Clemson University SAT & ACT Scores
Clemson is test-optional for fall 2027, so you decide whether the SAT or ACT is part of your file. In the fall 2025 first-year class, the middle 50% SAT range was 1250–1400 and the middle 50% ACT range was 28–32. Clemson University accepted 42.4% of its 64,805 first-year applicants, with South Carolina residents given priority in review.
Where does your score land?
Compared with Clemson University's admitted students, fall 2025 first-year class.
Is Clemson University test-optional?
The rule for students applying now, for fall 2027 entry.
Clemson is test-optional: first-year applicants choose whether to have SAT or ACT scores considered, and scores that are sent must come officially from the testing agency.
Superscoring. Clemson University superscores the SAT and the ACT.
Checked October 29, 2026 on Clemson University's admissions site . Policies can change each cycle.
Policy timeline
- Fall 2021 entryTest-optional policy begins
- Fall 2027 applicantsTest-optional
Clemson first waived its testing requirement for students entering in fall 2021 and has stayed test-optional since. If you want scores considered, they must be sent officially by the testing agency, and Clemson adds new scores it receives by its deadlines. You can switch your choice about having scores considered until the required-materials deadline for your plan. Clemson superscores both tests. For the ACT it combines your best English, Reading and Math scores across dates; science can be sent but is not part of the superscore. The SAT and ACT essays are not required.
Clemson University SAT scores
The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1250–1400.
SAT score distribution
Admitted students, fall 2025 first-year class| SAT | 25th | Median | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 1250 | — | 1400 |
Scores of 2025 first-year profile; the page does not say whether the ranges cover enrolled or admitted students (likely enrolled students who submitted scores), fall 2025 first-year class. Source: Clemson 2025 first-year profile.
What your SAT means here
Clemson's 2025 first-year profile puts the middle 50% SAT range at 1250–1400. That means a quarter of the class scored 1250 or lower and a quarter scored 1400 or higher. Clemson does not publish a median or section ranges on its admissions statistics page.
Because Clemson is test-optional, this range reflects students who chose to send scores, not every student in the class. Clemson does not report on that page how many students submitted.
Clemson builds your SAT superscore from your highest Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math scores across test dates. A total near the middle of 1250–1400 fits recent students, and 1400 or higher puts you in the top quarter.
Take full-length Digital SAT practice tests free, with an explanation on every question and a score report that shows what to fix.
Clemson University ACT scores
The middle 50% of admitted students scored 28–32 on the ACT.
ACT score distribution
Admitted students, fall 2025 first-year class| ACT | 25th | Median | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 28 | — | 32 |
Scores of 2025 first-year profile; the page does not say whether the ranges cover enrolled or admitted students (likely enrolled students who submitted scores), fall 2025 first-year class. Source: Clemson 2025 first-year profile.
What your ACT means here
The middle 50% ACT composite for the fall 2025 first-year class was 28–32. A quarter of students scored 28 or lower and a quarter scored 32 or higher.
Clemson superscores the ACT using your best English, Reading and Math section scores from any test date. Science scores are optional and are kept for supplemental review only. A composite of 32 or higher is in the top quarter of the profile.
Take full-length ACT practice tests free, with a worked explanation on every question and a score report that shows what to fix.
Clemson University acceptance rate
Moderately competitive: 42.4% of first-year applicants were admitted (fall 2025 first-year class).
Each dot is 1 in 100 applicants.
- First-year applicants64,805
- Admitted27,498
- Acceptance rate42.4%
- Testing for fall 2027Test-optional
Early application plans: Non-binding Early Action (October 15 application deadline) and Regular Decision; no Early Decision.
Fall 2025 first-year class. Source: Clemson 2025 first-year profile.
Clemson University offers non-binding Early Action and Regular Decision. Early Action applicants receive an admit or deny decision or are moved to Regular Decision. There is no Early Decision plan.
What to aim for
If you send scores to Clemson for fall 2027, a practical target is 1400 or higher on the SAT or 32 or higher on the ACT. Scores inside 1250–1400 or 28–32 are in line with recent first-year students. If your scores fall below that range, applying test-optional is an accepted choice.
Clemson's review is holistic. Strong grades in challenging courses are an important factor, and your choice of major and your residency also play a large part, since some majors have limited space and South Carolina residents get priority. Clemson suggests choosing two different intended majors, because it considers your second choice if you are not admissible to your first.
How Clemson University compares
Schools with a similar acceptance rate.
| School | Admit rate | Median SAT | SAT middle 50% | ACT middle 50% | Testing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Florida | 40.7% | 1250 | 1160–1340 | 25–29 | Required |
| University of Wisconsin | 40.8% | 1450 | 1400–1490 | 29–33 | Test-optional |
| University of Washington | 41.7% | 1440 | 1320–1502 | 30–34 | Test-optional |
| Clemson University | 42.4% | — | 1250–1400 | 28–32 | Test-optional |
| University of Central Florida | 42.8% | 1280 | 1220–1350 | 25–30 | Required |
| Purdue University | 43.4% | 1360 | 1220–1470 | 28–34 | Required |
Frequently asked questions
Is Clemson University test-optional?
For students applying for fall 2027 entry: Clemson is test-optional: first-year applicants choose whether to have SAT or ACT scores considered, and scores that are sent must come officially from the testing agency. Clemson University superscores the SAT and the ACT.
What SAT score do you need for Clemson University?
A score at or above 1400 puts you in the top quarter of Clemson University's admitted students, and 1250–1400 is the middle 50% (fall 2025 first-year class). Because the school is test-optional, those ranges come only from students who chose to submit.
What ACT score do you need for Clemson University?
Clemson University's admitted students had a middle-50% ACT composite of 28–32 (fall 2025 first-year class). A 32 or above puts you in the top quarter.
What is Clemson University's acceptance rate?
Clemson University admitted 42.4% of first-year applicants for the fall 2025 first-year class (27,498 of 64,805), which makes it moderately competitive.
What are your chances at Clemson University?
Scores are one part. Add your GPA, courses, activities and recommendations for a free reach, target or likely estimate.