awards that are specifically geared toward transfer students.

Application Process

Transfer admissions are done on a rolling basis. To apply, you must complete ONE of the following applications:

• Clarkson Transfer Application (online)
• Common Application (online)

Along with your application, you will also need to submit the following supporting materials:

• Dean of Students Recommendation Form (to be completed prior to enrollment)
• Official transcripts from each college or university you have attended. If you attended college outside of New York State, please provide course descriptions.
• Letters of recommendation are not required but will be considered during the application review process. These can come from a professor, an employer, a former teacher, a coach, or another professional.
• A personal statement (250-500 words) describing a special interest, experience, or achievement that is important or meaningful to you.
• All transfer students are REQUIRED to submit a final high school transcript. This is required for federal aid and will not be taken into consideration for admissions unless the criteria below for credits is not met.
• If you have earned fewer than 24 hours of credit at your current college or university, you will also need to supply the following information:
• Official high school record.
• Test optional: SAT/ACT scores. If submitted, the scores will be taken into consideration during the admissions process. Clarkson also accepts self-reported test scores.

International Transfer Students

If you are an international transfer student, you will need to take additional steps to complete the admissions process. This includes finding out more about the student visa process, required financial forms, and other supplemental materials you may need to send.

Financial Aid

To receive an I-20, you will need to show proof of financial support. This can be done in two ways:

• Complete and return the Certificate of Finance Form, which will appear on your checklist in the admission portal.
• Provide a certified letter from your sponsor indicating the amount of support available for each year, along with a supporting letter from a bank official.

Scholarships

As a transfer student, you are eligible for merit-based scholarships, including awards that are specifically geared toward transfer students. To be eligible for grants and merit scholarships, keep on top of deadlines.

Transferring Credits

Your hard work will not go unnoticed. As part of the transfer admissions process, Clarkson reviews all of your prior college-level coursework. Credit is awarded upon receiving an official college transcript and other supporting documents.

Articulation Agreements

Clarkson's 2+2 and 3+2 agreements allow for a smooth and direct transfer of your credits. If you are coming from an institution with an articulation agreement, some of your credits may be automatically approved, provided your transcripts show proper course selection.

Many transfer students begin their education at Clarkson without an articulation agreement. In all cases, Clarkson's academic departments will review your prior college-level coursework and help you maximize the number of credits you can transfer. This evaluation will be completed within two weeks of your acceptance.

Federal Student Aid

If you are a U.S. citizen, make sure you have your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) filled out by the February 1 deadline to be eligible for federal, state, and institutional need-based aid. Complete your FAFSA® to be eligible for federal, state, and institutional need-based aid. In addition to loans, grants, and work-study, Clarkson extends specific scholarships and awards to transfer students.

Acceptance rate

Clarkson University does accept transfer students. The transfer acceptance rate for Clarkson University is 67.65%, which is considered competitive. In 2019, Clarkson University received 272 transfer applicants, and accepted 184 students. Of those accepted, 99 students enrolled, making the yield 53.8%.

Clarkson University requires a number of completed documents for consideration, including a high school transcript, an essay or personal statement, standardized test scores, and a statement of good standing from a prior institution. Additionally, Clarkson University requires a minimum of 12 college credits and a minimum college GPA of 2.8 on a 4.33-point scale. A minimum high school GPA of 2.0 is also required.

Transfer students must submit official transcripts for all colleges and universities attended, including dual enrollment during high school, and AP, IB, and CLEP test scores. A $500 deposit is required to secure a spot for the year, which is credited toward the semester's tuition.

Clarkson University offers a high-quality, affordable education through a robust financial aid program, with nine out of 10 students receiving financial aid. Transfer students are eligible for merit-based scholarships, including awards specifically for transfer students. The university also has 2+2 and 3+2 agreements in place, allowing for a smooth and direct transfer of credits.

Student experience

Clarkson University does accept transfer students. In fact, in 2019, 11% of the entire student body were transfer students. The university offers a smooth transfer process, with transfer-specific events, resources, and campus visits. Transfer students are guaranteed on-campus housing and have the option to live off-campus.

The transfer student experience at Clarkson University is designed to be seamless and supportive. The university offers a range of resources and events specifically for transfer students, ensuring a smooth transition into the Clarkson community.

Application Process

Transfer admissions are done on a rolling basis. Prospective transfer students can apply using the Clarkson Transfer Application or the Common Application. They must also submit supporting materials, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and test scores. International students have additional requirements, including English proficiency test scores.

Orientation and Move-In Weekend

Transfer students at Clarkson University have their own dedicated move-in day, filled with icebreakers and activities to meet their peers. Orientation includes events such as the Student Resource Fair, the CUSA Carnival, and the Convocation, providing opportunities to familiarise themselves with the campus and community.

Academic Advising and Credit Transfer

Transfer students at Clarkson University receive dedicated academic advising to help them navigate the credit transfer process and select courses that align with their degree requirements. The university offers 2+2 and 3+2 articulation agreements, allowing for a smooth and direct transfer of credits. Academic departments work closely with transfer students to review their prior college-level coursework and maximise the number of transferable credits.

Student Life and Community

Clarkson University offers a range of clubs and organisations for transfer students to get involved in, including the popular Outing Club and various professional organisations. These provide opportunities for transfer students to connect with their peers, build community, and explore common interests.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Nine out of ten Clarkson University students receive financial aid, and the university offers specific scholarships and awards for transfer students. Prospective transfer students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible for federal, state, and institutional need-based aid.

Overall, Clarkson University provides a comprehensive and supportive student experience for transfer students, offering academic, social, and financial resources to ensure a successful transition and integration into the university community.

Frequently asked questions