- Pre-Orientation Experiences
Contact Us
Have questions about what to do next as an incoming undergraduate student? Direct your inquiries to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, or reach out to your admissions counselor.
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Phone: 315-268-6480
Email: admissions@clarkson.edu
Confirm Your Spot
A $500 deposit, which can be done in payments, is required to secure your spot in the Class of 2028. If you applied for regular decision, the deposit deadline is May 15th for 2024. If you applied for early decision, the deposit is due within two weeks of receiving your financial aid offer. The deposit is credited toward the first semester's tuition.
We understand that this is an important decision. If you need additional time, please contact your admissions counselor. Please note that the deposit is non-refundable.
What's Next
Create a Student Account
Once you have been accepted, you need to create a PeopleSoft account. This account will be your online hub for the rest of your time at Clarkson. You will find additional checklist items, your financial aid activity, course information (first-year students are assigned their schedule in the first semester) and housing information.
You'll also complete a questionnaire, which asks you what advanced classes you have taken (APs, college, etc.), so that the registrar can make your first-semester schedule. After completing the questionnaire, you can have your official AP scores or college transcripts sent to the Registrar's Office.
You will also be able to make payments and request your Clarkson Knight Card.
Financing Plan Information Packet
Review the financial aid notice and guide to make sure you understand your award. Feel free to contact your admissions counselor with any questions. To make the process as smooth as possible, we list all required forms in your PeopleSoft account under "To-Do Items." Make sure to check back often, in case we require any additional forms or documentation."
Contact Your Admissions Counselor
Office of the Registrar
Once you are accepted, you will be asked to complete the Class Scheduling and Advanced Standing Questionnaire by June 15 (available through the Application Center). This is used to assist the Office of the Registrar in creating your unique class schedule based on your intended major of study, admission to special programs (such as Honors), your performance on the readiness surveys and any advanced placement or transfer credit awarded. You will receive your fall schedule in early August through your MyCU account on PeopleSoft.
Springboard Courses
We offer in-person “Springboard” courses — in fields such as Calculus, Business, Computer Science and Chemistry — to support student confidence in their first semester. All sessions include mentorship from current students and faculty, as well as first-year program advisors. Incoming students can get an early start on their academic careers by joining. As a Springboard student, you will move in early into the residence hall room where you intend to live during your first year. When not in class, you'll have the opportunity to explore the campus and local community, participate in group activities and more. Cost and details are available in the course descriptions.
Pre-Orientation Trips
Pre-Orientation is your opportunity to get connected to classmates with similar interests in the week leading up to Move-In and Orientation. Students who opt-in to Pre-Orientation have the option of choosing from one of a variety of trips for that year, including outdoor adventures with the Clarkson University Outing Club (CUOC), ultimate frisbee slinging with High Dive or learning about Robert's Rules with the Clarkson University Student Association (CUSA), among others.
Submit Your Final Transcripts
To complete your admission application and finalize your financial aid, we need an official copy of your final high school transcript. We will work closely with your guidance department throughout the summer to ensure we receive it. If there are delays, please notify your admissions counselor, so we can follow up.
Choose Housing and Dining Plans
Clarkson is a four-year residential campus, meaning students live on campus throughout their entire undergraduate college experience. We have a variety of options ranging from residence halls to apartments, which students can select on a yearly basis with their cohorts.
Have any questions? Contact the Residence Life Office by phone at (315) 268-6642 or email us at reslife@clarkson.edu.
Living-Learning Communities
During their first year on campus, students will choose one of our Living-Learning Communities, where they will share living quarters and experiences with people having similar interests or goals. Living-Learning Communities serve as a road map for our first-year students to get to meet others throughout their cohort by attending events, partaking in activities and having student, faculty and staff leaders help them feel at home on our campus. We recommend visiting our Residence Life webpage to learn more about our Living-Learning Communities, residence halls, what to bring or not to bring and more!
Housing Survey
In early summer, you will have a Housing Survey added to your Clarkson Portal, where you will request your top-three Living-Learning Communities and complete a quick roommate survey. This helps us match you with a roommate who seems like a good fit. You can also request a specific roommate if you know them already.
Meal Plan Selection
Meal plan selection will also be on your Portal To-Do list. You will receive information on our six campus meal plans and our many campus dining locations. Campus teams can also work with you to accommodate any specific dietary needs prior to your arrival on campus. Students who live in non-apartments on campus must be on a full residential meal plan.
Accommodations
Students who may need academic, housing or dining accommodations due to medical or neurodiverse needs should connect with the Office of Accessibility Services.
Get Ready to Move In
Orientation and Move-In Week will take place between August 18 and August 26. Your move-in date will depend on the dorm to which you're assigned, the school or program you're in and whether you're a first-year or transfer student. In addition to settling into your dorm and meeting your new classmates, Orientation includes events like the Student Resource Fair, the Club and Organization Activities Fair, Glowfest, CUSA Carnival, the Comedy Magic Show and the Convocation Procession to welcome you to our community.
What to PackThe Clarkson Community focuses on helping students feel that our campus is their home away from home. While you cannot alter the physical structure of your space (painting walls, adding drilled shelves, etc.), we encourage you to bring photos, mementos from home, rugs, twin XL bedding, pillows and blankets for that cozy feel. You can also check out some great ideas for "dorm room hacks" and some tips for decorating.
You should consider bringing a personal fan for those warm fall and summer days, a desk lamp, headphones, general school supplies and personal toiletries. Almost all of our first-year students will have a roommate. You can work together to organize who may be bringing the fridge(s), TV(s), microwave(s), etc. This is a great way to help set living expectations between you and your new roommate. You can view the comprehensive list of what to bring/not bring at Residence Life. Photos of campus rooms can be found here, as well.
Laptop SpecsWhile the selection of an appropriate laptop computer is a personal decision, we do have a few recommendations to help guide you in the process. These minimums will help ensure that your laptop will serve you well for your four years at Clarkson.
