Clarkson University
Potsdam, NY, USA

Reviews

Clarkson University

Dylan from Fort Edward, NY

a current student here
9 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
This college is very demanding when it comes to some subjects and very laid back when it comes to others. The big 3 courses, physics, chemistry, and calculus, serve as a filter for the students. If you can't keep up and learn the material, you might want to consider a different school. The classes can also be somewhat labor intensive at times.
Am enjoying being here
In my case, college isn't my favorite. I'm not a very social person, so I don't hang out with too many people. And since Clarkson is in the middle of nowhere, there's not much to do up here. Don't plan on coming here if you enjoy city life.
Bang for the buck
The price may seem a little overwhelming at first, but the price is reasonable for the type of college that Clarkson is and the college does its best to help with financial aid to lower your costs to go here.
Tips for prospective students
Study and don't procrastinate like I do. I know procrastination is ingrained into everybody and sometimes it's hard to overcome it, but there were plenty of times when I fell behind in my work and felt overloaded because I blew off my homework or my studying until the last minute.
Great for these types of students
Students who don't like the city, people who are ready to step up their game and be challenged to do their best, and students who want a degree from a dignified college with a great reputation.

Casey from Lancaster

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Academic Rigor
My absolute favorite thing about the science programs at CU is that there's always the opportunity to learn more. Most professors have no problem taking you aside and explaining things in further depth if you wish. In fact, Clarkson is one of the few schools I know of that allows freshman and sophomore level students to work in a lab. The small number of students really allows teachers to focus in on knowing the students in their major, and catering to the interests of each.
Am enjoying being here
I was always kind of the odd one out in high school. I had friends, but I always felt like the braniac. I am far from that here. I have been humbled a lot, something a lot of students struggle with, but I have also gained a feeling of fitting in. People here really understand me, and take me as I am. There's no pressure to act a certain way, look a certain, or impress a certain clique. It IS a small school, so by the time you get a few years in, everyone seems to know everyone else. The downside to that is the overactive rumormill, and the upside is that cliques don't really exist.
Bang for the buck
Clarkson has been a fun, mostly wholesome, experience for me, and it's really a great place to go if you want a good paying job straight out of college. Many companies do a majority of their recruiting at Clarkson University, enough, in fact, to piece together an entire job fair of people willing to come up to recruit despite the unfortunate weather and location. A student at this school will get exposed to many more opportunities to prove themselves and be responsible than they would from attending most other colleges. There is also a really phenomenal co-op and intern program, that I haven't seen in many other schools--they really want you to have all the tools to succeed. It may be expensive, but they do work hard to get you scholarships, and it's definitely worth the money. You won't regret it.
Tips for prospective students
Don't slack off freshman year, but don't go all out either. Burning out freshman year is very unfortunate and many people do this right before their hardest classes. Keep a slow and steady pace, and get out of your book every now and then. Join some clubs (There are plenty that need help) or work on pledging Greek life (some of the co-ed fraternities even allow you to pledge freshman year...go for it!). Keep your head up and don't let the humbling effect of no longer being the smartest kid in school get you down.
Great for these types of students
Any student with a strong passion for science, engineering or business who consider themselves a little on the nerdy side and aren't ashamed of it. Additionally, people who are willing to push themselves and think outside the box.

