One trend worth noting when applying to colleges is alternate pathways to admission. We recently shared information about New York State’s planned direct admission program, which is one such alternative. Now, we draw your attention to another innovative program: Syracuse University’s Guaranteed Orange. This alternate pathway to admission offers not only a sense of security, but also substantial financial incentives. Here’s what you need to know about this exciting opportunity.
What Is the Guaranteed Orange Program?
Syracuse University’s Guaranteed Orange program guarantees admission to the university’s College of Arts and Sciences for eligible students and awards a $20,000 tuition scholarship, which is renewable if students meet other criteria. This is a valuable opportunity for high school students planning their college careers. Although the guarantee applies specifically to the College of Arts and Sciences, students can still apply to other programs at Syracuse and be considered for additional scholarships.
Who Is Eligible for this Admissions Program?
To qualify for the Guaranteed Orange program, students must participate in one of Syracuse University’s pre-college academic programs:
Syracuse University Project Advance (SUPA)
A leading dual enrollment program that integrates college-level courses into high school curricula.
Syracuse University Summer College
A residential or online program offering a variety of courses for high school students.
Accelerated Semester Online
A flexible online option for students to earn college credit.
Eligible students must:
• Complete a minimum of 6 credit hours through any combination of these programs by the end of their senior year
• Maintain at least a 3.0 GPA in their Syracuse coursework and achieve an overall high school GPA of 3.7 (unweighted on a 4.0 scale) or 4.7 (weighted on a 5.0 scale) by the end of junior year
• Meet Syracuse University’s application deadlines
Why Does Syracuse Offer This Alternative Admissions Program?
The Guaranteed Orange program is designed to reward motivated high school students who challenge themselves through college-level coursework. By participating in programs like SUPA, students demonstrate their readiness for the rigors of college academics while exploring advanced subject matter during their high school years. SUPA, in particular, is one of the nation’s most respected dual enrollment programs, allowing students to earn college credit and gain exposure to university-level expectations within the familiar environment of their high school.
Why Consider Alternate Pathways Like Guaranteed Orange?
In the competitive world of college admissions, programs like Guaranteed Orange stand out as a welcome opportunity. Unlike traditional admissions processes that may be more subjective and uncertain, this alternative program provides clarity and reassurance to students who meet its criteria. The financial incentive is another major draw. A $20,000 renewable scholarship can significantly reduce the cost of attending an institution like Syracuse with an estimated cost of attendance upwards of $80,000, making higher education more accessible to families.
Admissions guarantees aside, programs like these encourage academic exploration and personal growth. Participating in dual enrollment or pre-college courses helps students strengthen their college applications by showcasing curiosity, and readiness for college level work which are qualities valued by admissions committees.
Is the Guaranteed Orange Program Right for You?
If your high school offers SUPA courses or you have the opportunity to participate in Syracuse University’s Summer College or Accelerated Semester Online, this program is worth considering. Here are some questions to guide your decision:
• 1. Are you academically driven? Success in these programs requires commitment to challenging coursework.
• 2. Do you meet the GPA requirements? Reflect on your academic record and whether you’re on track to achieve the necessary grades.
• 3. Is Syracuse University a school you’re excited about? Research the College of Arts and Sciences and other programs at Syracuse to see if they align with your goals.
Take Advantage of This Opportunity
In a world where college admissions are increasingly unpredictable, Syracuse University’s Guaranteed Orange program offers a unique alternative. By rewarding high-achieving high school students for their hard work and ambition, the program opens doors to an excellent education while easing the financial burden of college tuition. If you have access to SUPA or other Syracuse University pre-college programs, this is a pathway worth exploring.
Looking for help with the college search and application process? We help students and families through the entire college planning journey – from search, applications and essays to interview prep, financial aid consultation and final school selection.
Contact us at info@signaturecollegecounseling.com or by phone, 845.551.6946. We work with students through Zoom, over the phone and by email.