In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, Dr. John Durante welcomes back Rick Barth, Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Clemson University, for an in-depth conversation about Clemson’s increasingly competitive admissions landscape.

With more than 65,000 applications submitted this past cycle, Clemson continues to experience record growth while carefully managing enrollment to maintain quality and student experience. Rick shares how the admissions team evaluates applications in a highly selective environment, including transcript review, academic rigor, and the role of institutional priorities such as in-state enrollment and high-demand majors.

Listeners will gain insight into Clemson’s use of the STARS self-reported academic system, how the university evaluates students within the context of their high school (including an internal ranking system when schools do not provide class rank), and what academic benchmarks signal readiness—particularly for STEM and engineering applicants. Rick also discusses the realities of test-optional admissions, noting that approximately 40% of admitted students apply without scores, while providing context around Clemson’s middle 50% ranges.

Beyond academics, the conversation explores what makes an application stand out. Rick emphasizes authenticity in essays, meaningful engagement in activities, and the value of initiative—whether through part-time work, leadership, or service. The episode also covers support services for students with IEPs or 504 plans and highlights the transfer pathway as a viable route for students not admitted as first-year applicants.

This episode offers a transparent, behind-the-scenes look at what it truly takes to join the Clemson family.

Clemson University Admissions

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Straight From The Admissions Office: Insider Strategies For College Applications

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380. Inside Clemson Admissions with Rick Barth, Director of Undergraduate Admissions

The College Admissions Process Podcast

380. Inside Clemson Admissions with Rick Barth, Director of Undergraduate Admissions