Colleges and SYA
SYA students are global citizens who aRE READY FOR COLLEGE.
SYA alumni head to college with the enormous advantage of the increased adaptability, self-knowledge, confidence and independence necessary to have a successful college experience. College counselors and college admissions officers at top universities attest to the value of SYA's curriculum. Through the immersive SYA academic program, they have found students develop the communication and leadership skills that prepare them for challenging academic environments.
Where do SYA Students go to College?
Students graduate from SYA as global citizens who are ready to tackle academic challenges at college.
Since 2022, SYA alumni matriculated at more than 200 colleges and universities. The following list is not exhaustive, but includes some of the colleges which enrolled SYA students in the last five years:
preparing for college from abroad
SYA high school juniors and seniors stay engaged in the college process while abroad. Students receive the support that they need to prepare for, and apply to, college. SYAers also master important skills like critical thinking, independence and adaptability, that colleges are looking for.
At SYA, students can:
- Take standardized tests like the PSATs (fall), SATs (fall and spring) and AP tests (spring)
- Take online SAT prep courses
- Meet regularly with their SYA College Counseling Liaison
- Continue their relationship with their college counselor from their sending school
- Complete and submit college applications
College ESSAY
SYAers often use experiences abroad as the basis for their college essay. The stories SYAers write about for their essays help to set them apart in the college application process. From exploring ancient ruins to living with a host family to mastering travel in another language, the SYA journey provides many opportunities to showcase growth.
Recommendation letters
Most SYA alumni request a recommendation letter from one of their SYA teachers. Faculty are uniquely able to speak to a student's personal growth and academic talents due to the small class sizes at SYA.
Student Testimonials
The support the SYA staff provided me was vital to my college application process. When my home teacher did not submit a recommendation, Madame Connelly got it done! I was given deadlines regarding my college applications, and my advisor made sure I was on track. Also, being surrounded by ambitious and supportive students motivated me to push myself. SYA helped me become more well-rounded, and displayed that as well. The support and experiences that came with SYA helped me become a part of the Yale University community. Where I will pursue a major in Ethics, Economics, and Politics, and continue my journey in French with a minor in French." - Nuwelin D., FR ‘26, Yale University
“By attending SYA Spain, I was able to pursue my passion for language, global affairs, and traveling that I had always possessed but had never had the opportunity to pursue in such a transformative way. I fell in love with Spain — to such a degree that I decided to study abroad in Madrid for my first year of college. Because of the impact my SYA experience has on me, I am now a freshman at the NYU Madrid campus who will minor in Spanish and study abroad in Madrid an additional time during junior year.” - Victoriah R., ES'25, NYU
I came back from SYA with a greater confidence in who I was and how I would show up as a college student far away from my family. I think that came through in my applications and I was able to show that I had the grit and determination a prestigious university demands. I truly believe SYA is the reason I am going to Brown and it also is the reason my college application went so smoothly, I didn’t have to dig to find things to write my essays about and I just knew which colleges would be right for me because SYA helped me get to know myself." - Louise M., FR'25, Brown University
SYA impacted my college search process by driving me to realize that I do not want to stay put or choose a path just because it feels comfortable. Living abroad showed me that I want a fulfilling, active life where I keep challenging myself and avoid being complacent. Because of SYA, I am now thinking more carefully about colleges that will give me opportunities to explore, grow, study abroad, meet new people, and stay open to experiences outside of my comfort zone." - Art R. IT'25, Loomis Chaffee
“SYA Spain opened my mind to the world and introduced me to all different kinds of people. Thus, I realized that I wanted to attend a large university with a diverse student body. (And of course, my experience in Spain made a fantastic Personal Statement.) Go blue!” - Luke S., ES'25, University of Michigan
SYA was totally defining of my college process and decision. I knew going into my senior year that I was looking for schools that had a global focus and great study abroad opportunities. I wrote about a story from my year abroad for my personal statement." - Lucy S., ES'23, UCLA