ACADEMICS

Bridge to Bulldogs

Bridge to Bulldogs is an innovative program for alternate entry into Louisiana Tech University. This collaboration between Academic Affairs and Student Advancement is an invitation-only program that begins immediately following graduation from high school and extends over the span of two quarters, giving students the chance to make a seamless transition into college life at Louisiana Tech. Bridge students who then meet freshmen admission requirements are guaranteed unconditional admission status.

We know how important it is for first-year students to build a community and support group. That’s why Bridge to Bulldogs students begin in the summer and live in Tech’s on campus apartments for the first quarter of the program. Between the built-in community created by housing and social and academic programs coordinated by the Bridge to Bulldogs staff, Bridge students are provided ample opportunities to experience college life in an encouraging and supportive environment. The program’s course schedule is specially designed to ensure a smooth transition into Louisiana Tech for the upcoming Fall Quarter; and the program staff is committed to providing students with the educational tools and services they need to succeed. Bridge to Bulldogs includes dedicated academic advising, student support services and a student life component—all of which are designed to help students succeed in meeting the requirements for unconditional admission to Louisiana Tech.

Student Selection

Bridge to Bulldogs is an invitation-only program for eligible first-time freshmen. Students who apply to Louisiana Tech as first-time freshmen for the summer or fall quarter immediately following high school graduation and do not meet University admissions standards may be invited to join Bridge to Bulldogs. Information regarding the Bridge to Bulldogs participation will be sent to students meeting selection criteria as soon as their admission application has been reviewed and evaluated. Invited students must confirm their participation prior to June 15 by submitting a contract for the Bridge to Bulldogs. Once the contract is received and approved, admission status to the university will be updated to transitionally admit the student so that they will receive an email containing a Campus Wide Identification (CWID) number allowing them to register for Housing and Orientation.

Students may be invited to participate in the Bridge to Bulldogs Program based on the following criteria: an overall earned high school GPA of 3.0 or greater on a Core curriculum, an English ACT subscore of 18 or higher, and a math ACT subscore in the range of 17-18, and a minimum ACT composite score of 18.

Academic Requirements

To be conditionally admitted to Louisiana Tech University, students enrolling in the Bridge to Bulldogs are required to submit a contract. Students will start coursework in mid-July and will be on track to successfully complete program requirements by the end of the fall term.

Coursework follows a specific path designed specifically for the Bridge to Bulldogs program. All of the courses are designed to compliment one another and build on the theory behind strengthening a community and an enhanced support network. Students participating are approved to complete the following classes as part of the student’s transitional admission status:

Summer Quarter start:

Summer
Math 103C (3 credit hours)
Math 103B (2 credit hours of supplemental math instruction)
FYE 100 (1 credit hour)
6 hours total

and

Fall
Subsequent math course major directed (3-5 credit hours)
Communication 101 (3 credit hours)
General Education Requirements (3-6 credit hours)
9-12 hours total

To support student success, the Bulldog Achievement Resource Center (BARC) provides services in conjunction with the Students in Transition, and administers a plan for the Bridge to Bulldog students. Placing B2B students in unconditional admission status requires the following:

• Bridge to Bulldog participants must complete a minimum of 15 credit hours by the end of the second enrollment quarter while in transitional status.
• Students are not permitted to withdraw from any courses during the program. All courses taken while participating in the B2B program must be pre-approved by the Director of Students in Transition
• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
• Complete structured activities, including but not limited to weekly visits with the Director of Students in Transition, class attendance according to the syllabus, and mandatory study session.

Cost

The best news about the Bridge to Bulldogs Program is that students who are invited to attend are eligible to receive a scholarship which covers the majority of expenses of the program for the summer! Bridge Scholars receive an award that allows students to receive tuition, room and board, and textbooks. In order to offset the balance left after the scholarship is applied, a $300 program fee is required of the participants. That’s a scholarship valued at over $3,000 for the summer!

While the scholarship is a one-time, summer only award, any student eligible for federal financial aid (including but not limited to TOPS) may apply those awards towards tuition and fees for the fall quarter. Students are encouraged to submit FAFSA applications early in order to get an idea of their awards before the fall rush.

For more information contact:
Melanie Peel
Email: mpeel@latech.edu
Bulldog Achievement Resource Center (BARC), Wyly Tower
P. O. Box 3054
Ruston, Louisiana 71272
Phone: 318.257.4730
Fax: 318.257.2030

Cost of Attendance

The Cost of Attendance calculator provides an estimate of the costs associated with attending Louisiana Tech University.  The elements associated with the Cost of Attendance include, but are not limited to the following:

• Tuition and Fees
• Books, Course Material, Supplies, and Equipment
• Transportation
• Miscellaneous Personal Expenses
• Living Expenses (Food and Housing)

To calculate your estimated Cost of Attendance, click here to be taken to our Cost of Attendance calculator.