When I was going through the college process during my senior year of high school, I often daydreamed about the ideal fall move-in day on a bustling campus, sorting out bed arrangements with my roommate before registering for classes at our dream school. If I could offer myself advice now, I would encourage a younger me to open the aperture lens of what starting college could look like.
Looking back, I wish I had paused to consider alternative start programs that could offer a different and enriching experience, helping me build confidence, gain a global perspective, and connect with peers. Additionally, applying to alternative start programs can provide a number of advantages in the college admissions process.
First Semester or Year Abroad
There are a variety of alternative start programs offered by institutions across the country. Colleges like New York University, Skidmore, Georgia Tech, and Northeastern offer opportunities for first-year students to study abroad. You spend your semester(s) taking college courses that fulfill your core curriculum requirements while developing your cultural competency through meaningful programming and excursions. You also usually live, study, and travel in a small cohort of other first-year students, developing strong relationships through your shared experiences.
Applying for a first semester or first year abroad demonstrates a willingness to take risks and explore new opportunities. These qualities can be highly valued by Admissions Officers, as they often indicate the types of trailblazers colleges are excited to admit. Colleges also often save spots in the incoming first-year class specifically for students who want to attend these programs, so expressing interest in such programs could increase your chances of being accepted to your dream school!
Gap Semester/Spring Start
Colleges like Babson, Middlebury, Colorado College, and Hamilton have distinct Spring Start (sometimes called Winter Start) programs where you have the opportunity to take a gap semester and start with a smaller cohort of students in the spring. You can use the time off to embrace a meaningful pause from the traditional academic calendar and pursue some of your personal goals without having to commit to a full gap year.
Starting with the smaller Winter/Spring Start community can also be a helpful bridge if you foresee yourself potentially feeling overwhelmed by the combination of a large fall orientation and the pressure of making new connections on campus. These alternative start programs build in a more intimate orientation experience coupled with the shared experience of starting college a little differently, which leads to stronger peer connections.
Also, by expressing an interest in a gap semester or Winter/Spring Start, you can distinguish yourself to Admissions Offices by showcasing your adaptability, curiosity, and willingness to step outside your comfort zone. This also signals to Admissions that you are open to being considered for the additional seats in the class set aside for students taking gap semesters (again, increasing your chances of acceptance!).
Alternative Campuses
Residence halls at Emory’s Oxford College campus (Image)
Alternative campuses such as Emory’s Oxford Campus and Northeastern’s Oakland and London campuses also offer a chance to start college in a smaller setting. Starting at a satellite campus can be a great opportunity to experience extra support in your college transition through smaller classes and more on-campus resources before transferring to the main campus. Students have often shared with me that they benefited from their time in a more intimate setting to be able to build up their confidence inside and outside of the classroom.
And, as with First-Year Semester Abroad or Spring Start programs, alternative campuses tend to offer higher acceptance rates than the more traditional main campuses do. For example, while Emory hit an overall acceptance rate of 10.3% in 2023, the Oxford Campus appears to have accepted just over 16% of applicants (and about 7% of admitted students were admitted to both campuses).
Make Sure to Explore Your Options!
Corpus Christi College in Cambridge, UK (Image)
Alternative start programs offer college applicants a wealth of benefits. From providing a smooth transition to college and challenging academic opportunities to promoting personal growth, these programs can help you build a strong foundation for success in college and beyond.
If you're considering applying to an alternative start program or first-semester abroad program, take some time to explore your options! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to embark on a unique adventure that will shape you in college and beyond.