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 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.
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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 StudentSELF-REPORTED ACADEMIC RECORD (SRAR)
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 SRAR system will be available in students’ Applicant Portal.
Learn how to help students complete their Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR).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, or mailed in a sealed envelope to the following address:
Clemson University
Undergraduate Admissions
105 Sikes Hall
Box 345124
Clemson, SC 29634-5124
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 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.
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 freshman admission complete the following high school courses.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Foreign Language - 2 credits
All credits must be earned in the same language.
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Social Sciences - 3 credits
American history is required. A half credit of government and a half credit of economics are also recommended.
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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
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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 freshmen, 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 freshmen who have their admissions application complete by the end of December will be given primary consideration for University-administered 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.
Counselor Events
Counselor Breakfasts
Our partnership with the University of South Carolina and the College of Charleston makes these breakfasts a one-stop shop for higher education in the Palmetto State. We provide the most up-to-date statistical information at these informal gatherings in addition to other important admissions details. Our goal is to give guidance counselors all the tools they need to help prospective college students make an informed decision about pursuing higher education in state.
Each session will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude by 10:30 a.m.
Register for a Counselor BreakfastVirtual Counselor Events
Join Clemson Admissions staff for a virtual information session geared toward high school counselors! The session will equip counselors with the information needed to guide students through the application and admissions process, as well as help them determine whether Clemson is the right college for them. There will also be time to ask questions about all things Clemson!
Register for a South Carolina Counselor Event Register for an Out-of-State Counselor EventCounselor 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected].
