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Undergraduate Admissions

Undergraduate Admissions

Welcome to CAU Admissions

Dear Prospective Students and Families,

I am delighted to extend a warm and enthusiastic welcome to you on behalf of the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Recruitment at Clark Atlanta University (CAU).

I am Travis J. Batiste, ABD, M.A., and I have the distinct privilege of serving as the Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Recruitment. It is both an honor and a pleasure to be a part of this esteemed institution, known for its legacy of academic excellence and commitment to fostering future leaders.

At CAU, we are dedicated to providing a transformative educational experience that empowers our students to excel academically, lead ethically, and positively impact society. We believe in the power of knowledge, diversity, and innovation to create a brighter future, and we invite you to embark on this incredible journey with us.

Our admissions team is here to guide you through the application process, answer your questions, and assist you every step of the way. Whether you are a high school student preparing for college, a transfer student seeking new opportunities, or a parent supporting your child's educational aspirations, we are here to support your unique needs and goals.

As you explore CAU, you will discover a vibrant and inclusive community, a diverse range of academic programs, and a faculty committed to your success. Our campus is a place where ideas are nurtured, talents are cultivated, and dreams are realized. We invite you to immerse yourself in our rich history, culture, and traditions while embracing the future we are shaping together.

I encourage you to connect with us, attend our events, and explore our website to learn more about what makes CAU a special place to pursue your higher education journey. Feel free to reach out to our admissions team at any time; we are here to serve you and provide the information you need to make informed decisions about your future.

Thank you for considering Clark Atlanta University as your academic home. We are excited to learn more about you and your aspirations, and we look forward to welcoming you into the CAU family.

Wishing you a successful admissions process and a bright future filled with endless possibilities.

Warm regards,

Travis J. Batiste, ABD, M.A.
Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Recruitment
Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Recruitment
Clark Atlanta University
Email: tbatiste@cau.edu
Office Phone: 404.880.6913

About CAU Admissions

I Shall Find A Way or Make One

This was the ancient general Hannibal’s response when he was asked how he would cross a mountain range with elephants. Its also a motto that has inspired generations of Clark Atlanta University students. But what does that mean? It begins with your decision to combine confidence, preparation, and commitment.

Clark Atlanta University is in search of finders and makers: innovative, creative, and conscious leaders prepared to address the challenges of their world and communities. This is a training ground for you to develop as a person and professional: combining small class experiences with research, performances, exhibitions, or even hackathons. You will develop strong relationships within the village of students, faculty, staff, and alumni. And with all of that preparation you too will be able to chart your course through your mountains. 

With all of your training and the legion of CAU Panther alumni cheering you on–Find a Way or Make One!

 

Undergraduate Academic Programs

Clark Atlanta University serves a diverse student body Clark Atlanta University offers advanced degree and non-degree certificate programs through our four schools:

These schools are focused on leadership development, professional ethics, and the highest caliber of instruction and research excellence. 

This 150-year legacy continues as CAU prepares graduate students for distinguished careers in research, teaching, and as experts in the public and private sectors.

A complete application package includes the following credentials:

  • Application for Admission: The Clark Atlanta University Application
  • Non-refundable $35 application fee payable by credit card, money order, or cashier’s check.
  • Official high school transcript(s) or GED certificate. [Applicants taking dual enrollment in high school are also required to submit an official transcript from each college or university attended.]
  • Test score results from the SAT or ACT [We are currently test optional for all students.]International students from a non-English speaking secondary country may submit the TOEFL or IELTS instead of the ACT or SAT, including WES translation.
Recommended Curriculum:

We consider the applicant’s secondary school academic record, standardized college entrance exams (SAT or ACT), leadership in school and community activities, unique talents and skills, and educational objectives. For admission consideration, an applicant should have a well-balanced college preparatory program that includes the following course work:

  • 4 units English
  • 3 units Mathematics
  • 3 units Electives
  • 3 units Natural Science
  • 2 units Social Science
  • 2 units Foreign Language
    • A student may be admitted with less than two units in a foreign language but may be required to take language at CAU depending on the students selected major. We recommend foreign language in preparing for CAU so that students will spend less time fulfilling this requirement through coursework or a placement exam.
Application Deadlines

Early Action [Non-Binding] Deadline/Spring Deadline – November 1
Applicants who submit completed application packages–including all supporting documents by November 1, 2022 will receive notification of the admission decision by January 1, 2023.
Final Deadline – May 1
Final opportunity for incoming freshmen to submit a completed application
Transfer Deadline – June 5 
Final opportunity for incoming transfers to submit a complete application

Additional Information

Many documents can be submitted online by a counselor through email [admissions@cau.edu] or our online applications. You may choose to mail transcript(s) and recommendations to:
Clark Atlanta University
Office of Admission
223 James P. Brawley Dr. SW
Atlanta, GA 30314

  • Application Form:

Submit a completed and signed Graduate Admissions Application Form.

  • Application Fee: Non-refundable $40 application fee made payable (to Clark Atlanta University) by credit card, money order, or cashier’s check. Personal checks are not accepted. 
  • Transcript(s): An official transcript from each undergraduate and graduate institution the applicant attended. Transcripts must be sent directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions from the Office of the Registrar at the applicant’s previous institution(s).

A transcript which has been “issued to the student” will not be accepted

  • Standardized Test Results: An official GRE Report of Scores or GMAT Report (if applicable) from the Educational Testing Service.

Test requirements will not be deferred or waived.

Test scores more than five years old are not acceptable.

Admission Requirements 

Admission Requirements—First-Year Students

Important Update: For the current application cycle (Students Entering Spring 2022 and Fall 2022), we will continue our test optional policy. Students will not be required to submit standardized test scores, and students that may be negatively impacted by their scores will automatically be considered test optional.

