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Application Process

PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE APPLYING TO THE HONORS PROGRAM.

All new students must complete the Honors Program application in addition to the regular admissions requirements for Clarkson University. The deadline for submitting your application materials to the Honors Program is now March 1. A complete Honors Program application should include the following:

  • Honors Program application form
  • Personal essay
  • Letter(s) of recommendation

Application Form
You can either complete the online application or download the Honors Program Application [PDF].

Personal Essay
We want to know what you are passionate about and how you might use that passion to make a difference in the world. Please write a 500- to 1000-word essay on one of the following topics:

  • If you were able to found a local non-profit organization of your choice, what kind of cause would you champion, what kind of activities would your organization engage in, and how would you draw people to support your cause?
  • If you were able to do research on any topic, what problem would you investigate? Why would you choose this problem? How would you conduct the research? What would be the scientific significance of the research and its broader social impacts?
  • If you could create your own job, what would it be? Why would you choose this job? What would your day look like? What kind of contribution would you be making to the greater good?

Letter(s) of Recommendation
We ask that each student provide one or two letters of recommendation specifically for the Honors Program. You are welcome to request a letter from the same individual(s) who recommended you for admission to Clarkson University. If you do, we would ask that they provide even greater detail about your achievements and potential. We’ve included a detailed instruction sheet for recommenders [PDF].

Deadlines
Deadline for the first round of applications is now March 1.  We must receive applications by this time for candidates to be considered for interview in late February through mid-March.  In some exceptional cases, the Honors Program may invite students to apply later than this date. 

Mailing Address
Please send all application materials (except the online application, which is submitted electronically) to the following address no later than March 1:

Jon Goss, Director
Honors Program
Clarkson University
Box 5755
Potsdam, NY 13699-5755