<p>I'm just wondering how many of you 3.9+, 1300 SAT wonderchildren are actually going to Clemson? Or did you apply with intentions of it being your safety school?</p>
<p>I plan on going :) I am a bit...er...surprised by your tone, however. Clemson is a strong school, especially if one chooses to major in the sciences or engineering majors. Similarly, the opportunities a qualified person has within the Calhoun Honors College, both academically and extracurricular-wise, are quite unique. The class sizes are small, the dorms (even freshman) are very nice, and the classes you can take are endless. Clemson also has a very good job placement in the area.</p>
<p>One of the main issues, for me, was that even though I could possibly attend Vanderbilt or some other big-name school, I did not feel comfortable with the environment. At Clemson, you can have the best of both world--strong academics and friendly, down-to- earth and sociable peers. Not to mention the price tag! If you think about it, no matter where you go, the course requirements to fulfill a particular major are the same regardless, why not go w/ the best deal? </p>
<p>But, again, most importantly, is the personal fit; Clemson students are known for having one of the most enjoyable college experiences and best qualities of life!! :)</p>
<p>Well written jelybo! I'm a middle-aged Clemson alum and a high school biology teacher. Can't say enough about the quality education you receive at CU!</p>
<p>Thank you, dormansoccermom! My dad's gf is also a Clemson alum (though I first heard about the school through my cousin's gf from Chester)! She's an English teacher in Greenville, and her whole house in decked out in Clemson paraphernalia, and I mean she has everything orange! I won't be meeting her or visiting the school for the first time until Friday at the NS Weekend. I am equally nervous and excited, however! I must say that everyone I have met there has been extremely friendly, the exact opposite of the arrogant people at the other schools to which I applied; it's been so refreshing to be welcomed so openly! :) </p>
<p>I am so pleased about all of the opportinities I have coming to me, both academically and culturally in the Honors College, but I have to be honest, it's equally nice that CU students are as outgoing and into school pride as they are involved with their school work...it takes a lot of pressure off when your peers are fun and friendly rather than uptight and competitive. I didn't get that impression from other schools :)</p>
<p>jelbo07 - just wait til football season - there is no way to explain the level of Clemson spirit!</p>
<p>Jelybo, sounds like you will fit in well at Tiger town! One of my students is also going to be in the honor's college. My son has been accepted into the engineering program at Clemson, plus I have a niece who is a current senior there and her younger sister is a current freshman (both education majors).</p>
<p>Thank you both! I am just so surprised by the original poster's question and tone..."you 3.9+, 1300 SAT wonderchildren" and "actually?!" Ouch! I have always wanted to go to Clemson once I read about it, and actually used James Madison, not Clemson, as my safety! And I'd never describe myself as a "wonderchild" haha. </p>
<p>I am so excited to go down there on Friday! The campus seems absolutely beautiful...and warm (we are in the midst of a major blizzard here lol)!</p>
<p>I am, by no means, putting down Clemson. Clemson is my absolute dream school. I'm in love with everything about it. Unfortunately, I got deferred to second semester. Now I have to wait for the kids who don't really want to be at Clemson or drink themselves into oblivion and peel off second semester, while I'm sitting here KNOWING I would never do that. I'm extremely frustrated because I had two Clemson admissions officers tell my career counselor that according to my stats and test scores, I'd be just fine. I feel like Clemson is trying to turn themselves into UVA or Vandy this year. I'm just wondering if you kids that took my spot actually have intentions of going. Sorry for sounding bitter, but I'm upset, hurt and ****ed because I'm going to miss football season! And quite frankly, I just needed someplace to vent.</p>
<p>Jelybo - See you second semester, because darnit, I WILL be there. :)</p>
<p>Oh, I did not understand that, Chantillylace...I am sorry for sounding so defensive :)</p>
<p>I don't think you need to worry about Clemson becoming the next Vandy though, haha! I think Vandy has a thing against Northerners, they like to keep it Southern! Nobody from Clemson ever once said, "just so you know, Southerners are reared better than Northerners, so you're going to need to get used to some things, and no Northerner will ever make into the 'inner circle.'" Haha, my Vandy interview was slightly discouraging lol</p>
<p>But, admissions everyhwhere is becoming more and more competitive; as Clemson keeps moving up in the ranks, their average GPA and test scores keep increasing (hey, colleges are a business, and they are trying to reach the Top 20 publics). And people who get good grades are likely the ones who work hard, not drink and party all the time! It's a little disheartening that you have such seemingly negative views about such people; if you don't feel comfortable w/ that type of a student body, maybe you should rethink your options?</p>
<p>Chantilly,
