How to Get Into Clemson University: Admissions Stats + Tips
What’s Covered:
- Average Academic Profile of Accepted Clemson Students
- What is Clemson University Looking for?
- How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Into Clemson University
- How to Apply to Clemson University
- What Are My Chances at Clemson?
Clemson University is a large, public university located in Clemson, South Carolina. With a student population of over 23,000, Clemson is the second-largest university in the state. The school is particularly known for its strong engineering program, which boasts a fantastic industrial engineering program. Other popular majors include nursing, accounting, and computer science. Clemson is also known for its Division I athletics.
Average Academic Profile of Accepted Clemson Students
Getting into Clemson is hard—only 38% of applicants were accepted in the 2024-2025 admissions cycle. Clemson’s rigorous standards are reflected in the academic profile of accepted students.
The average academic profile of accepted students during the 2024-2025 admissions cycle was:
- GPA: 86.19% of admitted students had a 4.0
- Middle 50% SAT: 1250-1400
- Middle 50% ACT: 28-32
- Class Rank: 54.57% of admitted students were in the top 10% of their graduating high school classes, and 99.63% were in the top half
Clemson is test-optional. During the 2024-2025 admissions cycle, 35% of students submitted SAT scores and 20% ACT scores. Clemson super-scores the SAT and ACT.
What is Clemson University Looking for?
Clemson relies heavily on academic metrics when making admissions decisions, placing strong emphasis on GPA, test scores, coursework, and class rank. Based on public data, the criteria below are considered the most important in Clemson’s evaluation process.
According to their 2024-2025 Common Data Set, Clemson University considers the following factors “very important”:
- Course rigor
- Class rank
- GPA
- State residency
Clemson considers just one component “important”:
- Standardized test scores
These factors are “considered”:
- Recommendations
- Extracurricular activities
- Talent/ability
- First generation
- Legacy
- Geographical residence
These are “not considered”:
- Easy
- Interview
- Character/personal qualities
- Religious affiliation/commitment
- Volunteer work
- Work experience
- Level of applicant’s interest
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Into Clemson University
1. Achieve at least a 4.0 GPA while taking the most challenging classes available.
Clemson requires you to be at the top of your class and to take honors/AP classes to be competitive. 54.47% of accepted students were in the top 10% of their graduating class, and 91.60% were in the top quarter.
If you are a freshman or sophomore and your GPA is lower, there’s still time to improve your GPA. If you’re a junior or senior, it’s more difficult to increase your GPA. Rather, we suggest trying to earn a higher SAT or ACT score.
Keep in mind that Clemson places considerable weight on rigorous coursework. The admissions committee seeks out students who take the most challenging curriculum available to them. It’s not enough to get good grades in easy classes. Consider taking AP classes throughout high school to build an impressive academic profile.
2. Aim for a 1400 SAT and 31 ACT.
Clemson’s 50th-percentile SAT score is 1320, and its 50th-percentile ACT score is 31. That said, aim for the 75th percentile—a 1400 SAT or a 32 ACT—to be a more competitive applicant.
Although Clemson is test-optional, we suggest that you sit for the exams. In general, students who submit test scores have a higher chance of being admitted. If your score is above the 25th percentile (1250 SAT and 28 ACT at Clemson for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle), we recommend submitting your score.
It is important to note that Clemson superscores. You should plan to take the SAT or ACT two to three times to maximize your superscore. Curious if you should submit your score? Get a recommendation using our free chancing engine.
3. Cultivate a strong portfolio of extracurriculars.
Universities accept students with strong extracurricular profiles. Extracurriculars fall into different categories as admissions officers evaluate the quality and depth of activity that you participate in:
- Tier 1 includes the most impactful activities. These are rare and demonstrate exceptional achievement and leadership, such as earning national recognition in athletics or winning a prestigious national competition.
- Tier 2 activities also show great achievement and leadership, but are more common than those of Tier 1. These activities include state-level recognition in athletics, winning a regional composition, or holding a leadership position in a well-known club.
- Tier 3 extracurriculars demonstrate your interests but don’t carry the same weight as those in the tiers above. For example, playing a varsity sport or holding a minor leadership position in a well-established club.
- Tier 4 is home to the least distinguished and influential activities, such as playing a sport or participating in a club.
You should have a mix of activities from these tiers to be competitive for Clemson. Ideally, you should have one or two Tier 3-4 activities and a few Tier 2-3 activities. Remember that having more activities is not always better. Instead, have a smaller number of activities that you have dedicated extensive time and effort to.
4. Write engaging essays
With more than 60,000 applicants in 2024–2025, Clemson’s admissions committee has plenty of strong candidates to choose from. Compelling essays that clearly convey your interests and passions can help you stand out. Use your responses to show why you’re a strong fit for Clemson specifically.
5. Apply early
The Early Action deadline at Clemson is October 15 and the Regular Decision deadline is January 1. To be considered for scholarships, you’ll need to apply by January 1.
How to Apply to Clemson University
|
Application TimeLine |
Submission Deadline |
Decision Released |
|
Early Action |
October 15 |
Mid-December |
|
Regular Decision |
January 1 |
Mid-February |
The Clemson application requirements include:
- Completing an application through the Clemson Application, Common Application, or Coalition Application
- Paying the $70 application fee
- Submitting your transcript
- Send SAT/ACT scores (optional)
- Uploading additional materials—such as a personal statement, letters of recommendation, or a resume (optional)
What Are My Chances at Clemson?
The acceptance rate for Clemson in the 2024-2025 admissions cycle was 38%—61,517 prospective students applied and 23,586 were accepted. In addition to Regular Decision (RD) admissions, Clemson also offers Early Action (EA) admissions. Clemson doesn’t publish their early action acceptance rate, but typically, the acceptance rate for EA applicants is higher than that of those who apply RD.
Clemson is competitive to get into, but your own personal chances of acceptance may be higher or lower depending on your test scores, GPA, and extracurricular activities. To better understand your chances of admission, we suggest that you check out CollegeVine’s free chancing calculator. This tool allows you to input your college profile, then will calculate your chances of admission to a particular college. Best of all, it’s completely free!
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