Current Clarkson Students

Every year the Honors Program accepts up to ten students from the current Clarkson University first year class, including Clarkson School students.  They enter the Honors Program in the fall semester of their sophomore year and begin the Honors curriculum with the Sophomore Problem Seminar (HP 200). 

The Honors Program may also accept "fast-track" applications from the Clarkson School for admission in the spring semester of the first year in which case they join the course on the The Social and Ethical Implications of Research II (HP101). Please note that "fast-track" admission is offered only to a small number of Clarkson School students in the spring semester of their first year at Clarkson.  Such students will be expected to have demonstrated outstanding academic potential and a genuine interest in the Honors Program at Clarkson University.

Acceptance into the Honors Program is contingent upon confirmation of final grades for the previous semester and a minimum GPA of 3.75. 

Deadlines

 The current student application deadline is February 15, 2013. 

The TCS Fast Track application deadline is November 16, 2012. 

The Application Process

A complete Honors Program application will include the following:

• Honors Program application form
• Writing Sample
• Résumé
• Name of a Referee

The Admissions Committee will review your materials and your academic record, and will usually contact your referee.  Select candidates will be invited to interview. Instructions for each component of the application are below.

• Application Form

  You can either complete the online application or download the Honors Program Application [PDF] for current students or the TCS Honors Program Application [PDF] if you are a Clarkson School student applying for "fast-track" admission in the Spring Semester. Please provide the information requested and let us know why you want to join the Honors Program (max. 250 words) and why the Honors Program should want you to join (max. 250 words).  

  Writing Sample

  Please submit a writing sample.  We suggest that you use a graded essay or paper such as one written for a class assignment at Clarkson University.  If you prefer to write an essay specifically for this application you may do so, provided it is on one of the two topics below.  Please do not submit a generic application essay.    

  • 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?

  Résumé

  Please submit a one-page résumé summarizing your relevant achivements to date.  Be sure to include the following sections:  heading with personal information (including your contact information-mailing address, email address, and a phone number where you caqn be reached), education, honors and awards, co-curricular activities (school activities), extra-cirricular (outside of school), work and volunteer experience, and other activities (e.g. hobbies, interests, travel).  A sample is provided for your reference. 

  Referee

  Please provide us with a name and contact information (phone number and email address) of someone who can recommend you to the Honors Program, preferably an instructor in one of your classes or an advisor at Clarkson.  

  Interview

  Select applicants will be invited for an Honors admission interview.  The interview will be conducted by a member of faculty and a current Honors student and the goal is to explore how you would fit in Honors.  We will cover the following topics with you:

  
  Your recent high school experience
  How you have learned from a personal experience or challenge you have faced
  Your personal qualities and values
  Your interests and activities
  Your future plans and goals
  Lateral thinking skills
  Your reasons for joing the Honors program

  
  
  Please submit your writing sample/essay and résumé to honors@clarkson.edu.  If you are sending it throught the mail address to:
• 
  
  Jon Goss, Director
  Honors Program
  Clarkson University
  PO Box 5755
  Potsdam, NY 13699-5755