My daughter is a rising sophomore at Clemson and didn’t need recommendation letters. The process seemed very organized and the pledging experience seemed a lot different than my northeast college sorority experience in the 80’s, very positive and quick (my days were those of pledge books, memorization, call outs, blindfolds- crazy time consuming). Just make sure she has theme clothing. My daughter was down to her two top choices at the end, she and her friends are in different ones so they take each other to mixers.
Thank you so very much for responding and for sharing your daughter’s experience. To be honest my daughter was a little on the fence about rushing, so this is wonderful news and so happy to hear it is a much more positive and enjoyable process! It is especially great to hear your daughter’s friendships didn’t suffer despite joining different sororities! The culture at Clemson as whole truly seems unlike any other and one of the biggest reasons she chose it!
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My daughter loves it, cried the whole week before coming home, already took a roadtrip to MD and VA with college friends (and she has a tight HS group too). I’ve had 5 kids in college, her experience has been the most amazing, so much fun and apparently everyone is so friendly. The weather helps.
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This is so great and comforting to hear!! So glad your daughter is happy and loving it!! We’re from Kansas City, MO, my daughter graduated from high school last weekend and I think the reality of going so far and knowing no one is starting to sink in. We toured and visited so many schools and Clemson just felt amazing, friendly and so homey, so I just keep reminding her it’ll be wonderful!
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According to Naviance, my daughter is the first person from our HS to go to Clemson, there are 3 rising sophomores from our town, my daughter, her friend who went to private HS, and another girl who went to another private school. There are students from all over, there are local parents who are more than willing to bring kids food, take them to urgent care, accept deliveries - honestly I’ve never seen anything like it (we are in NJ). My daughter sent a last minute application, flew down late April last year, and within 15 minutes just knew. She feels like she won the lottery (and says it’s like being on vacation every day, even with classes). Make sure she takes advantage of everything offered (my daughter loves the beach, paddle boarding, and itsurweiner, intramural soccer, gym, spin classes…).
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Wow! What an incredible and inspiring journey! Sounds like your daughter also ventured out of her comfort zone to follow her heart and intuition and that it all paid off for her! Thank you for the recommendation and encouragement of getting involved. It does sound like that’s the best way to build your community! It is super comforting knowing there is such a great local support system to lean on should the need arise!!
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Local parent here; this year alone I’ve sat in the ER with one, taken one to urgent care, taken another to an unexpected outpatient surgery, delivered fedex packages and food/medicine to sick students. I’m just one of a whole network of parents who jump in if needed; all you need to do is post on the Clemson University parent page and local parents will respond. She’s in good hands 
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