students walking in Red Square - seen from the Bistro

Transfer Admissions

Clark University accepts applications from transfer students in January and August. The deadlines are November 1 and April 1 respectively. Students will receive notification of their admission decision as soon as possible after the deadline, provided the application is complete. 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.


Successful transfer applicants typically have a college grade point average of 3.0 or higher. The Admissions Committee looks closely at the college transcript as well as the high school transcript. Emphasis is placed on the work done in college as represented by grades and recommendations. The longer a student has been attending college, the more emphasis is placed on the college transcript.

Application Requirements:

Students who have completed at least one semester of college course work or are currently enrolled as a full-time college student qualify as transfer applicants. A complete transfer application includes the following:

For admission to Clark, a diploma from an accredited secondary school or G.E.D. equivalency is required.

Commonly asked questions about the application process:

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 your Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores. The minimum score for admission is 550 on the paper version of the test and 213 on the computerized version.

Information concerning test dates and locations may be obtained by writing to TOEFL, P.O. Box 6151, Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6151 U.S.A. or visiting their Web site: www.toefl.org.
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 type 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.

Application Evaluation Process

The University is most concerned with the strength of the student's academic program. However, the University values diversity and understands that some students may be following different curricular patterns.

Commonly asked questions about Clark's Evaluation Process:

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 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.