<p>I wasn't really considering applying to Clemson until I went to a camp there this summer. I was so impressed with the lovely campus and the friendly, open, and helpful people. After thinking about it for a long time, I'm pretty sure I want to go there (unless I get accepted to one of my dream schools). My dad, however, is disappointed. He thinks I can do better than Clemson and he'd rather me go to a school that's more of a "match". (Based on their freshman stats, Clemson is a safety for me.)</p>
<p>So, the question:</p>
<p>What are the first things that come to mind when you hear "Clemson University"? I'm trying to get a feel for it's reputation and the way other people see it. Please be honest! I'm not going to be super-happy if you say "the most beautiful campus I've ever seen"; I'm not going to be offended if you say something like "a hick school with no diversity".... I'm just looking for honest opinions! </p>
<p>If you are white, a southerner, conservative, love to watch football and want to remain in your comfort zone, chances are very good that you will love Clemson. If you are missing any of these attributes, you may want to consider going to another college.</p>
<p>I went to a camp there over the summer as well and i loved it. Im from Charleston, SC and i have to say that Clemson is definately very southern/white. The professors i worked with in Materials Science were MUCH more diverese though, of professors i met with 2 from China, 1 Ukraine, 1 Great Britian, 3 from America. The Grad students were a whole mix of people, So basicaly im saying depending what field you go into you will sort of get away from the southern white conservative crowd if thats a big problem to you.</p>
<p>No, really. It's a great school and it's just like any public regardless of caliber--UT, LSU, UFetc. If you like football and social activities but also want decent academics, it's a good place to go. It is pretty "white" and in a very small town, but if you like it--who cares? There are smart people everywhere and there will be intelligent people at Clemson who are there on full rides. My mother met a guy from Columbia (SC) who had started trying to grow the "chick outside of the egg" when he was 17, in his basement. Loved embryology, went to Clemson on a huge scholarship. </p>
<p>I really considered applying there but it's way too far away and has absolutely no airport to speak of. I know tons of people who've gone there and I can't say any of them were unhappy. The dorms are pretty nice and they are trying to diversify more. </p>
<p>If you hope to stay in the south and want to be around friendly people on a nice campus and don't mind being lost in the crowd, it will be a respected name. Nobody will say, "Oh, you went to that party school."</p>
<p>i think of something similar to europegirl. my dad went to clemson. he wasnt white or southern or even american, but he hasnt said anything bad about it. when i think of clemson i also think of the team that beats umd (my state school), the best school in south carolina, and not much more. more or less, it's just annother state school. while it doesnt have the name of michigan, uva, ucb, and ucla it's still one of th better public institutions in america.</p>
<p>I took a look at your stats: a valedictorian with a 2240 SAT, lots of APs, and decent extracurriculars. I think there are a lot of nice schools out there for you that are better than Clemson. It's good to love your safeties but I think you can definitely do better. It is a good school for sure, but there are better publics out there. Sorry I didn't really answer your original question...just commenting...</p>
<p>there are plenty of other schools out there that have higher standards than clemson but are very similar. i'm looking at clemson myself as a safety but i'm also looking at washington and lee, davidson, wake forest, unc chapel hill, furman, william and mary, and the university of richmond as good matches. you should check out these schools if you like clemson.</p>
<p>Wow- thanks to everyone for the replies! :) I definately understand where each of you is coming from, and you've all given me a lot to think about.</p>
<p>crystalcouture4- Thanks for the input on the different schools... I have actually been looking into many of them, and I will continue to do so over the next month or two.</p>
<p>jimbob1225- Thanks for that, as well. That's basically the attitude my dad took. lol. I guess I'll just keep my fingers crossed and if I can get into their honours program with a good scholarship, it will be more worthwhile.</p>
<p>Again, thanks so much for the responses! I hope to hear more. ;)</p>
<p>It makes me think of that huge fight they had in a football game a couple years ago against South Carolina. not that that would make a difference in your decision.</p>
<p>As you may learn from posters on CC and other similar sites, state supported schools like Clemson that have special "Honors" programs can give top students an excellent alternative to the "top-ranked college" mentality. In many cases, these Honors programs give students the intimacy, challenge and support of a small LAC while also taking advantage of the many options that a large research university can offer, including DI football.</p>
<p>The key question should be will you be both happy and well-educated at Clemson? If so, it is a "dream" school.</p>
<p>how completely unrefreshing it is to see the stale, stereotypical comments on racism and slave plantations. i roll my eyes in those posters' general directions.</p>