I was offered the Bridge program at USC, and I was wondering if someone could explain to me exactly what it is?
ALSO LOOKING FOR MORE INFORMATION
My son also got accepted into the gateway program, we are going to the information session this upcoming Friday. There is a phone number for questions that was in the acceptance packet, I called and found the person very helpful in answering questions. It seems that many universities are now doing these bridge programs, and they are becoming more of an accepted option. We are in state, my son was accepted into 3 large state schools out of state and we are going to do this program. USC was his first choice.
The Gamecock Gateway is essentially like Clemson’s Bridge Program, if you’ve heard of it. You live at Bates House, eat on campus, and have a chance to go to sporting events as a student, but attend Midlands Tech for classes. I have a lot of friends who are bridging right now, and say that it is not bad at all. One of them will be a full time USC student in the fall after one year of bridging.
@wahoogamecocks You mentioned in your post that you have a lot of friends bridging now and one will be a full time USC student in the fall after bridging. Just curious, are the others that you know not going to be able to bridge? I’m just trying to get a feel for how many actually successfully bridge after 1 year. The information received in the mail stated about 66% successfully bridged and started USC in Fall 2016. Also, if you know of those that are not bridging, do you know why they aren’t? Thanks!!
The ones I know of didn’t get their required hours and GPA in the bridge year. Even in this program there are opportunities to make poor study choices. Program has some good safeguards built in like mandatory tutoring/study/check-in type things which is good (a relative did Gateway but in its very first year so I’ve been reluctant to comment since I’m sure it’s been tweaked since then). But kids still have to actually do work and turn it in (issue for S of friend who wasn’t successful).
@SCLADY12 The others will not mainly because they don’t feel comfortable leaving Midlands Tech just yet. I think it really depends on how they see themselves completing coursework, getting the GPA, etc before they make the transition over to being full time. Other than that, my friend who will be a full time USC student only had one AP credit going into college but was able to complete enough credits while bridging.
@scmom12 @wahoogamecocks Thanks! I’m more familiar with Clemson’s bridge and have heard the same happen. I have a relative in the Clemson bridge – he will have to take a couple of classes this summer to bridge.
Our concern after attending the info session is that to transfer into some majors requires a much higher GPA. In the case of my son a 3.0. So we worry if he gets less than 30 credits, or below a 3.0 we gave up a lot (1 year) and still have things to figure out. We also heard they are not guaranteed housing sophomore year. So after a year of not being a full USC student I don’t like the thought of my son suffering more and being in an off campus apartment year 2. So many positives, but so many unknowns. We are from NJ. Starting too think to many unknowns to send him down. They only have 4 years to enjoy college and feel part of things. Not sure I am willing to risk 2 years of that with him feeling on the outside looking in.
@jerseyparent What is your son’s major? Also, do you know about how far Midland’s is from Bates House dorm?
@jerseyparent they typically move off of campus sophomore year anyway just FYI. Clubs, greek life, etc. best bet for him to feel a part of things.
sclady I called admissions and asked them that and they said its about 15 mins away
jerseyparent, for those of us unable to attend the info session would you be able to share some of the important info you got out of it that is not contained in either the packet they sent us or on the website. thanks.
Six miles. My wife did the session. Was 100% sure she was going to make deposit. But those 2 concerns have us hesitating. Columbia is gorgeous. The school is gorgeous. The program is really positive too. We just want our son to have a great 4 year experience. And I think they make some of the “Bridge” transfer requirements so set in stone that you can’t anticipate the “What If…?”. We don’t want him two years in college and not in his desired major living off campus. I think the Bridge kids should get on campus housing after such a big adjustment the first year. The 2.25 minimum requirement allows you to transfer in under General Studies. He wants Sports Management (need 3.0). Please do not see my answers as negative. She was extremely impressed with everything. We just try to put ourselves in his shoes. For some children it is perfect!
I have heard that. If I knew he would have a great group of friends within the Bridge program, I would not worry. He really wants to join a fraternity. We are still very positive on the program. Trying to make him realize he has no margin for error (30 credits, 3.0 to get in Sports Management).
@jerseyparent I completely understand as we too are a little hesitant to commit to this but I don’t want to wait too long either in case it fills up. This has been my daughters # 1 school for awhile so most likely we are going to send her and just hope for the best. I’m a little concerned that the dorm is so far away( at least on the map it is), but I guess they will adapt to using the shuttles to and from wherever they need to go on the USC campus.
@jerseyparent Truly, don’t worry about living off-campus 2nd year. Most kids (including mine) move off campus, and your son might not even be interested in another year of dorm living. There are many options, sometimes within walking distance but many within a short drive, and kids make it work. I was worried about this before my kid started, too, but it’s a non-issue for her. There are off-campus options that are short-term (for kids doing study abroad for a semester), furnished, really any combination you can think of.
The 3.0 is something to consider if Sports Management is his only preference; but lots of kids change majors, so he might be interested in something else by this time next year anyway.
The bridge program has 2 campuses they use MTC-airport and MTC-Betline. Airport is like 20 minutes away and betline is 6 minutes. Everyone takes 15-hour per semester and getting the 30 hours and the 3.0 GPA is fairly easy to do. The classes are similar to high school. If you dont get the 30 hour or the 3.0 GPA summer courses are available and easily can boost your GPA. For living off-campus when i bridged everyone moved off campus. You will know a ton of people from living in bates and all being in gateway dont worry about them not finding friends or fitting in, you have to try to not meet people at bates. Bates is a little off campus but you dont really need to leave bates for anything but your mail and class. Shuttle are very reliable and arent bad they have a consistent schedule. Sophomore year i recommend rushing a fraternity or sorority if they still feel like they didnt socialize enough. If you dont want your child living off-campus they can apply to live in a dorm again normally in october or november but they will be living with freshman. they people i know that didnt transfer stayed for another year to save money and the first couple weeks a couple kids dropped out and moved home when hurt the %.
@uscgamecock2019 Were most of the classes held at the Beltline campus? Also, do you know where most of the classes are held if majoring in business? Thanks for your help!!
One semester is was all Beltline then the next it was one day airport one day beltline. You won’t take many business classes if any. I took first semester university 101, art 101, English 101, math 110, and psychology 210. The next semester I took math 130, business communication, English 102, public speaking and ethics 210. They really want you to take your major classes at USC so you will take your gen eds. Another thing about midlands that parents will like is that you have to attend class. If you miss more than 4 classes you will get dropped from the class which is the main reason why people don’t get the 30 credit hours. Another positive is 95% of student won’t have Friday classes, unless they are nursing/bio/Chem. Hope this helps.