Waitlist FAQs
Why was I waitlisted?
We received almost 60,000 applications for the Fall 2023 first‐year class for a class of approximately 4,500. With such a competitive applicant pool and limited space in the first-year class, we are not able to admit all applicants with strong academics.
Can I appeal my admission decision?
A waitlist offer is not a final decision, so it cannot be appealed.
When will I know if I am admitted from the waitlist?
We will not know if we have space available in our first-year class until after the admitted student response deadline. We expect to make final waitlist decisions in early June.
What can I do to improve my chances of being offered admission from the waitlist?
The first thing you should do is complete your Waitlist Interest Form in the Applicant Portal. This form will allow you to indicate if you are still interested in remaining on the waitlist, specify what Clemson pathways you would accept if space were available, and provide updates on any new accomplishments and/or relay your level of interest in Clemson.
We do not encourage students on the waitlist to submit any new transcripts, letters of recommendation, writing samples, resumes, certificates, DVDs, CDs, photos or additional materials.
You can also reach out to the admissions counselor for your territory to express your continued interest in Clemson.
Should I accept another school’s offer of admission?
We encourage you to consider alternative college plans since there is no guarantee that we will be able to offer admission from the waitlist. Students who have been waitlisted and accepted to another college or university should confirm their place at another institution by May 1.
If I’m selected from the waitlist but have already paid an enrollment deposit at another college or university, will the other institution refund my deposit?
Enrollment deposits are typically nonrefundable. Please contact the specific institution directly about their deposit policies.
If I am offered admission, will I be considered for financial aid?
If we are able to offer you admission, we will consider you for need-based financial aid, assuming you have already completed the FAFSA by our deadlines. Merit scholarships are not available.
Realistically, what are my chances of being selected from the waitlist?
The number of students who have been admitted from the waitlist varies from year to year based on the number of applications we receive and competitiveness of the applicant pool. In some years, we are able to make offers off the waitlist, and in others, we are not. We will consider all students on the waitlist for all of our Clemson pathway programs: Fall admission, Summer Start, the Bridge to Clemson program and January admission.
