General Admission Requirements
Admission to Clarkson University graduate programs is based upon evidence of intellectual achievement, motivation, and aptitude. All students must have, or be a candidate for, an undergraduate degree from an accredited college before applying for graduate admission status. A grade average of “B” (3.0 cumulative index) or better in undergraduate work is expected for admission. Students with advanced degrees or substantial graduate work will also be judged on the record of previous graduate accomplishments.
We encourage students with a broad range of backgrounds and lifestyles to apply.
Important Note to International Applicants: International students must be consistent in the manner in which they present their name on official documents. Be sure to show your name on the application in the same manner that you want it to be shown on your passport, immigration documents, transcripts and all other official documents. Family (surname) and first name are the only names listed on the I-20. There should be a clear understanding as to what are your given/first name, middle name, and family/surname.
Complete your Application
A complete application file consists of the following items:
Application Form
Resume and Statement of Purpose
Letters of Recommendation – 3 letters required
Official Transcripts
Test Scores – GRE and TOFEL/IELTS (if applicable)
Supplemental information may be submitted if desired: this could include any other information that may help us evaluate your application.
Letters of Recommendation
Ask three (3) references who can evaluate your work (academically and/or professionally) and overall motivation to pursue a graduate degree to submit letters of recommendation.
Recommendation letters may be submitted:
By Mail - must arrive in a sealed envelope signed by the referee
Online - Online applicants may opt to use the online recommendation system during their application process; referees will be contacted automatically by email to create an account and submit their letter electronically
Recommendation letters submitted in any other fashion (email, delivered by the applicant, etc) will not be accepted.
Official Transcripts
Official, original transcripts of all college-level coursework must be submitted as part of your application file.
ONLY ONE (1) COPY OF EACH TRANSCRIPT IS REQUIRED.
Copies or unofficial transcripts (emailed or mailed) will be accepted for evaluation purposes only. If you are accepted, you will be required to submit an official transcript from your university for your file.
All successful applicants MUST complete a bachelor's level degree from a regionally accredited college or university prior to the start of a graduate program at Clarkson.
There are no minimum GPA requirements; however successful applicants will have acheived a record distinctly above average.
Test Scores
Clarkson University's graduate programs require the following test results to complete your graduate school application:
GRE
Applicants are required to have taken the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Official scores should be submitted directly from ETS. Subject GRE scores are not required, but submission of an advanced subject GRE test in your area of study is recommended.
TOEFL/IELTS
All applicants for whom English is a second language must take an English language equivalency exam. Clarkson accepts TOEFL (minimum 550; CBT score of 213; IBT score of 80) or IELTS scores (minimum score of 6.5). Official scores should be submitted directly from the testing company.
Waiver Requests
The Coulter School of Engineering does not automatically waive test score requirements for any applicants.
Waiver approvals are generally rare, and require exceptional extenuating circumstances and/or solid academic reasoning to receive.
To request a waiver of a specific required test score, please submit a request in writing along with your other application documents. The request should include the reason you feel a waiver is appropriate in your situation. The evaluation committee will review your waiver request during your application evaluation. If your waiver is denied, you will be contacted and your application will be placed on hold pending receipt of the required score.
Follow Up
Once submitted you will receive email communication from the graduate coordinator regarding the status of your application. Your application will be reviewed when it is complete. A complete application file includes all the items listed above – no review of your file will take place until all required documents have been received.
All applications are considered for all available forms of financial aid. There is no separate application for financial aid consideration. Awards will be granted based on merit.
