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Undergraduate Admissions

Counselor Information

Clemson values the work of high school counselors to inspire and assist students pursuing higher education. The academic and social path you are guiding your students down is paramount to the successes they can expect to enjoy and the challenges they will overcome while working toward a college degree.

We want to give you the tools you need to help your college-bound students learn about Clemson and navigate the application process. If you don’t find something here that you need, please call the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 864-656-2287.

Check out our digital Counselor’s Report for answers to the most-asked questions your students may have about Clemson University, as well as up-to-date facts and information about applying, gaining acceptance and the undergraduate experience here.

View the Digital Counselor's Report (PDF)

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Information regarding important dates and deadlines, the application process, preferred academic credentials and decision types can be found at Applying as a First-Year Student.

Applying as a First-Year Student

Test Score Policy

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 students' application files 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 the test date. The super composite ACT score is calculated as the average of the best ACT English, Reading, Math and Science subject scores.

Admissions Statistics

Explore data about the most recent class of first-year students and the Clemson student body

View University Admissions Statistics >>

SELF-REPORTED TRANSCRIPT AND ACADEMIC RECORD (STARS)

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 the application, a link to the STARS system will be available in the students’ Clemson admissions portal.

Learn how to help students complete their Self-Reported Transcript and Academic Record (STARS).

Submitting Documents

The official high school transcript will not need to be submitted to Clemson until after students are admitted and confirm their enrollment. Official, final high school transcripts can be sent electronically through electronic transcript services such as Parchment, Common App or Coalition. Alternatively, they can be mailed in a sealed envelope to the following address:

Clemson University
Undergraduate Admissions
220 Madren Center Drive,
Suite 251
Clemson, SC 29634

a female student works at her laptop at an outdoor table on a sunny spring day

RECOMMENDED HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM

A high school diploma is required. 

Most students admitted to Clemson have taken college preparatory programs in high school. Clemson recommends applicants for first-year student admission complete the following high school courses. 

English - 4 credits
All four courses must have strong grammar and composition components with at least one English literature and at least one 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 might count together as a substitute if a student successfully completes Algebra II), algebra II and geometry. 

Laboratory Science - 3 credits
Two credits must be selected from Biology I, Chemistry I or Physics I. Physical science does not typically count as a lab science. 

Foreign Language - 2 credits
All credits must be earned in the same language. 

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

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. Alternatively, one unit of world history, world geography or Western civilization is acceptable. 

Physical Education/ROTC - 1 credit

Fine Arts - 1 credit
One unit in appreciation of, history of or performance in one of the fine arts is required. 

While not normally recommended for new first-year students, a few Clemson departments accept credit for College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) subject matter examinations. However, CLEP general examinations are not recognized. CLEP was designed primarily for adults with nontraditional learning experiences. See the Undergraduate Catalog for more information. 

FINANCIAL AID

Scholarship award amounts and eligibility criteria vary widely. All admitted entering first-year students who complete their admissions application by January 1 and submit their required materials by January 10 will be considered for all University scholarships for which they may be eligible.

Clemson University’s FAFSA code is 003425. Visit the Office of Financial Aid for more information on completing financial aid forms.

For more information on tuition and grants, visit Cost and Aid.

a male faculty member instructs a summer scholar student at a table in the architecure building

Counselor Events

Counselor Fly-in/Drive-in Events

We can’t wait to show you our beautiful campus. Join us for a counselor fly-in or drive-in event to get a firsthand look at the Clemson Experience and opportunities available to your students. Email visit@admission.clemson.edu for more information.

Clemson in Your Area

Clemson Admissions staff members travel across South Carolina and the United States to meet with prospective students and counselors. Want us to visit your school or attend a college fair in your area? Email us at apply@admission.clemson.edu.

Group Tours

As a high school counselor, you can schedule guided group tours at Clemson. Group tours are available for high school-aged groups with 10-60 students.

Group Tour Request