CAU practices a holistic admission review policy, which considers the applicant’s secondary school academic record, standardized college entrance exams, if available (SAT or ACT), leadership in school and community activities, unique talents and skills, and educational objectives. We have included data from our most recent class to help you understand the student that had the greatest likelihood to be admitted to Clark Atlanta, not as cutoffs or minimums—just the average.

  • Class of 2024 Profile (Fall 2020)
  • Average GPA: 3.21
  • Average Combined SAT: 957
  • Average ACT Composite: 18

How to Apply

The Clark Atlanta University Application is the preferred way to apply. Our application for the spring and fall semesters open each September 6th. We are a member of The Common Application and Common Black College Application

When to Apply

First year students sincerely interested in Clark Atlanta University for fall admission should apply between September and November of their senior year. This is our non-binding, Early Action application period. Students interested in receiving merit scholarships should also apply during this time. Please note that all application materials should be received before the deadline for Early Action to be considered for scholarships. Other than Early Action, the deadlines are for the application form only, and we will continue to accept supporting documents [transcripts, recommendations, etc.] after these posted deadlines.

  • Early Action (Non-binding): application due November 1; students should be notified via email by January 1
  • Final Deadline for First Year Students: application due May 1; students notified via email on a rolling, weekly basis
  • Transfer Student Deadline for Fall: application due June 5
  • Applicants interested in spring enrollment must submit completed application, including supporting documents, by November 1.
Transferring to Clark Atlanta University

Clark Atlanta University welcomes applications from students who have attended or are currently attending other universities or colleges and that seek to transfer to CAU. 

Non-remedial courses with passing grades, from regionally accredited institutions are generally accepted. The maximum number of credits that can be transferred to the University is ninety (90).

Transfer applicants must be in good standing financially, academically, and in all other areas with their previous regionally accredited institution order to be admitted to CAU.

Applicants must also complete and submit the following by the designated deadline:

  • Clark Atlanta University Application with a $35.00 non-refundable application fee. 
  • One official transcript from each post-secondary institution(s) attended (transcript must show a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and 12 transferable credit hours).
  • Official final high school transcript(s) from each attended secondary school (graduate date must be present on transcript)

Before beginning the application process, prospective transfer students should be sure they are eligible for transfer admission.

CAU grants admissions to transfer applicants who have 12 or more semester hours (18 quarter hours) and a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.50 or higher on all college work attempted at a previously attended, regionally accredited college or university.

A student with less than the minimum required hours will be evaluated as a first-time student and must submit high school records and all college transcripts.

A transfer student must complete an application for admission and list all previous colleges and/or universities and must include the records from these institutions. Any student who does not include a record from all previously attended institutions is subject to dismissal from the University.

The University requires that transfer students demonstrate satisfactory academic achievement, good character, and separation in good standing from all regionally accredited institutions previously attended (Dean’s Certification Form). 

Students may not transfer grades below “C.” Transfer applicants must submit all materials by the deadlines established for application to the University for the term for which admission is sought.

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How to Apply

Applicants must also complete and submit the following by the designated deadline:

  • Clark Atlanta University Applicationwith a $35.00 non-refundable application fee. 
  • One official transcript from each post-secondary institution(s) attended (transcript must show a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and 12 transferable credit hours).
  • Official final high school transcript(s) from each attended secondary school (graduate date must be present on transcript).

Before beginning the application process, prospective transfer students should be sure they are eligible for transfer admission.

Students commit to Clark Atlanta University by submitting a nonrefundable $275 confirmation fee. This non-refundable payment deadline is April 15, 2023 for first year students entering the University in the Spring 2024 Semester. It is important to view and accept the student’s financial aid award before paying this fee, unless your family intends to pay the full cost of attendance out of pocket. In that case, the Office of Student Accounts has a variety of methods to accept payments or make payment arrangements. Follow the Steps on the Spring 2024 Admitted Student Checklist before paying the $275 non-refundable confirmation fee. After paying the confirmation fee, continue the steps on the Spring 2024 Admitted Student Checklist to submit student health information; apply for housing; and make payment arrangements for the upcoming semester, if necessary.

Clark Atlanta has been involved in a partnership with the Community Colleges of California since 2015 and this allows students attending any of the California community or junior colleges to transfer to CAU upon completing their associates with junior status. Further information can be obtained by visiting the program website or contacting the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Recruitment at admissions@cau.edu.

University Admissions

Phone: (404)-880-8000
Email: cauadmissions@cau.edu
223 James P. Brawley Drive, S.W. Atlanta, GA 30314
CAU Admissions News
Schedule Graduate Student Tour

Clark Atlanta University is pleased to welcome you on the Student Tour!

Tour Accommodation Guidelines 

  • Individuals/families tours are limited to three visitors per reservation (one prospective student and two guests).
  • Your tour will be facilitated by one of our professional Admissions Representative.
  • Visitors are not allowed inside the cafeteria.
  • The bookstore and restrooms in the Student Center will be open for guests.
  • Masks are required ~ Guests must also provide proof of full vaccination or proof of a negative PCR test within 48 hours of the visit.

Campus Tour Contact Information

Clark Atlanta University
Office of Graduate Recruitment and Admissions
223 James P. Brawley Drive, SW
Atlanta, Georgia 30314
E-Mail: tjones1@cau.edu
Phone: 404-880-8318

We request that all guests plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled tour time to avoid any cancellation of tours due to late arrival.

By registering for a campus visit, you are agreeing to abide by the community standards and expectations related to COVID-19 safety guidelines 

Schedule your campus visit below now!