My daughter applied to Clemson frankly on a whim and as an extreme long shot. She got accepted to the Bridge program. It wasn’t on my radar at all because I didn’t think she’d get in at all. From what I’ve read it seems to be a way for Clemson or bust die hards to get in. She is not a die hard at all. Daddy is an alum but daughter never showed much interest.
Now we’re getting close to decision time and she has no idea what she wants in a college. She’s been all over the map -big school, small school, art school, not art school, far away (we’re in Atlanta), close to home, you name it. She just has no idea what she wants, so we’re trying to narrow it down but be open minded. She’s killing me. We’re going to go back and tour her accepted colleges that she hasn’t ruled out. I’m going to make her go take a tour of Clemson just to see if it strikes her at all. Daddy will take her and have a great time even if she doesn’t.
Part of me likes the idea of a segue into college. I had even toyed with seeing if she wanted to do community college before “real” college anyway. She is coming from a small school so really any college is going to be a bit of a shock. She’s also a bit on the immature side so I’m thinking another year of independence without as much academic responsibility might be good for her.
But she thinks she may be treated like she doesn’t belong for being in the Bridge. She thinks “they don’t really want me” when other schools are offering her money. I’m also concerned with why do people not successfully bridge? Is it academics? Is it too much partying? Not feeling a part of Clemson? All the above? I see various stats on the success and I’m not sure what to believe. Retention/graduation rates are a big thing we considered as parents and Clemson’s overall is good, but if Bridge is truly not, that’s a concern.
So my questions are - will she be treated as “less than” and if she’s not a huge bleed orange girl will that make it not worth it? She’s also not into football or greek life at all so will that affect her happiness at Clemson - bridge or not?
Also, I’m a little concerned academically. She is an organized, hard working above average student but not a top student. She goes to a pretty demanding small private high school where she has to work harder than her friends and opted out of tougher classes to survive. She’s taking her one and only AP class right now and is struggling in it (partly senioritis but not wholly). Daddy was a slightly above average student, total slacker and graduated in engineering 30+ years ago, but I’m thinking times have changed. She will not pick something like nursing or engineering, but can she survive other majors?
Thanks for any and all input!
I have heard from current Clemson students that the classes are harder than they expected (they took many APs in hs). The bridge program would most likely help her transition better into a University like Clemson if she is already struggling with only one AP. Granted Community Colleges have ‘easier’ classes than universities. I know that Bridge students are able to live together in dorms designated for Bridge so she will have roommates in the same position as her. Bridge students cannot rush their freshman year, but since your daughter isn’t interested in Greek life that wouldn’t matter. Clemson posts information on majors & about bridge on their Instagram stories every week, you may wish to watch those for more info. However, if she is having money offers from other universities I would look into that since Clemson can be very expensive for OOS.
I’ll try to answer what I can:
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“will she be treated as “less than””
No, honestly probably the only the people who will know will be the people she lives with, has classes with or tells. It’s really not an issue, unless she makes it one herself (in her own head). Bridge students are Clemson students. Most of the bridge kids are excited to be there, so it should be a positive environment.
2)“and if she’s not a huge bleed orange girl will that make it not worth it? She’s also not into football or greek life at all so will that affect her bridge or not?”
No, it’s all about the kids she meets. As a bridge student, she can join any club (except sororities); there are over 500 clubs and organizations, so she should be able to find her “people.” DH went to Clemson; D20 DID NOT bleed orange. In fact, until she came and told us she’d chosen Clemson, we thought she was going with another university. I know it breaks the stereotypical image, but D20 doesn’t care about football either and definitely would never rush; there are a lot of kids just like them. Actually only 25% are members of a fraternity or sorority. -
“Also, I’m a little concerned academically. She is an organized, hard working above average student but not a top student. She goes to a pretty demanding small private high school where she has to work harder than her friends and opted out of tougher classes to survive. She’s taking her one and only AP class right now and is struggling in it (partly senioritis but not wholly).”
This is why bridge was created; it’s a transition to help get them get to the next level (and sometimesan overflow for admits). There is a lot of academic help and support available, if the student is willing to ask for it. Do you think she is good at advocating for herself?
Student Success Programs and Services | Clemson University, South Carolina
4)“Daddy was a slightly above average student, total slacker and graduated in engineering 30+ years ago, but I’m thinking times have changed.”
That’s the running joke at tailgates; most of the 80’s and early 90’ graduates would never be accepted in this day and age 
5)“She will not pick something like nursing or engineering, but can she survive other majors?”
If she’s motivated, yes. As with any college, no one is going to hold her hand, make her study or make her go to tutoring. If she truly wants to be in college and is willing and ready to go, there are support systems; if she doesn’t want to be in school and is only going as the “next” step in life, then maybe a gap year would be good. Not every student is ready for college, and that’s o.k. Only you guys will know that for sure. The program itself can be a great opportunity for kids who really want to be in school, but need a little transition and academic growth. The program, like college, is what you make of it. I will say it’s a lot of money (OOS), if she is not completely sold on college or Clemson. There is also the option of staying in-state for one or two years and then transferring to Clemson or another university. Hope this helped, good luck!
Re Clemson Bridge: I sent a lengthy list of questions to the contacts in the admissions letter and got very thorough answers. It seems to be mostly for in-state kids and classes are four miles away. As far as perceived stigma, confident kids will have a who knows/who cares attitude, however, it’s still a community college. I was told that stats vary by major so some bridge kids maybe be stronger depending on selected major and timing of application - hard to verify if that is really the case. Very very interested in hearing more as we approach decision time…
FYI, is a Facebook group for Clemson Bridge Class of 2025 that may give you more info.
not on facebook - can you please cut and paste for me LOL. Kidding …thanks for info. Happy to hear/read anything you have to share
Wow, thanks to everyone for the helpful and detailed advice. I’m sharing with my daughter and my husband. They are going to go visit soon and we will see what she says.
If she likes it and wants to keep it “on the list” I’ll definitely have her check out some of those other resources.
Do you have to pay the enrollment fee before scheduling an on-campus tour with the bridge program ?
May I ask what her GPA/ACT/SAT was? Our son is applying. Die hard fan, but not sure if he would be accepted…but curious here.