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Laker Trailblazer Program

 

The Laker Trailblazer Program is a partnership between Clayton State University (CSU) and Atlanta Metropolitan State College (AMSC). This program provides an opportunity for students who applied to CSU and did not meet the minimum SAT/ACT scores required for traditional admission.

csu and amsc

The Laker Trailblazer Program gives students the opportunity to take courses as an AMSC student and live on Clayton State's campus while earning credits towards your degree. Upon completion of this one-year program, you have the option to enroll as a transfer student at Clayton State University, or to continue your degree at Atlanta Metropolitan State College.

Enrolling in this program is an agreement to be a part of a cohort of students enrolled in AMSC to attend classes instructed by AMSC faculty on the CSU campus. You have a choice to be a commuter student or to live on campus in CSU Housing.

Three Steps to Enroll

  1. STEP 1

    Submit the Participation Agreement and Release of Information (PAR) FERPA form to release your high school and college transcripts (if applicable) from Clayton State to Atlanta Metropolitan State College no later than July 25, 2025.

    Applicants who applied to Clayton State after 2/20/25 may submit the PAR form in the application portal.

    Applicants who applied to Clayton State before 2/20/25 may submit the PAR form here.

  2. STEP 2

    Complete your AMSC application.

  3. STEP 3

    Submit/update your FAFSA application to include Atlanta Metropolitan State College using school code 012165.

    To complete the process be sure to complete your Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling for AMSC!

*Please be advised that the AMSC Admissions Office may require additional documents, such as your final high school transcript, lawful presence verification, etc. before your acceptance can be finalized.

 

Living in Clayton State Housing?

The cost per semester to live on the CSU campus is $3,770 per semester. You will be staying in Laker Hall in a 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom suite.

If you are living on campus, you will be required to select the Blue Unlimited Access Meal Plan. The current cost of this plan is $2,500 per semester.

Immunizations are required:

Available Commuter Meal Plans

Clayton State University FY2026 - Food Service Rates (Per Semester) Description of Meal Plan / Rate

  • Blue Plus Unlimited Access / $2,551
  • Blue Unlimited Access / $2,500
  • Block 75+ / $714.00
  • Block 50+ / $503.00
  • Block 255+ / $287.00

Contact Us for any questions related to Recruitment and Admissions

Clayton State University
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Email: admissions@clayton.edu
Phone: (678) 466-4115

Atlanta Metropolitan State College
Office of Recruitment and Admissions
Email: admissions@atlm.edu
Phone: (404) 756-4004

 

Atlanta Metropolitan State College and Clayton State University are units of the University System of Georgia.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Laker Trailblazer Program is a unique partnership between Clayton State University (CSU) and Atlanta Metropolitan State College (AMSC). It provides students who do not currently meet Clayton State's traditional admission requirements the opportunity to begin their college journey at AMSC while living on the CSU campus.

Students who:

  • Applied to Clayton State but did not meet the SAT/ACT score requirements.
  • Have been identified by CSU as potential candidates for the Trailblazer Program.
  • Are committed to participating in a one-year, cohort-based experience. 
  • You enroll as a student at Atlanta Metropolitan State College. 
  • You live in Clayton State University housing. 
  • You take AMSC classes (taught by AMSC faculty), with credits that may apply toward a future CSU degree. 
  • After one year, you may transfer to CSU or continue your degree at AMSC. 

Yes. To participate, you must:

  • Sign and return the Participation Agreement and Release of Information Form (FERPA).
  • Submit a new application to AMSC
  • There is no additional application fee to apply  
  • The signed Participation Agreement and Release of Information (FERPA) form.
  • A completed AMSC application.
  • An updated FAFSA with AMSC’s school code 012165. 

Yes. You may submit updated SAT/ACT test scores by July 25th for reconsideration. Minimum scores required for direct admission are:

  • SAT: 480 (Evidence-Based Reading & Writing), 440 (Math)
  • ACT: 17 (English or Reading), 17 (Math), 17 (Composite) 

You will live on campus at Clayton State University, gaining a full residential college experience while attending classes at AMSC.

Academically, you will be an AMSC student during the one-year program. However, you will live and engage in campus life at Clayton State.

Yes. You should submit your FAFSA to Atlanta Metropolitan State College using school code 012165. Financial aid eligibility is determined by AMSC.

No. On-campus housing is optional, but it is available to all Trailblazer students.

Trailblazer students who plan to live on campus will move in on August 15, 2025.

The deadline to submit the Participation Agreement is July 25, 2025.