Clark University
Clark University
Clark University is located in Worcester, MA—the 2nd largest city in New England. It is 45 minutes from Providence, RI and also less than an hour from Boston. Worcester, especially the neighborhood around Worcester, is not known for its beauty or idyllic nature and is even described by some residents as “sketchy.” However, it is very inviting to the type of student Clark attracts. Involved, engaged, creative students who thrive on community service, community engagement, and real world experience are proud to be “Clarkies.” Adventurous students can find indie music and eclectic restaurants around the college. Students are unconventional and unique.
Clark began in 1887 exclusively as a graduate school. Today Clark is also a thriving undergraduate school. With 2400 undergraduates and 1100 graduate students, Clark is different from a lot of other schools because it is the size of a small liberal arts college while retaining and celebrating the benefits that an active graduate school confers. Clark describers their unique focus as Liberal Education and Effective Practice, “LEEP.” LEEP is the unique commitment Clark makes to impart knowledge to students; to teach them ways to apply that knowledge in the real world with internships, community partnerships, research, and service; and then to give their students the opportunities to be successful in the world after graduation. http://www.clarku.edu/leep/ The university is defined by its urban location and this emphasis on effective practice, which basically means that the students don’t stop the learning process after the course material is mastered. The students use what they learn to engage in their communities, cities, states, countries and the world.
Research is a particular focus for students at Clark University. Undergraduates are encouraged to get involved, and students showcase their work each semester during Fall Fest and Academic Spree Day. The school’s research expertise is a century-long tradition; on campus in 1909, Sigmund Freud gave his famous Clark Lectures about psychoanalysis. His statue remains to commemorate these talks. University researchers have been responsible for discoveries that led to the birth control pill and the formula for the wind-chill factor.
Clarkies reportedly:
- are passionate about ideas and causes and events beyond themselves.
- embrace issues and take action.
- approach life with open minds and a global perspective.
Clark offers 32 majors, 31 minors and 10 interdisciplinary programs. There are pre-professional programs in engineering (3:2), education, management, pre-law and pre-heath. The graduate school offers 8 PhD programs and 12 masters programs and 3 dual-masters programs. Students indicate two areas of major interest on their application, but can apply undecided as well. For students interested in business, the School of Management offers majors and minors to undergraduate students. If students so desire they can pursue a major in the liberal arts college but still get a good grounding in management by pursing the minor in the School of Management. The most popular major at Clark is psychology, and the Psychology Department is known to be particularly strong nationally. Other popular majors include: political science, business management, international development and social change, and biology.
Ninety-six percent of the faculty have terminal degrees, which means that there are some classes which are taught by teaching assistants. Some bigger classes break into small discussion groups led by undergraduate upperclassmen! The average class size is 21. Fifty-five percent of classes have fewer than 20 students, 39% have 20-49 students; 5% have more than 50 students. None has over 100 students. The most popular majors at Clark are psychology, biology, geography, international development and social change, communication and culture, political science, and business management. The average class size is 21. Clark offers 32 majors and 31 minors, and students can create their own course of study through the self-designed major program. Clark professors are also encouraged to incorporate service learning into their courses and the Community Engagement and Volunteering Center helps students find the volunteer activities that meet their interests.
4-yr grad rate: 72.4%
5-yr grad rate: 77.1%
6-yr grad rate: 77.8%
Freshman retention rate: 89%
70% of all undergrads live on campus. All freshmen and sophomores are required to live on campus. Freshmen, who so choose, live together and participate in the First Year Experience. The FYE includes living together in freshmen residences, academic resources that are made available, and social activities. The freshmen dorms are newly renovated and very nice. One is all-women.
Clark is 60% women and 40% men. 68% of students are from outside of Massachusetts. Eighty-nine percent of students come back for their sophomore year, which indicates a happy student body. There is no Greek life on campus.
Clark has an amazing opportunity for students called the Accelerated BA/Masters Degree Program. Students who maintain a 3.4 GPA at Clark can stay at Clark for a 5th year of study at no charge and complete a Masters degree along with their BA degree. This incredible activity is one of the most exciting things about Clark. http://www.clarku.edu/undergraduate-admissions/majors-academics/tuition-free-masters.cfm
Clark’s cost-of-attendance is $54,000. Sixty percent of students who are determined to have need get that need fully met. The average percent of need met is 93%. 33.6% of students with get an average of $18,800 in merit aid that is not based on need. Clark reports being need blind in admissions.
Admission Stats:
GPA: 3.66
Average SAT: 620 on m and r (old SAT)
SAT r: 560-670
SATm: 560-670
SATw: 560-670
ACT: 26-30 (admitted: 27-31)
Clark is test optional.
The overall admit rate is 55%.
ED rate is 73%
EA rate is 79%
44% of students were in the top 10% of hs class
77% were in the top quarter
99% were in the top half
Interviews are recommended.
