Credit Hours At Clarkson University: What's The Maximum?

Clarkson University offers a unique opportunity for students to get a head start on their college education through its Clarkson School program. This program allows students to replace their senior year of high school with a rigorous first year of college, providing an early admission pathway for those who demonstrate high academic achievement, personal maturity, and involvement in extracurriculars. Students in the Clarkson School typically take on a full course load of 15 to 18 credits per semester, balancing their classes with extracurricular activities, and preparing for their future college experiences.

Students in The Clarkson School take 15-18 credits per semester

Students in The Clarkson School, a special division of Clarkson University, take on a full course load of 15 to 18 credits per semester. This early admission program offers high-achieving students the opportunity to replace their senior year of high school with a challenging first year of college. As fully matriculated undergraduates, Clarkson School students take classes with other University students, balancing their academic responsibilities with extracurricular activities.

The Clarkson School students' days are filled with classes, study time, and a variety of extracurricular pursuits. With 15 college credit hours, students spend at least 15 hours in class each week. Outside of class, they must manage their time effectively, allocating hours for studying, participating in clubs and sports, and engaging in social activities. Many students also explore other colleges and universities for their post-Clarkson School years. Additionally, students may be involved in community and church activities or even hold down jobs.

The Clarkson School's unique offering provides a real community living and learning experience on a university campus. Students reside in Price Hall, a separate residence hall with private baths for each pair of roommates. The Clarkson School administrative offices are conveniently located adjacent to the residence halls. Each floor has a common area for socialising, studying, and meetings, and house advisors live on each floor to provide support.

To ensure a smooth transition to university life, The Clarkson School offers an extended orientation program at the beginning of the year and concludes with an end-of-year gathering and commencement. Students can also benefit from personal, academic, and career counselling services. Additionally, cross-registration at neighbouring colleges and universities can provide additional college credits, particularly in art, music, and languages. These credits are recognised on the official Clarkson University transcript.

The Clarkson School offers an early college entrance program

The program offers a unique opportunity for students to replace their senior year of high school with their freshman year of college, allowing them to get a head start on their bachelor's degree. Students in the program take on a full course load, typically ranging from 15 to 18 credits per semester, and participate in various extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations. They live in a dedicated residence hall, Price Hall, with other Clarkson School students and staff, making the transition to college easier.

The Clarkson School is designed for high-achieving individuals who have demonstrated academic excellence, personal maturity, and involvement in extracurricular activities. The admission committee considers factors such as GPA, class rank, standardized test scores, and the rigor of the student's curriculum. Letters of recommendation play a significant role in the application process, as they provide insight into the student's readiness for the early college experience.

The program offers a hands-on, experiential learning environment, where students engage in tangible research projects and gain real-world job experience through early internship opportunities. They benefit from a supportive network of student mentors, house advisors, and staff, ensuring a fulfilling academic and personal journey.

Clarkson School students are fully matriculated undergraduates at Clarkson University, taking classes with other university students. They can also earn college credits through Advanced Placement courses and cross-registration at neighbouring colleges, especially for courses in art, music, and languages. These credits are transferable and appear on the official Clarkson University transcript.

Students must balance class time with study time and extracurriculars

Students at Clarkson University must take responsibility for their daily schedules and balance their class time with study time and extracurriculars. If a student takes 15 college credit hours, they will be in class for at least 15 hours each week and must balance the other hours with study time and extracurricular activities. These extracurricular activities include clubs, sports, professional organisations, meals, sleep, and recreation. Many students also spend time learning about other colleges and universities for the years after Clarkson. Students are often involved in community and church activities, and some have jobs.

Clarkson University is a four-year residential campus, meaning students live on campus throughout their entire undergraduate college experience. Students have a variety of housing options, ranging from residence halls to apartments, which they can select on a yearly basis with their cohorts. During their first year on campus, students will choose one of the Living-Learning Communities, where they will share living quarters and experiences with people with similar interests or goals. Living-Learning Communities serve as a roadmap for first-year students to meet others in their cohort by attending events, partaking in activities, and having student, faculty, and staff leaders help them feel at home on campus.

Students at Clarkson University must also take responsibility for tasks such as doing their own laundry. They are expected to manage their time effectively to balance their academic, social, and personal commitments. This includes completing assignments, preparing for exams, and participating in group projects or extracurricular activities. Effective time management is crucial for success in college and can help students avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Additionally, students at Clarkson University have access to various support services, including academic, personal, and career counselling. These services can provide guidance and assistance to help students balance their class time, study time, and extracurricular activities effectively. It is important for students to seek help when needed and make use of the resources available to them to achieve a healthy balance in their college life.

The fall class schedule is based on factors like intended major and readiness surveys

The fall class schedule at Clarkson University is based on several factors, including a student's intended major and readiness surveys. The university offers a wide variety of academic paths, including majors in business, engineering, and arts and sciences, as well as specialised interdisciplinary majors. The Clarkson School, a division of Clarkson University, offers an early entrance opportunity for students to replace their senior year of high school with a challenging first year of college. This early admission program considers academic preparation, as evidenced by cumulative GPA, rank in class, standardised test scores, and the rigor of the curriculum the student has taken.

The fall semester typically begins in late August, with new student move-in and returning student move-in days taking place before classes start. The fall break usually occurs in mid-October, with classes resuming and midterm grades due shortly after. The Thanksgiving recess is towards the end of November, and the last day of classes for the fall semester is typically in early December, followed by final exams and a fall graduates recognition ceremony.

Clarkson University's academic calendar is published annually and contains important dates for the semester, including holidays, breaks, and exam periods. The majority of programs at the university operate on a semester calendar, with some graduate programs following a condensed 11-week calendar system. The Potsdam campus offers traditional 15-week calendar programs for both undergraduate and graduate students.

In addition to the fall semester, Clarkson University also offers summer sessions that are open to a variety of students, including incoming freshmen, transfer students, and those pursuing specific educational objectives. These summer sessions provide an opportunity for students to take courses during the summer months, with activities such as tennis, golf, swimming, and hiking available on or near the campus.

Students can request a specific roommate

Requesting a Specific Roommate at Clarkson University

Clarkson University is a four-year residential campus, meaning students live on campus throughout their entire undergraduate college experience. The university offers a variety of housing options, ranging from residence halls to apartments, which students can select on a yearly basis with their cohorts.

During their first year on campus, students will choose one of Clarkson's Living-Learning Communities, where they will share living quarters and experiences with people with similar interests or goals. To help students feel at home on campus, the Living-Learning Communities serve as a roadmap for first-year students to meet others in their cohort by attending events, partaking in activities, and having student, faculty, and staff leaders to help them.

In early summer, students will have a Housing Survey added to their Clarkson Portal, where they will request their top three Living-Learning Communities and complete a quick roommate survey. This survey helps the university match students with a roommate who seems like a good fit. However, if students already know someone they would like to room with, they can also request a specific roommate.

Students who may need academic, housing, or dining accommodations due to medical or neurodiverse needs should connect with the Office of Accessibility Services.

Frequently asked questions