To Apply

Honors Admissions

Program Eligibility

The Clarkson Honors Program is rigorous requires a commitment by participants to push themselves in the areas of scholarship, leadership and service.

Of the near 150 who apply, the 30 freshmen admitted to the Clarkson Honors Program are typically ranked in the top 10% of their high school class, score high on the SAT or other standardized tests, and consistently demonstrate outstanding academic or leadership achievement.

While the Honors Program admission committee looks at these and other factors such as advance placement courses taken, grades on Regents exams, Board scores, and extracurricular activities, members are especially concerned with the qualities that enable students to thrive in the Honors Program:

• Love of learning
• Intellectual curiosity
• Initiative, motivation
• Ability to handle risk and uncertainty
• Strong work ethic
• Additional outstanding qualities
  
  
  

Application Process

A completed Honors Application Package must be submitted no later than March 1st for full consideration.

Important Note: The Honors Application is required in addition to completing and submitting the regular Clarkson University application, which you can find online through the Admission Office.

Application Checklist

1. Clarkson Honors Application

Complete the Honors application online or download a copy of the Honors application form (.pdf 20 KB) right here.

2. Essay

Write a 500 to 1,000-word essay demonstrating you possess one or more of the qualities mentioned on the application form. We prefer essays that deal with a few qualities in detail to those that attempt to cover all of the qualities.

3. Letter(s) of Recommendation

Please have one or more letters of recommendation forwarded to our office. If you wish, you may ask the same individuals that recommended you for admission to the University. Please see the instructions included in the application form.

Written materials may be sent via e-mail to honors@clarkson.edu or mailed to, Honors Program, PO Box 5755, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699-5755.

Online Application Form - For Prospective Students
Online Application Form - For Internal Applicants

(4) Interview

You are also required to have an Honors Admission Interview. We encourage interviews in person but if this isn't possible, a telephone interview can be arranged. In order to schedule an interview, please call the Honors Office (315-268-2320/2290).

In the interview, we will cover many of the following question areas with you:

• What are some examples of achievements in academics or other areas in which you take special pride?
• How have you reacted or responded to academic or personal obstacles, challenges or "failures"?
• What specific talents, abilities, and interests would you bring to the Honors Program?
• In what ways have you demonstrated curiosity and a love of learning?
• In which types of situations have you found it easiest to feel motivated and involved? In which do you find it difficult to be motivated or involved?
• What are some of the things you feel the Honors Program should be offering you?
• What reactions do you have about the possibility for a substantial amount of research or project work, and how have you been involved in team efforts in the past? What have you learned about team work or working in groups?
• In what sorts of learning situations have you felt the most and least challenged?
• What are your future goals and hopes?

For us, the goal of the interview is to learn as much about you as we can. If there are things that you would like us to know that are not covered by these questions, please feel free to bring them up.

We are looking forward to hearing from you!
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