You are considered a first-year applicant if you are currently enrolled in high school or have not enrolled in or earned credit at another college or university following high school graduation.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| August 1 | Application opens |
| October 15 | Early Action application submission deadline |
| November 1 | Early Action required materials submission deadline |
| Mid-December | Early Action decisions released |
| January 1 | Regular Decision application submission deadline |
| January 10 | Regular Decision required materials submission deadline |
| Mid-February | Regular Decision decisions released |
| May 1 | Final date to apply |
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| December 1 | Application submitted and file complete |
October 15 is the deadline to submit your application for Early Action consideration. November 1 is the last date to submit any outstanding items listed on your checklist in your Clemson admissions portal and to switch your preference on having SAT/ACT scores considered in the admissions review for Early Action.
January 1 is the deadline to submit your application for Regular Decision and scholarship consideration. January 10 is the last date to submit any outstanding items listed on your checklist in your Clemson admissions portal and to switch your preference on having SAT/ACT scores considered in the admissions review for Regular Decision, and for scholarship consideration.
One of the clearest indicators of your fit at Clemson is your academic performance in high school. We examine your GPA, class rank and the rigor of the classes you took to gauge your ability to rise to academic challenges.
Most of our applicants have competitive GPAs and present transcripts with college preparatory, honors and AP coursework based on what is offered by their high school.
All applicants for first-year admission should have completed the following courses:
Recommended High School Curriculum
| Course Type | Credits |
|---|---|
| English | 4 credits |
| Mathematics | 3 credits |
| Laboratory Science | 3 credits |
| Foreign Language | 3 credits* |
| Social Sciences | 3 credits |
| Other | 2 credits |
| Physical Education/ROTC | 1 credit |
| Fine Arts | 1 credit |
*Students who have completed fewer than three credits of the same foreign language are encouraged to apply. Select majors may have additional requirements.
AP, IB and dual enrollment offerings vary widely from school to school, so we look at your coursework in the context of what was offered at your high school. Future Clemson Tigers shine by accepting the challenge when AP, IB or dual enrollment classes are offered in high school. Visit Transfer Course Equivalency to gauge how many of your AP, IB and dual-enrollment courses translate to Clemson credit, or view the IB Credit Chart and AP Credit Chart to learn more.
Clemson has adopted a test-optional policy. Applicants are not required to submit a standardized test score to be considered for admission to Clemson.
If a student chooses that test scores should be used, the scores must be submitted electronically by the respective testing agency. We will automatically update your application file with any new test scores we receive by our application deadlines. Clemson does not require the SAT or ACT essay.
Clemson University super-scores both the SAT and the ACT. For the SAT, this means that the overall total SAT score will then be derived by taking the highest of the evidence-based reading and writing/math scores.
For the ACT, this means that we consider a student’s highest ACT section (or subtest) scores regardless of test date. The super composite ACT score is calculated as the average of the best ACT English, Reading, Math, and Science subject scores.
You can view our First-Year Student Profile to learn more about test score ranges for admitted students.
Choice of major and residency play an important part in the evaluation process. Because some majors attract large numbers of applicants or have limited classroom space, admission requirements may vary. In addition, as a public institution, we give South Carolina residents priority in the evaluation process.
Students are encouraged to select two different intended majors. If you are not admissible in your first choice, we automatically consider your second. Selecting the same major twice is not recommended.
An audition is required for students interested in pursuing music or theatre concentrations. For more information, visit the Performing Arts Department.
Many people have hobbies and interests. Clemson Tigers have passions and service mindsets that guide them to leadership roles in clubs, organizations, sports teams, volunteer activities, the arts, academic clubs and part-time jobs. Let us know about how you led your team to a championship win, the research you’ve conducted or the job you’ve excelled in while maintaining an excellent GPA.
We are looking for students who bring varied experiences, knowledge and talents to Clemson. We understand that not everyone has the same opportunities. When reviewing applications, your coursework, activities and curriculum are examined in the context of what is offered in your high school.
We want to hear about the skills, experiences, challenges and triumphs that have shaped you. Upload an optional Personal Statement with your application to let us know if there are specific circumstances that impacted your academic performance for a specific period of time or in a particular class. We want to hear your story.
We will provide updates on the status of your application via email, but you can also view your application status and updates by visiting your Clemson admissions portal. When you are accessing the Clemson admissions portal for the first time, please reference your email for log-in instructions.
Clemson University requires first-year applicants to self-report their high school transcripts. Students who are admitted to Clemson will be required to send official transcripts prior to enrollment. After submitting your application, a link to the SRAR system will be available in your Admissions Portal.
Clemson has adopted a test-optional policy. Applicants are not required to submit a standardized test score to be considered for admission to Clemson.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available in the fall. The amount of need-related aid for which you are eligible is determined by the information you supply annually on the FAFSA. To be considered for need-based scholarships, applicants must also submit the FAFSA to the federal processor by March 1.
There is no separate application process for the majority of scholarships and aid at Clemson. Students who want to be considered for scholarships must apply for admission by January 1 and complete their application file by January 10.
Please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid for additional information. Students will receive an email notification about their financial aid award package in the spring. If additional aid is needed, there are federal and private loan options or a Tuition Payment Plan available.
If you need to change your major, edit your personal information, change your application term or withdraw your application, please visit your Clemson admissions portal.
Admitted first-years for Fall have until May 1 to choose whether or not to enroll. Students admitted to Fall may opt in to the Summer term if they choose.
Some students are admitted to the Summer term. Students offered this decision type have the option to enroll through one of the following pathways:
Students have until May 1 to choose whether or not to enroll.
Students admitted to the Bridge to Clemson program will begin their Clemson experience by taking courses at Tri-County Technical College for their first year.
Students admitted to the Spring semester will enroll at Clemson in January. Students may choose to take courses at another institution during the Fall semester and enroll as a transfer student. If students do not take courses during the Fall semester, they will enroll as a first-year student.
A limited number of students will be offered a place on Clemson’s waitlist. Students should carefully review their decision letter for information on how to express interest in the waitlist.
We encourage students who receive this decision to review our transfer admission guidelines and consider transferring to Clemson in the future.
If you receive a “Fall Admit” or “Clemson Summer Start” admission decision, you are eligible to participate in Global Start! This program enables you to study abroad the summer before your first Fall semester at Clemson.
