Frequently Asked Questions
- What is The Clarkson School?
- Will I earn college credits?
- What about a high school diploma?
- How can my parents or counselor find out more about TCS
and early admission? - What is the daily life of a Clarkson student really like?
- What special features and activities does the school have to offer?
- What major areas of study are available?
- Can I use the credit I earn at other colleges and universities?
- How much could this cost?
- What about financial aid?
- How can I learn more about early admission and The Clarkson School?
What is The Clarkson School?
The Clarkson School, a special division of Clarkson University, was founded
in 1978 as an innovative educational opportunity. The School offers students
an early entrance opportunity into college, replacing the typical senior
year of high school with a challenging first year of college. It is one
of the few college early admission programs in the country that provides
a real community living/learning experience on a university campus.
Will I earn college credits?
Students in The Clarkson School are fully matriculated undergraduates with
freshman status at the University. They take classes with other University
students and usually carry a course load of 15 to 18 credits per semester
for two semesters. College credits may also be given for college and Advanced
Placement courses taken before entering The Clarkson School. Cross-registration
at neighboring area colleges and universities can provide additional college
credits, particularly in art, music and languages. These credits also appear
on your official Clarkson University transcript.
What do I do about a high
school diploma?
Because Clarkson does not grant high school diplomas, students who want
to earn a high school diploma or its equivalency may pursue one of three
options.
The first option is to simply take the two-day New York State General Equivalency Exam. This option provides the student with the most flexibility in their schedule and is held at a nearby location.
The second option is to apply for a diploma from the New York State Education Department upon successful completion of twenty-four credit hours in six different disciplines. The state diploma shows that a student has successfully completed these college credits at Clarkson University.
As a third option: It is sometimes possible to receive a high school diploma from your home high school. This will require working out a suitable plan with the high school for satisfying your graduation requirements, while studying at The Clarkson School. *
* If a student chooses to remain enrolled in a high school while enrolled in The Clarkson School, the student is not eligible for federal aid. By definition, enrollment in high school includes, but is not limited to the concurrent pursuit of a high school diploma while enrolled in The Clarkson School. It also includes (i) a student who has completed the requirements for his/her high school diploma but not yet received it and is taking coursework for which his/her high school will give the student credit or (ii) a student who has not received a high school diploma and is considered by his/her high school to be enrolled, e.g., as a requirement for participation in on an interscholastic sports team or in any other curricular or extracurricular activity for which enrollment in high school is a prerequisite.
Our Staff will assist with any of these choices. Clarkson School students do not always seek a high school diploma, since they are already in college, but we always advise students to pursue one of the three possible avenues available.
How can my parents or counselor
find out more about TCS and early admission?
Because this is a small college early admission program in upstate New York,
not all counselors, teachers, and parents have heard of The Clarkson School.
Reservations about venturing into college early are understandable, and
something that most of our prospective students have experienced. If you
invite us to do so, a staff member from The Clarkson School would be glad
to contact your counselor to explain our program and to supply your school
with supporting literature about The Clarkson School. We now have nearly
1270 alumni throughout the United States and the world. Our alumni and their
parents are available to discuss with you or your parents their perspectives
on The Clarkson School.
What is the daily life of
a Clarkson School student really like?
Clarkson School students, as college students, must take a great deal of
responsibility throughout the 24 hours of each day. Bells do not ring between
classes and parents do not wake you up in the morning. If you take 15 college
credit hours, it means you are in class for at least 15 hours each week,
and you must balance the other hours with study time and activities such
as clubs, sports, professional organizations, meals, sleep and recreation.
Many students also spend time learning about other colleges and universities
for the years after The Clarkson School. Students are often involved in
community and church activities, and some have jobs. Hours are also spent
in discussions with other fellow Clarkson School students "solving
problems of the world." Then, of course, there is always the time spent
doing your own laundry.
What special features and
activities does The School have to offer?
