Admission

Complete Admission information is available at www.clemson.edu/admission.

Application Information

Applicants should apply directly through www.clemson.edu or through The Coalition for Affordability and Access at http://www.coalitionforcollegeaccess.org/. Freshman candidates are especially encouraged to sit for the SAT or ACT, including the writing test, during the spring semester of their junior year.

Applicants should understand that admission is closed when all classroom space has been committed. The majority of freshman admission decisions are communicated during the middle of February. Transfer students seeking entrance in August are usually notified between February and July. Applicants must pay a nonrefundable application fee. This fee is not applicable toward tuition and/or other University fees.

Freshmen

Admission to the University is competitive and is based primarily upon high school curriculum, grades, class standing, and SAT or ACT scores. An applicant’s intended major and state residency also receive consideration. To apply for admission, a candidate must submit an official high school transcript through his/her counselor and have results of the SAT or ACT sent directly from the testing agency. In addition, all applicants for freshman admission should complete the following courses in high school:

English-4 credits
All four courses must have strong grammar and composition components, with at least one in English literature and at least one in American literature. College preparatory English I, II, III, and IV will meet these requirements.

Mathematics-3 credits
These include algebra I (for which applied mathematics I and II may count together as a substitute if a student successfully completes algebra II), algebra II, and geometry.

Laboratory Science-3 credits
Two must be selected from biology I, chemistry I, or physics I.

Foreign Language-3 credits
All three must be earned in the same language.

Social Sciences-3 credits
American history is required. One-half credit of government and one-half credit of economics are also recommended.

Fine Arts-1 credit

Physical Education/ROTC-1 credit

Other-2 credits
One of these must be a fourth year of mathematics, laboratory science, or foreign language. Students interested in engineering are strongly encouraged to take a fourth year of mathematics. This course should be selected from precalculus, calculus, statistics, or discrete mathematics. The second credit must be in advanced mathematics, computer science, or a combination of these; or one unit of world history, world geography, or western civilization.

The SAT or ACT examination scores, rank in class, and academic preparation will be weighed carefully in the decision-making process. The applicant’s acceptance will be confirmed upon presentation of a final high school transcript indicating continued academic progress and graduation.

Transfer Students

Students should have official transcript(s) sent directly to Clemson’s Admissions Office from the registrar of each college or university where credit was earned. A transcript that states “Issued to Student” is considered unofficial. Unless so stated on the transcript, the applicant should also present statements of honorable dismissal and of eligibility to return to the institution last attended.

Transfer admission is becoming increasingly more competitive. Transfer applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as they become complete, and admission is closed when all classroom space has been committed.

To improve your chance for admission you should:       

1. Complete a year of college study - after high school graduation - earning 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of transferable credit. Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and Dual Enrollment credit may not be used to count toward the 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) requirement.
   Note: Consideration for transfer with fewer than 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) is possible, but applicant must also submit high school transcript and test scores (SAT or ACT). High school performance will be reviewed first, and a strong high school GPA, class rank and standardized test score are necessary. College academic performance is also required and will be reviewed, in addition to high school information. Must meet freshmen admission requirements.
2. Earn a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale - 3.0 preferred.
3. Complete freshmen-level courses in English, science and mathematics for your intended major at Clemson University.
4. Must be in good standing and eligible to return to the institution last attended.

There are specific majors at Clemson that are more competitive due to grade point average requirements and/or space limitations. Students interested in one of these majors listed below will need to select a second choice of major on your application to allow more flexibility in the review process. Apply early and contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions for current admission requirements. The opportunity to change into one of these majors upon enrollment at Clemson cannot be guaranteed.

• Communication Studies
• Construction Science and Management
• Early Childhood Education
• Elementary Education
• Health Science {available for fall term only)
• Nursing (available for fall term only)
• Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management
• Production Studies in Performing Arts (Audio)
• Secondary Education
• Special Education
• Sports Communication

Additional requirements for select majors:

Professional Golf Management: Applicants must demonstrate evidence of a playing proficiency reflected in a handicap of eight or better. Each student’s handicap must be verified by a member of the PGA or by a high school golf coach. For more information, visit clemson.edu/pgm.

