Colleges and SYA
SYA students are proven risk-takers who can thrive in a challenging academic environment.
SYA alumni depart for college with the enormous advantage of the increased adaptability, self-knowledge, confidence and independence necessary to have a successful college experience. Over 85% of surveyed SYA alumni felt well-prepared for college or vocational school after graduating SYA. College counselors and college admissions officers at top universities can attest to the value of SYA. They know that SYA students can thrive in a challenging academic environment and in a new culture.
Students graduate from SYA as global citizens who are ready to tackle academic challenges at college. In the past five years, SYA alumni matriculated at approximately 185 colleges and universities. Read the entire college profile here.
Where do SYA Students go to College?
Eleven or more SYA alumni enrolled in undergraduate programs at the following schools from 2017 - 2023:
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American University Brown University Cornell University George Washington University |
Georgetown University New York University Northeastern University Tufts University Tulane University
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University of California University of Chicago U. of Southern California University of St. Andrew’s |
Five or more SYA alumni enrolled in undergraduate programs at the following schools from 2017- 2023:
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Barnard College Boston University Bowdoin College Claremont McKenna College College of William and Mary Columbia University Emory University |
Harvard University Macalester College McGill University Middlebury College Princeton University Rice University Stanford University University of Colorado |
U. of North Carolina University of Pennsylvania Washington University in St. Louis Wake Forest University Wesleyan University Yale University |
How do SYA students prepare for college from abroad?
SYA high school juniors and seniors stay engaged in the college process while abroad. Students receive all of the support that they need to prepare for, and apply to, college. SYAers also master the important skills like critical thinking, independence and adaptability, that colleges and employers 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 the SYA College Counseling Liaison
- Continue their relationship with their college counselor from their sending school
- Complete and submit college applications
The majority of SYAers write their college essay on their abroad experience and request a letter of recommendation from an SYA faculty member.
Student Testimonials
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
“SYA prepared me to tackle interdisciplinary classes and integrate a wide range of perspectives into my learning. Thanks to my time abroad at SYA, I was able to place into Advanced Italian at Bowdoin and achieve a double major, which as been a lot of fun to complete!” -Katie K., IT'19, Bowdin College
“The SYA program really was essential to my college process. I probably would not be at NYU if it weren’t for the experience that I had abroad. Thanks to SYA, I applied to the top institutions that held an international/global philosophy program and was lucky enough to be accepted to nearly all of them." -August L., IT'19, New York University
"The SYA experience helped me stand out in the college admissions process. I know I wouldn't be where I am today without SYA!" -Jake S., ES'20, Carnegie Mellon University