The living environment and sense of community are as important to The Clarkson
School year as the enriching academic experience. The Clarkson School administrative
offices are adjacent to the residence hall, and easily accessible. Students
are housed in wings of an undergraduate residence, in suites consisting
of two rooms and one bath, shared by four students. Each of the floors has
a common area furnished with couches, chairs, and used for socializing,
studying, and meetings. A house advisor lives on each floor. Family dinners
for staff, students, and house advisors provide an opportunity for everyone
to get together regularly. Announcements are made, birthdays and special
events are celebrated, and occasionally we have guest speakers. Field trips
are scheduled to places of interest. Special programs are offered in residence
halls for weekends and special occasions. Personal, academic and career
counseling are available to all students. The year begins with an extended
orientation program and concludes with an end-of-year gathering and commencement.
What major areas of study
are available?
At Clarkson, you can pursue a wide variety of academic paths, including:
- Majors in business, engineering, and arts and sciences
- Specialized interdisciplinary majors
- Programs tailored for students who are still deciding
- A selective honors program for exceptionally talented students
For more information about available majors at Clarkson University visit our Programs of Study site.
Will my credits transfer to
other colleges and universities?
Typically, a student applying to other colleges from The Clarkson School
will apply as a freshman with advanced standing, since the student has not
yet completed requirements for a high school diploma or its equivalency.
After an institution accepts the student, their registrar evaluates the
official Clarkson University transcript and, with some exceptions, the student
will transfer his/her credits earned at Clarkson.
How much could this cost?
Paying for a year in The Clarkson School can mean savings in the long run.
College costs escalate each year and our students usually graduate a year
earlier than their peers. The summary of fixed charges for the 2007-2008
academic year is shown below. Financial assistance is available.
| Component | Cost |
| Tuition, (per semester) | $14,235.00 |
| Meal Plan | $2,405.00 |
| Room | $2,554.00 |
| Facilities Usage Fee | $95.00 |
| University Activities Fee | $250.00 |
| Clarkson School Fee | $275.00 |
| Total per semester | $19,814.00 |
| Total per year | $39,628.00 |
Other expenses such as books, travel, and spending money vary from student to student. An estimated figure used for these expenses is approximately $2,960 for one academic year.
What about financial aid?
Eligibility for financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants and loans
is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for
United States citizens and permanent residents. To be considered for financial
assistance, you must first file the Free Application for Federal Student
Aid (FAFSA), and designate Clarkson as a recipient (Title IV Code: 002699).
This form is available in your high school guidance office. Students can
also apply over the Internet at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
As a reminder, if a student chooses to remain enrolled in a high school while enrolled in The Clarkson School, the student is not eligible for federal aid. By definition, the term "enrolled in high school includes, but is not limited to, the concurrent pursuit of a high school diploma while enrolled in The Clarkson School. It also includes (i) a student who has completed the requirements for his/her high school diploma but not yet received it and is taking coursework for which his/her high school will give the student credit or (ii) a student who has not received a high school diploma and is considered by his/her high school to be enrolled, e.g., as a requirement for participation on an interscholastic sports team or in any other curricular or extracurricular activity for which enrollment in high school is a prerequisite.
International student eligibility for scholarships is determined by both the College Scholarship Service Foreign Student Financial Aid Form and the Certification of Finances Form. To find out more, visit the International Undergraduate Financial Aid page.
How can I learn more about
early admission and The Clarkson School?
The best way to learn about this early entrance program is to talk with
students who are enrolled in the experience. The Clarkson School host program
gives prospective students the opportunity to visit the campus, attend classes,
and speak with our Director of Admission as well as current students. To
start the process please complete our More Information
form.
Arrangements for an interview and campus visit may be made by calling The Clarkson School office at 315-268-4425 or 1-800-574-4425 (USA and Canada). Off-campus interviews and phone interviews can be arranged. To request an application, write:
Director of Admission
The Clarkson School
Clarkson University
PO Box 5650
Potsdam, NY 13699-5650
Or:
Phone (Toll Free): 800-574-4425 (USA and Canada)
Phone: 315-268-4425
Fax: 315-268-7991
E-mail: tcs@clarkson.edu
For further information, see our Visiting TCS page.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY POLICY:
Clarkson prohibits discrimination in all aspects of its operation. Clarkson
offers admission to students without regard to handicap, race, color, sex,
sexual orientation, national and ethnic origin, creed and religion. All
students admitted to Clarkson have nondiscriminatory access to the University's
available financial assistance, facilities, activities, and various programs.
