DATE: April 02, 2008

CONTACT: Robert Barkley, (864) 656-2287
rbrtbkl@clemson.edu

WRITER: Teresa C. Hopkins, (864) 656-1222
hopkin1@clemson.edu

Strong academic reputation draws record applications to Clemson

CLEMSON – A record number of students have applied to Clemson University for the 2008-09 academic year.

As of April 2, Clemson had received 15,349 freshman applications. This is the first time applications have exceeded 15,000.

“We are already 1,100 applications ahead of last year’s total and expect another 300 applications before the May 1 deadline for freshman application,” said Clemson admissions director Robert Barkley.

Last year Clemson received 14,247 freshman applications.

The number of applications from out-of–state students has increased and Barkley said the growth can be attributed to the growing academic reputation of the university.

“We expect to have more applications from out of state this year than total applications five years ago,” he said. “Clemson is a popular choice for both in-state and out-of-state students because of the quality education, friendly students and engaging faculty.”

Out-of-state residents make up about 35 percent of Clemson’s enrollment.

The Visitor’s Center at Clemson and its popular campus tours assist in raising the awareness of the university and increasing the friendly reputation, Barkley added.

An increase in out-of-state applications does not lessen the opportunities for in-state students, who comprise the majority of Clemson’s enrollment. In fact, in 2006 Clemson developed the Bridge to Clemson program, an initiative with Tri-County Technical College to provide opportunities for more in-state students to attend Clemson.

The program provides students a blend of academic and residential life during the freshman year and a seamless transition to Clemson University for the sophomore year. Students have access to academic success programs, tutoring and other academic resources at both schools.

For 2007-08, Clemson offered the bridge program to 909 students and 252 students enrolled. Clemson will know in mid-May how many of the students will successfully meet bridge requirements and transfer to Clemson.

For 2008-09, Clemson offered the bridge program to 1,200 students and 300 students have paid the advance deposit ahead of enrolling.