News
March 30, 2020Clarkson University to Implement a “Test-Optional” Policy for Fall 2021 Admissions
Students entering Clarkson University in the Fall of 2021 have the choice if they want to submit their standardized test scores when they apply for admission to the university. The decision comes as the University seeks to support its future student community who will face other challenges when considering college admissions amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“These tests can impede access and opportunity for many students, and as we strive to maintain a diverse cohort of students we are constantly seeking new ways to do that. Sending the signal through a ‘test-optional’ policy shows we are an institution committed in words and actions to the principles of inclusion, and that will elevate the awareness of Clarkson University among the students we seek to enroll,” said Clarkson Provost Robyn Hannigan. “Incoming students are facing many challenges and whether they can afford to take a test or find a test site that is open when needed should not be one of them.”
This policy means that no student who applies for admission in Fall 2021 will have to submit a standardized test score, such as the SAT or ACT. Students may submit them if they choose to. However, if they do not submit a score, there will be no impact on their application review. Clarkson will also abide by the policy for Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 semesters, even though many students will have already taken their tests for admission for those semesters.
Clarkson is also waiving the standardized tested requirement for Fall 2020 and 2021 for students who apply to The Clarkson School, the selective early college program for talented and motivated high school-aged students who enroll as first-year university students at Clarkson University. Clarkson School students take the same courses as Clarkson University’s first-year students.
Prospective students interested in learning more about Clarkson University can visit www.clarkson.edu/info and fill out a short Undergraduate Request Information form, or contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions directly via email at admissions@clarkson.edu or phone at 315-268-6480. Those ready to apply to Clarkson for undergraduate study can start a free, online application through Clarkson’s application at www.clarkson.edu/apply or through the Common App (www.commonapp.org). Application deadlines for Fall 2021 are December 1, 2020, for Early Decision and January 15, 2021, for Regular Decision.
Another way Clarkson is helping students is by adjusting the Pass/No Credit option for current students. As Clarkson faculty quickly moved to put all courses online and current students are adapting to learning from home, the university amended the Pass/No Credit option to minimize the impact of all of these changes on a student’s GPA. Now, Clarkson undergraduate students have the option to receive either Pass/No-Credit or an explicit letter grade at the end of the semester. Students will be able to see their grade and make the final choice. The university will retain both grades with a note of the extenuating circumstances on the transcript, and if needed for any reason at any time, the student can revert the P/NC to a letter grade.
As a private, national research university, Clarkson is a leader in technological education and sustainable economic development through teaching, scholarship, research and innovation. We ignite personal connections across academic fields and industries to create the entrepreneurial mindset, knowledge and intellectual curiosity needed to innovate world-relevant solutions and cultivate the leaders of tomorrow. With its main campus located in Potsdam, N.Y., and additional graduate program and research facilities in the New York Capital Region, Beacon, N.Y., and New York City, Clarkson educates 4,300 students across 95 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, the arts, education, sciences and health professions. Our alumni earn salaries that are among the top 2.5% in the nation and realize accelerated career growth. One in five already leads as a CEO, senior executive or owner of a company.