Production Studies: An audition is required for students interested in pursuing music or theater concentrations. For more information, visit clemson.edu/majors/production-studies-in-performing-arts.

Information regarding transfer from a South Carolina technical college is contained in the brochure Advanced Standing, available through the Office of Admissions at the address below. Prospective transfer students are also encouraged to refer to the University’s website at www.clemson.edu or the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education’s website at www.che400.state.sc.us.

Students who are unsure to which South Carolina college or university they would like to transfer after their initial coursework at a South Carolina technical college may follow the transfer block system. These transfer blocks are posted at www.clemson.edu/admissions/undergraduate/transferring-credits/equivalency.html. Depending on the student’s chosen major, some courses may not be applicable toward a Clemson degree. Contact the Office of Admissions for information.

Transfer Admissions Officers
Becky D. Pearson, Associate Director of Admissions
Kathryn Rice, Assistant Director of Admissions
Rachel Walker, Transfer Admissions

105 Sikes Hall
Clemson University
Box 345124
Clemson, SC 29634-5124
Phone: 864-656-2287
FAX: 864-656-2464

Transfer Credit

Coursework completed with a grade of C or better at other regionally accredited institutions, including correspondence courses, telecourses, on-line courses, and exempted courses, will be evaluated for transfer credit. This does not guarantee that all courses taken at other institutions will be accepted for transfer. The acceptability of each course or exemption will be determined through an evaluation by the Office of Admissions, and will be based on content, level, comparability to Clemson courses, and applicability to Clemson degree requirements. Transfer courses are evaluated as a direct Clemson equivalent, elective credit, or not college transferable credit. Subject area electives are listed on the transfer course summary as 1999, 2999, 3999 or 4999. Courses that do not have direct Clemson equivalencies may possibly be substituted for required courses in a degree program with approval of the student’s major advisor. Questions about how a course has been evaluated should be directed to the department responsible for teaching the course. If a course does not have a direct Clemson equivalency, the following abbreviations are used: NCT 0001 (Not College Transferable), ELEC 0001 (free elective credit), and 1999, 2999, 3999 or 4999 (subject area elective). To view a listing of how courses have been evaluated previously, visit the Transfer Course Equivalency List at http://virtual.clemson.edu/groups/tcel.

Coursework earned at different institutions will not be joined to equate with one Clemson course. No course taken at a nonbaccalaureate-degree granting institution may be used as an equivalent or substitute for any 3000- or 4000-level Clemson course. Students must submit a registrar’s explanation stating that a grade of P or S is equivalent to a C or better before transfer credit may be awarded.

Learning experiences including, but not limited to, military service schools, non-collegiate sponsored instruction, work-related experiences, etc. will not be evaluated for transfer; however, enrolled students may request credit by examination from the appropriate department for any non-transferable learning experience. For additional information, see Advanced Placement and Credit by Examination .

Students transferring may select the curriculum that was outlined in the Clemson University Undergraduate Announcements at the time they entered the sending institution, provided they have been in continuous enrollment. Further, transfer students may select any curriculum adopted subsequent to that initial curriculum. After enrolling at Clemson, if a transfer student changes from one major to another, the student will complete all of the requirements included in the new curriculum that are in effect at the time of the change. If all coursework toward a degree is not completed within six years after the initial enrollment at the sending institution, the student may be required to complete additional courses.

General Information

Entrance Examinations

All freshman candidates and some transfer students must submit scores from either the SAT or ACT. For August enrollment, it is recommended that students complete the SAT or ACT no later than the preceding December. Registration materials for these tests are readily available at high schools or by contacting the College Board at 609-771-7600 or 1-800-SAT-SCOR or www.collegeboard.com or the American College Testing Service at 319-337-1313 or www.act.org. The College Board’s institutional code for Clemson is 5111. The ACT code for Clemson is 3842. All candidates must have their scores reported directly to Clemson by contacting the appropriate testing agency. Photocopies of student test reports or those submitted by third parties, such as high schools and colleges, are not accepted.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Credit Policy

Clemson University endorses the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program and awards credit for IB Higher Level scores as indicated below.