Adam from West Henrietta, NY

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Clarkson University has an amazingly welcoming environment; Although it is in a small town the green nature and short walks to and from classes creates a very friendly aura around most of the students and staff. Being able to get from the furthest of classrooms to the others in 5-6 minutes at most lets you not have to be as worried about running to class and gives you opportunities to be more relaxed and socialize. Also a big pro to this University is the vast amount of clubs and activities to be involved in whether its sports or videos games or even dancing there is something for you.
Tips for prospective students
My advice for prospective students is to make the trip and make sure you get to spend time exploring the campus. While here imagine what it'd be like to live in the dorms and be interacting with the people that you meet while visiting. And make sure you check out the classroom, lecture halls, dining halls, and club zones and see if anything catches your eye. Don't be afraid to ask questions because you might be surprised at all the options on ways to be involved at Clarkson.
Academic Rigor
The teachers and proffesors have a generally great teaching style and office hours if you need help. There are some classes where you may chance upon a language barrier (due to accents) or a class where you have more trouble than normal and need help. And when that happens your classmates and teachers are always willing to help and make sure you get what you need to excel. If you are willing to do what you need to learn Clarkson will make sure to return to you the best Academic experience that you could ask for.
Dorm Life
The options across the board are pretty good and all pretty close to campus. There is one dorm building that is slightly out of the way and is for the sophomore class but it only adds a 1-2 minute walk at most and has a huge field on the opposite side for relaxing and often a game of Frisbee or lawn games. The upper-class men housing is phenomenal and in a great spot. And to top it all off there are 5 Themed housing options offered to even freshman that let people interested in certain clubs or interests to live in the same building and be a much closer community.
Food and Dining
The dining areas are welcoming and pretty standard with some outdoor options also. The campus has an all you care to eat dining hall as well as a few smaller made to order places including a subway. The food compared to the standard of campus food is very good and and has a huge variety and healthy options as well.
What to do for fun
There are many clubs including sports teams, music, dancing, eco, gaming, and sports car club. Clarkson also has what is call Clarkson SPEED teams which include clubs such as FIRST robotics, Mini Baja, Steel bridge, Concrete canoe, Clean Snow mobile. And a few others which are more technical clubs that compete nationally and include students from many different majors. And of course there are always movies and entertainers or dances and parties to attend if you get bored.
Bang for the buck
This college gives you it all: opportunites to get involved, things to do besides parties on a friday night, academic help, and connections to companies for internships and co-ops. And its a very friendly community which means you work with each other to come out as top students rather than step on each other to get to the top (which means you also get experience working with others which is good for the job market).
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There is a few strange art statues around campus including one that apparently once a year at a certain time of day makes a shadow that looks like a sailboat.
Great for these types of students
Students interested in being involved in advancing science and technology to the next level.
Campus Safety
Excellent people who are available 24/7

Kassandra

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
This is a great engineering school.
This school has a job placement rate of 96%.
Even though there is more men than women, women get treated just as equal.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure you do your research on the Potsdam weather (it's cold!!).
Academic Rigor
If you are an engineering major, make sure you are serious about your school work because it is difficult.
This school has one of the best business programs in the country and they do not joke around with the work load.
Dorm Life
Your floor becomes like another family.
Food and Dining
Let's be honest, which school actually has great food?
What to do for fun
Join the outing club... they do activities that vary from rock climbing to ice climbing, they go hiking to a great mountain close by called Azure, and they go skiing almost every weekend to Whiteface Mountain.
Greek Life
Not many are into greek life, but those who, are some of the most academically successful students on campus.

Nicole from Bergen, NY

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Tips for prospective students
Whether you are looking at Clarkson or other schools, do an overnight stay before you decide. Stay with a current student in your perspective major and go to a day of classes with them and spend the night so you can explore the campus events as well. It will help you decide whether you fit in and are comfortable with the campus, plus it will allow you to meet upperclassmen which will be great to already know people when you move in as a freshman.
Academic Rigor
The classes challenge you and push your limits but there is also a ton of opportunities to work in groups and have fun with the work as well. What stood out to me is that Clarkson has so many opportunities for jobs, internships and study abroad programs and they have a high job placement percentage after graduation.
Dorm Life
Clarkson has a wide variety of dorms from hallway style to apartments to town houses. Some of the dorms are old but are being updated and renovated, and the new dorms are really nice to live in. You tend to spend a lot of time on your floor and with your floor or dorm mates so it makes for meeting some fun and interesting people.
Food and Dining
Clarkson is currently updating all of the dining facilities and it makes them enjoyable to relax and eat at.
What to do for fun
Clarkson is 40 mins from the nearest city center or mall so the campus hosts events from comedians to bands that come on weekends for entertainment. Also Clarkson has greeklife so the various houses hold events on and off campus as well. Clarkson and SUNY Potsdam are only 3 blocks apart from each other so you can go to events at either college.

