I was invited to the Clemson Bridge Program rather than the incoming class for an engineering major. My other choice is CofC, I’ve also taken 5 AP classes and received credit for each of them. I was wondering if anyone has been through the Bridge Program or has opinions on it. Would it be better to transfer for sophomore year or just deal with being at TCTC for a year?
Post in Clemson forum. This is the case with lots of students. I think you have to be a little more focused since you don’t get quite the support as regular Clemson freshmen. I know a couple of kids that done really well going the bridge route. Does your choice impact you options for financial aid?
Thank you, I will! So far it doesn’t have an effect on my financial aid options.
My daughter is currently in the Bridge Program. It has worked for us. She is a Biochemistry major and a VERY hard-worker. This shouldn’t really come as a shock, but based on my experience with her, you must be motivated to succeed and willing to work. She has enjoyed the smaller classes for core classes like Calculus. Teaching has been a mixed bag: for example, she is very fond of one of the Chemistry professors, but earned an A in Bio (you might say) in spite of the teacher. She is making good friends because the cohort is small and it is easy to figure out who really is on the right track and who isn’t. There are PLENTY of study resources available to help you succeed–which my daughter utilizes fully. Housing is great, meal options are available, transportation seems to work for her. She participates in Clemson club sports. The biggest issue we have had with the Bridge program is the advisement. I would not rely on the advisors to select an appropriate schedule, rather understand yourself what classes are required for your major. In fact, we haven’t found the Bridge advisors to be particularly knowledgable or helpful on any questions we’ve had. Mostly, we have to do our own research or my daughter will talk to other students. We have managed that issue, but it is a problem for the program. Setting that aside, however, it has been an enjoyable experience and, in many ways, a better introduction to life in a large research university. Especially if Clemson is your first (or best) choice AND you have the ability to be pro-active, then I can say the Bridge Program is a very good opportunity.
I believe competitive club sports do not allow Bridge participants and Bridge participants are excluded from fraternities and sororities.