Alternative Start Programs
Updated: Jul 22
Have you heard that your neighbor is starting their new college this summer, just a few weeks after they graduate high school? Or another who is not starting until January? Or that your cousin is actually spending their very first semester in Europe, across the ocean from their home campus?
“Alternative Start” programs have become an increasingly popular way for colleges to manage enrollment. The concept is that they can build a bigger starting class if not every student is showing up on campus at the same time in the Fall, which has been the traditional matriculation season. Because they can more reliably predict melt (another word for students trickling out over the first year), the numbers work, and the colleges can capture more students who really want to be there but may not have made the initial cut in the selection process. When colleges report out average academic statistics of their first-year class (e.g., GPAs, test scores), metrics from alternative start admits are not included, so these programs enable colleges to accept additional students who may have been just below the academic target, but otherwise a terrific fit for the school. Colleges are businesses, and this is one of several ways for them to creatively achieve their enrollment goals.
Some examples of Alternative Start programs:
Summer Start: Students enroll in their first semester of classes starting in June after high school.
Examples: Clemson University, Penn State University
Guaranteed Transfer / Bridge to University: Students take their first semester or first full year classes at an affiliated community college with a guaranteed transfer plan.
Spring (January) Start: Students take a gap semester and start college in January for the Spring Semester.
Examples: New York University, Boston University
The University of Maryland offers an additional option to their Spring Start admits; they can participate in the Freshmen Connection Program which allows them to live on campus and start taking classes at alternative times.
Semester (or Full Year) Abroad: Students begin their college experience at an affiliated campus abroad (or at an alternative domestic campus).
Examples: Northeastern NUin program, Verto Education. Verto is a study abroad program affiliated with 60+ colleges and universities, providing an international experience with guaranteed transfer credits to these partner schools.
Alternative Start programs tend to exist at larger universities, where enrollment is more fluid. However, the list is expanding: Middlebury College, Notre Dame, Brandeis, Tulane and Hamilton College all have alternative start options.
As a student (or family), should you consider expanding your search to include consideration of these programs? It depends.
On the plus side, you have a greater chance of ultimately ending up at one of your preferred colleges if you express a willingness to enroll via Alternative Start. Additionally, the smaller cohort of an Alternative Start program can actually make it easier to make friends and transition to college life. Starting in the summer, for example, gives you time to explore a less crowded campus and discover your favorite spots before it gets busy. If you are on the more adventurous side, taking advantage of a college start abroad can be a mind-opening learning experience.
On the downside, you may be missing out on the traditions of a Fall start. You should ask questions about your ability to join clubs, rush a fraternity/sorority, and participate in other activities once you integrate into the campus. You should also be sure you understand how housing, class registration, and other important logistics will work when you return. For Spring Start students, recognize that you will likely have to “catch up” with summer classes to be on track to graduate with your class. Finally, some Alternative Start programs, such as a summer start or first semester abroad, may have additional costs that may or may not be included in your financial aid package, so be sure to understand how this choice can affect your budget.
Alternative Starts are not for everyone, but for some students it can simply be another way to achieve their ultimate college goal. I encourage everyone to be open to the possibility, and assess if it’s right for you!
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