I was invited to join the Bridge to Clemson program and I’m very torn between doing that and going to the University of South Carolina (which I was accepted to). I loved the U of SC, but I also really liked Clemson and it seems like a much better school academically. It’s sort of stressing me out because the bridge spots fill up so fast and I don’t want to miss out on the opportunity, but I’m still not 100% set on USC either. What would be the advantages of bridging to Clemson over going to USC directly or vice versa?
Did you receive any scholarship at USC?
Intended major ?
I haven’t gotten my financial aid package from USC but it didn’t say anything about merit scholarships in my acceptance letter so I assume I’m not getting one. And my intended major is history.
That’s a really tough call. If my daughter gets the bridge program I believe she will choose that over her acceptance at USC.
USC has a great history program, I wouldn’t do Bridge for a History major unless you have always seen yourself at Clemson and can’t imagine not being there, The instructors at TCTC are very hit and miss and the drop rate is HUGE. They just keep collecting money.
@dc4752 my student received an email from USC about merit. They are to notify in mid March vial email when award letters are posted to their portal.
For history, USC is a better university then Clemson.
We are making the same decision for business. It’s a tough decision.
Good news: They changed the bridge program this year so as long as you sign up and pay the fee by 3/1/18 you are guaranteed a spot this year. It won’t be like years past because they are able to accept more students with the new housing and other changes they have been making. I am biased but as someone who grew up in Columbia, I can’t see wanting to go to school there. A few of our friends kids go to USC. The upside is that they come home to the upstate about 2 times a month because Columbia is not their cup of tea, even though they like the University.
Looking back at it, my major is Secondary Education with a focus in history, which is something USC doesn’t have. I think I’m going to follow through with bridge. Clemson’s education department seems better than USC’s. Sorry for the confusion! I love Clemson and USC a very nice, but i’m less than enthusiastic about the surrounding city. I also feel like perhaps going to TCTC would be better for me to help me transition into Clemson’s rigorous academics. I’m visiting Clemson tomorrow to help me make a final decision.
Thank you @Shumdit for that information! That makes things a lot less stressful because I actually have time to think about it!
USC is very nice**
How was your visit to Clemson? Were you able to ask about the Bridge Program and housing? I’m visiting next month. 
The visit to Clemson was great!! I got a ton of wonderful information about the bridge program from both TCTC and Clemson, and the newly renovated dorms were top notch!! Definitely made me want to go there even more
Did you have a group visit? My son was put on the Bridge to Clemson wait list and I was wondering if maybe they mentioned the chances on being accepted.
@KimBB They didn’t go over anything like that but I’d call the admissions office and ask and appeal the decision!!
Definitely go to USC. You’ll regret not choosing that for History.