College Board Advanced Placement Program
The College Board Advanced Placement Program (AP) gives highly motivated high school students an opportunity to begin their college careers during the last year or two of high school. AP participants take college-level courses in high school, sit for
nationally administered examinations in the subjects concerned, and submit test grades to Clemson for credit. Credit is awarded to those earning grades of 3, 4, or 5 on AP exams.

Applicants should be sure to include their social security numbers when registering for AP examinations; this will save time and ensure that credit is automatically awarded to their Clemson academic records.

¹ For students taking the calculus sequence, MATH 1060  and MATH 1080 , a score of 4 or 5 on the HL Mathematics examination earns placement in MATH 1080 . Upon completion of MATH 1080  with a grade of C or better, credit will be given for MATH 1060 . For students taking the MATH 1020  and MATH 2070  calculus sequence, a score of 4 or 5 on the HL Mathematics examination earns placement in MATH 2070 . Upon completion of MATH 2070  with a grade of C or better, credit will be given for MATH 1020 . If the student does not enroll in MATH 1080  or MATH 2070 , or does not pass the sequential class (MATH 2070  or MATH 1080 ) with a grade of C or higher, three credits of elective (ELEC 0001) will be awarded for a score of 4 or 5 on the Mathematics HL exam.

² A score of 6 or 7 on the HL Mathematics examination earns credit for either MATH 1020  or MATH 1060  but not both. Elective credit is awarded for a score of 4 or 5 on the Mathematics IB exam if the student does not enroll in MATH 1080  or MATH 2070  or does not pass the sequential class (MATH 2070  or MATH 1080 ) with a C or higher.

³ Courses determined on an individual basis. See department.

⁴ ELEC 0001 is a transfer elective credit.

⁵ ENGL 1999 is an English elective credit.

⁶ LANG 1999 is a Language elective credit.

⁷ MATH 1999 is a Mathematical Sciences elective credit.

Dual Enrollment

Dual enrollment courses enable high school students to take college-level courses and earn college credit before graduating from high school. Students should have official transcript(s) sent directly to Clemson’s Admissions Office from the registrar of each college or university where credit was earned. A transcript that states “Issued to Student” is considered unofficial. Courses that have previously been evaluated are listed on the Transfer Course Equivalency List (TCEL) at virtual.clemson.edu/groups/tcel. If a student has taken a course not listed on the TCEL, the course will be evaluated by the Office of Admissions once the student has been accepted by Clemson. Students will be notified by letter of the credit they will receive at Clemson before they enroll in the fall.

Placement Tests

Mathematics Placement-All new freshman and transfer students are required to complete the Clemson Mathematics Placement Test (CMPT). Placement in a mathematics course is determined by each student’s CMPT score. Failure to complete the CMPT satisfactorily will result in placement in preparatory work that, in most cases, will not apply toward the general education mathematics requirement. Placement will be adjusted as appropriate after AP and IB scores or credits for previous mathematics courses have been received by Clemson.

Modern Language Placement-The Department of Languages offers placement tests that students are required to take during summer orientation. Any student who has had at least one year of a modern language and who decides to continue with the same language at Clemson, must take one of these tests. Applicants desiring advanced placement in a modern language may take the College Board’s SAT Subject Test, Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Higher Level Examination. SAT Subject Test scores of 450 or higher enable students to exempt one or more language courses. These students will receive credit following the successful completion (grade of C or better) of a qualifying course at Clemson.

¹ Students who earn a score of 3 or 4 should register for ENGL 1030 .

² Students who earn a score of 2 on the Calculus BC examination, but earn a score of 3 (or better) on the AB subscore of the BC examination, may receive credit for MATH 1060 .

³ Students enrolling in a degree program requiring calculus-based physics (PHYS 1220 , PHYS 1240 , PHYS 2210 , PHYS 2220 , PHYS 2230 , PHYS 2240 ), who earn a grade of 5 on Physics B, will be asked to meet with a departmental representative for further evaluation and placement counseling.

