What Does It Take to Get Into Clark University?

Just an hour outside Boston lies a liberal arts schools known for its small class sizes and exceptional extracurriculars. Located in Worcester, Clark University holds the No. 66 spot on US News & World Report 2019 edition of Best National Universities. With 50 study abroad programs in more than 20 countries, it’s also a great school for students looking to see the world. In fact, 30% of Clark’s student body studies overseas!

Along with top-notch academics and great study abroad options, Clark scores points with regard to its affordability. Currently, 85% of students at this institution receive some form of aid. Notable alumni of Clark University include Matthew Goldman, cofounder of the performance art Blue Man Group; Hugh Panero, former CEO of XM Satellite Radio; Jeffrey Lurie, the owner of the Philadelphia Eagles; and Padma Lakshmi, host of Bravo’s “Top Chef.”

So is Clark University the right place for you? Keep reading to discover what it takes to get into Clark, as well as CollegeVine’s tips for making a great impression on admissions.

Applying to Clark University: A Quick Review

If Clark University tops your list of dream schools, it’s important to keep track of important dates and deadlines. Students looking to apply for the fall semester are required to send in their application packages by January 15th. You can expect to hear back from the admissions committee by mid-March.

Clark University requires aspiring freshmen to submit the following materials:

• Common Application with supplemental personal essay
• High school transcript
• 1 letter of recommendation from a guidance counselor
• 1 letter of recommendation from a teacher
• SAT or ACT scores (optional)

Because Clark doesn’t require students to take standardized tests, CollegeVine only recommends submitting them if scores are high enough to help your overall application package.

Clark University Acceptance Rate: How Difficult Is It to Get In?

Clark University has an acceptance rate of 59%, which puts it in the competitive category. However, students shouldn’t get discouraged if their GPAs and test scores are a little lower than average. When evaluating potential students, Clark seeks out students who push boundaries both inside and outside the classroom.

The Clark University website includes a page that helps students determine whether the school is right for them. According to the site, aspiring “Clarkies” are devoted to problem solving and eager to shape their worlds. Additionally, they’re passionate about liberal arts. Demonstrating these values will add strength to any application. 

So, How Does One Get Into Clark University?

Clark University evaluates applicants based in part on the strength of their high school curricula. Students are more likely to be admitted if they demonstrate the potential to succeed in a rigorous academic environment. To that end, the admissions department recommends that prospective Clark students pursue the following coursework while in high school:

• 4 years of English
• 3 years of math
• 3 years of science
• 2 years of history and/or social sciences
• 2 years of a foreign language
• Various electives based on your interests and passions

Clark University also considers a student’s grades when making admissions decisions, with the average incoming freshman boasting a GPA of 3.63. While the university doesn’t require students to provide test scores, the average freshman SAT ranges from 1180 to 1380. The average ACT composite ranges from 27 to 31.

How to Make Your Application Stand Out

Clark University considers a range of factors when making admissions decisions. Along with assessing students’ academic achievements, the school looks for applicants who have made a difference outside the classroom. The most competitive candidates demonstrate a dedication to their communities.They demonstrate a genuine curiosity about the world around them and have the volunteer and engagement experience to back it up.

To that end, Clark is passionate about enrolling students who aim to interact with and learn from their peers. According to the university website, Clark students would rather “learn what’s inside someone’s mind than try to change it.” To make your application stand out, find places to detail experiences you’ve had with members of other cultures or even just people who disagree with you. Explain how you listened to each other’s opinions and came together with a new understanding.

So how do you convey your passions and achievements to admissions counselors? Clark students are invited to submit supplemental materials demonstrating their talents. For example, you could send in works of art or DVDs showcasing your filmmaking. Additionally, students can schedule a campus visit and interview to talk about their passions and reinforce their interest in the school.

What If You Get Rejected?

Bummed after receiving a rejection from your dream college? That’s okay! It’s perfectly normal (and healthy) to grieve after missing out on an opportunity. Instead of trying to brush past your feelings, make time to cope with exercise, sports, journaling, or talking to a trusted friend. Once you’ve had some time to sit with the bad news, start thinking about what comes next.

Many students who don’t get into their first-choice schools are tempted to appeal the admissions decision. However, the truth is that colleges rarely reconsider applications. If you didn’t get into your dream school, focus on moving on to the next amazing college on your list.

If Clark University is on your short list, consider other colleges and universities in the Worcester area. For example, you might want to apply at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Assumption College, and College of the Holy Cross. Other schools known for being similar to Clark include Boston University, Northeastern University, Syracuse University, George Washington University, and Brandeis University.

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Curious about your chances of acceptance to your dream school? Our free chancing engine takes into account your GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, and other data to predict your odds of acceptance at over 500 colleges across the U.S. We’ll also let you know how you stack up against other applicants and how you can improve your profile. Sign up for your free CollegeVine account today to get started!