Have you thought about appealing your decision? There is some info on the Clemson site about how to appeal. Perhaps with some additional recommendations and your end of year transcript, that might be something you want to consider. My son was accepted into the engineering school, but is not going to attend - I'm sure there are others. I went to Clemson, so did my daughter, son-in-law...we even have a Clemson Christmas tree in the den all done in orange and purple. I love Clemson and think it is top-notch. My son liked Clemson a lot, but we got a tremendous financial aid offer at Lander that swayed our decision. Lander has a dual degree Lander/Clemson engineering program, so he will likely end up at Clemson anyway after 3 years. For now, we really like Lander's small size and personal attention for the first few years. I wish you the best, Chantilly.</p>
<p>jelybo07 - No worries, I'm really not this terrible of a person in real life, haha I just needed someplace to vent. :) Anywho, I realize that colleges everywhere are raising the bar. Admissions this year are absolutely insane, not just at Clemson, but everywhere it seems. Its not that I have a problem with people who party, I know Clemson is a HUGE party school, which I love. The best part of my tour was when my tour guide was explaining First Friday in which all the alums tailgate around campus and offer students "uh.. chicken.. yeah, chicken" as they walk past! I'm just frustrated that I can't attend until the kids that flunk out or decide they hate Clemson leave after first semester. Hopefully I'm making sense. I don't know if you've heard about Clemson's new system, but they "promised" me a spot for spring '08 as long as I attend an accredited school in the fall and maintain at least a 2.5. Isn't that odd? I've never heard of a system like that.</p>
<p>Greenville - I've taken a good look at the appeals website and I'm definitely going to try. I don't really have much faith in it, but if I don't do it I'll always wonder "what if.." I just learned that Clemson received 14,000 applications for 3,500 spots. After learning this, I'm actually incredibly greatful they gave me the Spring 08 option. </p>
<p>Has anyone had any experience with appeals?
Thanks for your advice everyone. I appreciate it.</p>
<p>chantilly, I don't have any experience with appeals at Clemson but the option you were offered is very common in Texas, especially for UT Austin. UT Austin gives kids a one year option with a gpa requirement - not a semester. I suspect many top tier publics will go that way as our baby boomlets graduate high school & matriculate to college. Colleges haven't added many more spots (if any), but the peak of the baby boomlet is nearing high school graduation. Add to that the increasing cost of going to college and schools like Clemson become much more competitive. Hang on to your dream & good luck with the appeals process. Let us know how it goes.</p>
<p>Chantilly,
They offered my S the same transfer option. He doesn't think at this point he will do it. He has become quite excited about attending Clemson's rival in the middle of the state. Lots of luck to you.</p>
<p>chantillylace - My D got accepted, but she did not get any $, is OOS, is a business major and did get good $ from other schools with very good business schools, so she will likely not go to Clemson. With Clemsons use of class rank as a high priority in considerations, I would imagine that their are many OOS kids with high grades and scores who did not get $ and will choose to go elsewhere. Good luck.</p>
<p>Clemson has always had higher admission standards than other schools in our state (SC). It wasn't easy to get in "back in the day" when I went (80's). One of the reasons is because Clemson wants to remain a smaller sized university of approximately 15,000. So, they require higher test scores, GPA's, class rank, etc. Also, I have two nieces currently at Clemson and it isn't any more of a "party school" than any other college or university. My son has been accepted into the engineering program at Clemson for the class of 2011, but he hasn't definitely decided if he will go; he has a congressional nomination to the Air Force Academy.</p>
<p>You're right! Clemson isn't a huge party school . . . especially when Jad Dean takes the field.</p>
<p>Chantilly, Have you thought about the Jr College right there at Clemson. I can't remember the name. Many kids are offered Clemson admission if they attend that JC. Your 1st year classes will be core classes anyway, English 101, Math 101, etc. In this arrangement, students get access to all the Clemson facilities. Cheaper too. Anyone have any experience with this JC?</p>
<p>Lukester,
I believe you are referring to the "Bridge" program. Students begin at Tri-County Tech and then go on into Clemson their soph. year. This program is set up through Clemson. Bridge students do have access to many Clemson facilities, dining services, etc. However, the Bridge program is by invitation only. From what I understand, Clemson offers an applicant regular acceptance, deferred acceptance, Bridge acceptance, or denied.</p>
<p>Hi! I've read some of your posts on the "other" site--I've posted there, too, since S applied to (and was accepted by ) both schools! We just got a scholarship offer from USC, so now we're in "decision" mode again. All of the schools have a lot to offer...it is definitely tough to decide!</p>
<p>Not a tough decision at all. Tigers all the way! I'm an OOS 30 year alum and beng a Clemson alum has been great. Education was excellent and the friendships are still very active 30 years later. My d has been accepted to Clemson-no way I'd let her be a gamecock!</p>