Clemson Bridge program (full year)

[Anonymous]

DS is applying to Clemson as a fairly big reach. He’d be thrilled to get in the bridge program as a way to get in.
Has anyone’s kid attended Clemson’s year bridge program and were you able to transfer all the credits? It seems like a cheaper way to get some of the generals out of the way. Would love to hear positive & negatives.

[Anonymous]

Do you choose Bridge or do they put you in it? I saw it referenced (my DD has also applied). The downside, I would think, is that you at attending a different school so you would not make the friend connections. Sorry no first hand experience. Kind of curious to hear as well, although I doubt my DD would accept it because she is very concnerned about her social life.

[Anonymous]

It a type of offer of admission. You do not apply for it. DD applied to Clemson last year and that was our understanding.

https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/education/2019/04/15/sc-clemson-bridge-program-grows-competition-its-not-always-best/3308677002/

[Anonymous]

OP, I know quite a few kids who have done this as I am originally from SC. Bottom line - you're going to a third-rate technical school for a year, although you do get to sort of live on campus and participate in activities.

If going to Clemson eventually is worth that to you, then it's an OK deal and yes, certainly financially appealing. All credits do transfer although they are specific about what you have to take.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, I know quite a few kids who have done this as I am originally from SC. Bottom line - you're going to a third-rate technical school for a year, although you do get to sort of live on campus and participate in activities.

If going to Clemson eventually is worth that to you, then it's an OK deal and yes, certainly financially appealing. All credits do transfer although they are specific about what you have to take.

Thank you. I read that Bridge student can join Clemson bands and choral groups but what about other clubs? Or are they completely siloed from "normie" Freshmen?

[Anonymous]

Bridge is not a bad way to go. Students live on campus and can do just about everything (including clubs) but pledge a fraternity or sorority. They can pledge as sophomores.
They do live in the same dorm and have a shuttle to classes so they tend to become good friends with their fellow bridge students. But plenty of opportunities to meet other students. You do not apply to Bridge. You are offered bridge via the normal application process.

[Anonymous]

My kid goes to Clemson and has some friends who are in Bridge -She doesn't care they go to the tech school down the road for classes, they all hang out together and it is a great way to save $$$. I think only parents are the people who care -as usual.

It is getting harder to get into Clemson -their profile last year was much improved over the past few years and they received something like 53,000 applicants. If they are OOS it is even harder.

great place, my kid loves it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kid goes to Clemson and has some friends who are in Bridge -She doesn't care they go to the tech school down the road for classes, they all hang out together and it is a great way to save $$$. I think only parents are the people who care -as usual.

It is getting harder to get into Clemson -their profile last year was much improved over the past few years and they received something like 53,000 applicants. If they are OOS it is even harder.

great place, my kid loves it.

Thank you. When we looked up Clemson in Naviance, a banner popped up that Clemson wants kids that fit his profile to apply. Maybe his major, maybe b/c he's at IB school, maybe wanting full pay OOS. No matter, he's applying today. I wish we'd known about this 2 weeks ago. He didn't apply because he thought it too much of a reach but maybe they offer Bridge. Now I'm curious about other colleges that do this. I just found out my niece did a bridge program in CA.

[Anonymous]

What stats do you need out of state for Clemson nowadays?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What stats do you need out of state for Clemson nowadays?

Not sure, but last year our DD got in from VA with:

1520
3.92 UW
7 AP (did not submit results, though they showed on the school transcript, mix of 3 & 4)
3 long time EC, one with state leadership
other EC all connected to major or complimenting each other.

[Anonymous]

Northeastern has similar programs, but overseas.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Northeastern has similar programs, but overseas.

A lot of schools do this. This is not in any way similar to the Clemson bridge program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Bridge is not a bad way to go. Students live on campus and can do just about everything (including clubs) but pledge a fraternity or sorority. They can pledge as sophomores.
They do live in the same dorm and have a shuttle to classes so they tend to become good friends with their fellow bridge students. But plenty of opportunities to meet other students. You do not apply to Bridge. You are offered bridge via the normal application process.

To be clear, they live on campus in "bridge housing." They are not mixed in the dorms with the regularly accepted freshmen.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Northeastern has similar programs, but overseas.

Now they have one in Oakland, CA
Guaranteed transfer but no saving $$
Much harder to get in.

Georgia Tech has one
NYU has one
even UVA has one(Wise)

[Anonymous]

Clemson had an acceptance rate of 42% for class of 2022. Admissions will vary based on in-state v OOS and major. College confidential might have some threads that provide insight as to stats needed for specific majors. Our kid was 3.9 uw, 11 Ap/IB. 31 Act for health science. Clemson does readjust gpas. From what I understand they toss out elective courses and focus on core classes. Then give bumps ap/Ib/honors classes.