⁴ ELEC 0001 is a transfer elective credit

⁵ ENGL 1999 is English elective credit

GED

Candidates submitting General Educational Development (GED) credentials in lieu of a high school diploma must be 19 years of age or older. Official GED score results must be received directly from the General Educational Development Testing Service along with an official copy of the high school transcript and SAT or ACT scores. Applicants presenting the GED will be reviewed by the Undergraduate Admissions Committee.

Appeals

Any freshman or transfer candidate who is denied admission may appeal for reconsideration provided the student (1) presents new information, such as improved grades and/or class rank, improved SAT or ACT scores; and (2) submits an on-line appeal form outlining the rationale for the appeal. All appeals will be processed by the Office of Admissions and referred to the Undergraduate Admissions Committee.

Freshman students who are accepted to and enrolled in Clemson University in a conditional admissions program through the appeals process must meet the conditions of their admission or be subject to disenrollment.

Admission Exceptions

If it is not possible to make a positive decision on the basis of previous academic performance and SAT or ACT scores, other factors, such as special talents or high school profile, may be considered. Where appropriate, the Office of Admissions will refer such cases to the Undergraduate Admissions Committee. Student athletes who do not meet regular admissions standards may be admitted if they meet Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) eligibility requirements.

College Board College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)

CLEP is designed primarily for adults with nontraditional learning experiences. This program has very limited recognition at Clemson. A few departments accept credit for CLEP subject-matter examinations; however, CLEP General Examinations are not recognized. Credit is awarded for introductory-level courses according to criteria established by the following departments: Chemistry, English (composition only). Numerical scores plus essays, required when offered as part of a CLEP examination, will be evaluated by the appropriate department. CLEP credit cannot be used to meet admissions requirements.

Admission Deposit

All accepted freshman and transfer candidates for fall semester are required to submit a nonrefundable $200 admission deposit. This deposit is applicable toward tuition and other University fees and may be paid by credit card.

Housing

All first-year students who are under the age of 21 at the time of enrollment who do not live with parent/guardian(s) [within Anderson, Oconee and Pickens Counties] are required to live in University Housing (on-campus) for the fall and spring semesters. For the purpose of this agreement, the policy noted above does not apply to transfer students. Housing for Transfer students are on a space available basis.

Orientation Programs

The University offers a series of orientation programs during the summer for freshmen and transfer students and their parents/guests. All accepted students are required to attend one of the sessions. During orientation, students will have an opportunity to discuss their educational objectives with an advisor, to register for the fall semester, and to learn about student life and other co-curricular activities. All new students will register for their first semester at Clemson during orientation. For more information about the orientation programs fee structure, visit www.clemson.edu/orientation.

F and J student visa holders are expected to attend an additional International Student Orientation session, which is conducted by the Office of International Services. Additional information about the International Student Orientation and other arrival support is available in the International Student Arrival Guide.

International Undergraduates

Admission services for undergraduate international students are provided by the Office of Admissions. International students who come from abroad or transfer from another school must meet academic, language, and financial qualifications as determined by Clemson University. Transcripts, mark sheets, and academic records must be verified by a certified U.S. educational consultant agency. Prospective transfer students must provide translated course descriptions for coursework to be evaluated for Clemson academic credit. Accepted students who do not provide sufficient course descriptions from a certified translator will not see Clemson University equivalencies on their transfer evaluation summary. Students may provide teaching departments with course descriptions for review once they enroll at Clemson University. The SAT or ACT is required of all international applicants (freshman or transfer). The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required of applicants from countries where English is not the native language. Financial qualifications are determined by the submission of a financial certification form and bank statements verifying adequate funding. The International Services office provides visa enabling documents and advising services. For more information, visit http://www.clemson.edu/admissions/undergraduate/index.html. For International Student Procedures and Requirements, visit http://www.clemson.edu/admissions/undergraduate/requirements/international.html.