Phairyn from Canada

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
It has an awesome atmosphere and I would encourage anyone who is looking to get a science degree to go here. I love the small campus and family feel to this University. Was my top pick out of eleven schools for sure!
Tips for prospective students
Be ready for a huge change.
Sit at the front of the class.
Do not try to do your homework in your dorm room.
Do not be afraid to ask questions.
Academic Rigor
Clarkson is an awesome school but unless you are a genius you are going to have to put in the time to study.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is awesome the kids on your floor become like family.
Food and Dining
The food on campus is good, although if you eat on campus all of the time it can get boring.
What to do for fun
One of the funnest things on campus are the hockey games, that is where you can see the most school spirit.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There are tons of cool places on campus like in the hockey rink there are couches that you can do homework on, or you can book a room at different locations on campus so you can study alone or with friends.
Great for these types of students
Clarkson is a great school for engineering students or those looking to get a degree in a science area. It is an awesome school for people who do not want to be in a city, who love the outdoors, who like a little snow and a cooler climate.
Clubs and Activities
Hockey is huge at Clarkson, although there are tons of other clubs and organizations on campus. the coolest thing is if you do not find what you are looking for then get eighty people to sign a petition and you can make your own club.
Greek Life
There are both sororities and fraternities off campus, and they hold fun social gatherings all of the time.
Campus Safety
Campus safety is very nice and always willing to help.

Siri from Los Angeles, CA

a past student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Clarkson has a nice community, very tight-knit. The professors are friendly and helpful, especially in the smaller classes. The academics are great.
Tips for prospective students
Get general education requirements out of the way - ask your counselor what they are for your major.
Academic Rigor
Very academically rigorous.
Dorm Life
Pretty nice dorm life - the Schoolie dorms are especially good.
Food and Dining
Food is all right, there is an all-you-can-eat buffet on the meal plan.
What to do for fun
Small town, but you can go down to the park, visit the shops, and eat at the restaurants.

Christina

accepted here and planning to attend soon
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
Honors!!! The program sounds absolutely amazing!
Will enjoy being here
The campus is very cute! Fell in love with it at first sight !
Bang for the buck
Good Scholarships!
Tips for prospective students
Definately don't looks down on it because it's small... but visit you really have to like the campus.... some people might not like the fact that it's in the middle of nowhere...
Great for these types of students
Down to earth, Love the Outdoors, don't mind the cold, eager to learn :)

Hilton, NY

a current student here
0 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The coursework is highly challenging and requires a lot of time to be spent on homeworks, projects and studying. As an engineering major I have found that many of the concepts that I learned at school have been helpful during my internships.
For anyone that is struggling in a class, SSS (student support services) can set up student tutors to help with the material. Also, professors and TAs have office hours where students can come for additional help.
Am enjoying being here
I love the location, very close to the Adirondacks and some really great ski areas. There are clubs available for all types of interests and the hockey games are fun to go to. I like that it is a smaller school because I don't feel lost in the crowd and my professors know who I am. Potsdam is very small, so it may not be the right place for those who enjoy city life. Also, it’s very cold!
Bang for the buck
I feel like I am getting a great education for what I am paying and like most students, I have scholarships from the school. However, what Clarkson has in education it lacks in some of its facilities. The new student center and the business building are very nice but some of the dormitories are not worth what students have to spend on them. A lot of construction is going on right now so in the next 3-5 years this will not be the case.
Tips for prospective students
Do not procrastinate or let yourself go through multiple lectures without understanding the material. It can be very overwhelming at the end of the semester so get on top of things right from the start.