Frequently Asked Questions
Transfer Students
Find answers to your questions about campus life here. If you still need more information, please contact the Admissions Office at (800) GO-CLARK ((800) 462-5275) or admissions@clarku.edu.
- What are the deadlines for transfer admission?
- The application deadlines for transfer students are:
November 1 Spring Transfer Deadline April 1 Fall Transfer Deadline - Do I need standardized test scores?
- Transfer students must submit the results of the SAT I or the ACT standardized tests if taken within the previous five years. If appropriate, other scores such as Advanced Placement and G.E.D. may be submitted.
- What is Clark's policy regarding standardized test scores for students who have been out of high school for a number of years?
- In individual circumstances, the standardized test requirement may be waived and employment recommendations may be substituted for faculty recommendations. You will need to call the Admissions Office to discuss your particular situation.
- What if English is not my first language? Do I need to take the TOEFL?
- Yes. If English is not your first language, you must submit results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The minimum score for full admission is 80 ibT (Internet) or 550 pbT (paper).
- Should I visit Clark to have an interview?
- One of the best ways to find out if Clark is a good match for you is to visit campus and get a sense of the Clark community. We offer a number of visit options including personal interviews. Although an interview is not required, it is strongly recommended. See the visit calendar for more information on visiting Clark.
- If I have a G.E.D., will my application be looked at differently than those who have a high school diploma?
- No. For admission to Clark, a diploma from an accredited secondary school or G.E.D. equivalency is required. The same consideration is given to both.
- Should I write an optional essay?
- Most students submit the optional essay to give us a better sense of who they are or to address an issue they feel is important for the Admissions Committee to understand. For example, a student who has a low GPA one semester or a poor grade in a class should include an explanation of the circumstances that contributed to the poor performance. A student who has taken some time off from school should be sure to tell us what types of activities he/she has been involved in during that time. Some students write a more detailed transfer statement that includes this information. Others will write the optional essay. Students who do not submit the optional essay are not penalized.
- What criteria does the Admissions Committee use when reviewing candidates for transfer admission?
- Each candidate is individually reviewed with consideration given to both academic and personal potential. We consider the student's college record, academic references, personal statements, high school record, test scores, and co-curricular activities. Emphasis is placed on the work done in college (as represented by grades and recommendations). Typically, transfer students with a college grade point average of 3.0 or higher are successful at Clark University.
- What credit system is used at Clark?
- Each semester-length course at Clark has the value of one unit, equivalent to four semester hours of credit. A minimum of 32 units is needed for the Clark bachelor's degree, and students typically take four courses per semester. In accordance with Academic Advising practices, credit will be awarded on a prorated basis for students transferring into Clark from institutions that operate on a different credit system.
- What classes will transfer?
- Most liberal arts courses taken at regionally accredited colleges or universities will receive Clark credit provided the student earned a grade of C or better. All students are provided with a transfer credit evaluation at the time of admission. Outside seminars, internships, and remedial, vocational and online coursework are not transferable to Clark's curriculum.
- How is class standing determined?
- Your class standing will be determined in the following manner:
- 0-7.99 units = first-year standing
- 8-15.99 units = sophomore standing
- 16-23.99 units = junior standing
- 24 or more units = senior standing
- How do I get a Preliminary Transfer Credit Evaluation?
- You are welcome to request an online preliminary credit evaluation. Complete the form as requested and submit it. It will take approximately two to three weeks to process your request.
- What if I did not do well in high school but have now improved in my college coursework?
- The overall academic record is considered by the Admissions Committee when reviewing students for transfer. Therefore, improvements in academic performance from high school to college are taken into consideration. An upward trajectory in academic performance often indicates that a student has learned the skills necessary to succeed at Clark.
- I have been out of college for several years. Am I an admissible candidate?
- Demonstrating the ability to handle college-level work is one of the factors the Admissions Committee will consider when evaluating your application. We strongly suggest that students who do not have recent college experience enroll in several courses at a local community college before applying for admission to Clark.