Special Student Status

Special students can enroll in a limited number of undergraduate credit hours and are classified with a non-degree status. Examples of special students include: high school students wishing to dual enroll in preapproved courses, individuals wishing to take courses for personal enjoyment and professional development, and individuals needing prerequisites for professional schools. Students interested in graduate studies at Clemson who need undergraduate prerequisite courses should apply non-degree through the Clemson Graduate School.

The special student status is not a “trial admission” status and students who have been denied regular undergraduate admission are not eligible.

The number of undergraduate credit hours taken in this status may vary by program, but no more than 18 semester hours will be allowed. Once the credit hour limit has been reached, the student must apply to a degree seeking program if he wishes to take additional courses. Applicants should apply online at www.clemson.edu and supporting documents may be requested if needed. Financial aid is not available.

Readmission of Former Undergraduates

Undergraduate students (not special or transient students) who have previously attended Clemson, and are not currently enrolled in the current term and wish to return, must apply online at http://www.registrar.clemson.edu/html/formerStu.htm.

The Undergraduate Application for Re-Admission fee is $25.00 and online instructions for payment are provided in the application. Acceptance letters and registration materials are e-mailed to returning students at the e-mail address provided on the application once the student has been re-accepted. Students who have graduated from Clemson applying as former students returning are assigned a program of “Non-Degree Seeking Undergraduate.” These students must complete a Change of Academic Program form through the Office of Enrolled Student Services located in 104 Sikes Hall. Students who have not graduated from Clemson applying as former students returning to continue their undergraduate studies are readmitted into their previous major, but under the catalog year during which they are readmitted. Students with senior status-90+ hours-are readmitted into their previous major and the catalog year during which they last attended the University. If a student’s previous major has been discontinued, the student is assigned a program of “Non-Degree Seeking Undergraduate” and must complete a Change of Academic Program form and select a degree-granting program. Students are required to satisfy the University’s general education requirements in addition to curricular requirements. Any variations in curricular requirements will be considered under the substitution procedures. If all work toward a degree is not completed within six years after entrance, the student may be required to take additional courses. Other information can be obtained from the Registrar’s Office.

Any student who is classified as an in-state student for tuition and fees purposes must reaffirm his or her resident status upon application for readmission to the University. If the resident status of an individual changes, that student will be classified as out-of-state for tuition and fees purposes upon readmission to the University. If the resident status is not immediately clear, the student may be required to submit an application for resident status to the Office of Residency Classification.

Illegal Immigration Reform Act Process

Section 59-101-430 of the South Carolina Code of Laws states:

“(A) An alien unlawfully present in the United States is not eligible to attend a public institution of higher learning in this State, as defined in Section 59-103-5. The trustees of a public institution of higher learning in this State shall develop and institute a process by which lawful presence in the United States is verified. In doing so, institution personnel shall not attempt to independently verify the immigration status of any alien, but shall verify any alien’s immigration status with the federal government pursuant to 8 U.S.C. Section 1373 (c).

(B) An alien unlawfully present in the United States is not eligible on the basis of residence for a public higher education benefit including, but not limited to, scholarships, financial aid, grants, or resident tuition.”

In accordance with section 59-101-430 of the SC Code of Laws, also known as the South Carolina Illegal Immigration Reform Act, the Clemson University Board of Trustees hereby institutes the following process:

I.     PROCESS

All applicants to Clemson University are required to verify on their application whether they are a U.S. citizen, Permanent Legal Resident or will be lawfully present in the United States at the time of enrollment on some other grounds. Enrollment at Clemson University for both undergraduate and graduate students is conditioned upon verification of lawful presence in the United States.

South Carolina Code of Law section 59-101-430 prohibits Clemson University from independently verifying the status of any legal alien. An alien’s status must be verified with the federal government. Therefore, Clemson University will use either the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS), a Web-based technology that tracks and monitors schools and programs, students, exchange visitors and their dependents throughout the duration of approved participation with the U.S. education system, or the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program, Homeland Security’s online system of alien status determination or any federal source of information about lawful alien presence that becomes available to Clemson University.

The Board of Trustees delegates responsibility for administering the details of this process to the Provost and the Office of Academic Affairs.