Feedback on Bridge to Clemson

My son was accepted to the Bridge to Clemson at Tri County Tech. As an alumni I am thrilled he will have an opportunity to “bridge” to Clemson his sophmore year. He isn’t too thrilled. He was accepted into Auburn but I believe Clemson to be a better school. As a GA resident I will pay out of state tuition so the costs of Tri County his freshman year is very attractive to me. Does anyone have experience with this program. We will be going to an orientation in March 2016. Also what about the housing, I understand from research the apartment complex they must live in is owned by some university employees who have a business partnership rather than the university itself? Any feedback is appreciated.

I have heard great things about it. My D was also accepted to the bridge to Clemson. I hope you sent in the 750.00 deposit otherwise he will be on a waiting list. It is FULL.

Bridge to Clemson students do not live on Clemson campus, and Tri County Tech is not in close proximity to Clemson, so participation in campus activities is not as easy as one would believe.

An OOS alum myself with a child at Clemson and family relative who attempted “Bridge” . . . A significant portion of Bridge students do not successfully bridge into Clemson. Even if they bridge, they may not thrive once they get there. Bridge program can work well for in state students but is an awfully expensive way to do community college for those OOS. My advice, for what it’s worth, would be to think carefully. Clemson does accept transfer students, so your son can apply to transfer if he does that first year somewhere less expensive. Bridge is not a real Clemson experience in my opinion, but does provide a solid option for academically prepping students for that real Clemson experience.

That’s my impression as well @TwoRescues

Thank you all for your feedback, we are going to give it a try.

NewKid1900 yes we sent in the deposit and we go to orientation on 3/25. He is unsure of it but I’d rather know he is on the path to Clemson.

My daughter had a wonderful experience as a bridge student last year. She is now taking exams to wrap her sophomore year as a Clemson student. She was on Clemson campus almost everyday last year. She and roommates would study at the Clemson library instead of TC. They worked out at Fike several days a week. She joined Clemson FCA and went on a mission trip with them over spring break. She was at every home football game. The only thing she didn’t do was take classes at Clemson and didn’t stay in a dorm. Other than that, she considered herself a Clemson student. Just like in any situation, you get out of an experience what you put in. She and all 3 of her roommates successfully bridged and are wonderfully, happy Clemson students now!