Several states have implemented direct admissions programs for their public university systems for the benefit of their in-state high school graduates. These programs set forth clear criteria for guaranteed admission, eliminating the need for qualifying students to go through the traditional admissions process. Having such programs in place increases access and reduces the stress and anxiety that is so often associated with the admissions process. . The criteria may differ from state to state, but the transparency it provides may be appealing to many students. Read on to learn more about how New York, Wisconsin, and Texas are approaching direct admissions.
The State University of New York System: SUNY Top 10 Promise
New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced the launch of a pilot direct admissions program called the SUNY Top 10 Promise to benefit New York’s high-achieving students. The goal is for students in the top 10% of their class, to gain automatic admission to specific SUNY institutions (see below). This initiative aims to make college more accessible, affordable, and close to home.
The pilot program will focus on 68 high-needs districts, including New York City, and nine SUNYs: SUNY New Paltz, Oneonta, Polytechnic Institute, Purchase, Stony Brook University, University at Albany, University at Buffalo, Suny College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and SUNY Geneseo.
No application is required. For admission, students simply must meet eligibility criteria, be identified by their high school, and opt-in to the program by answering a few questions, including that they agree to have their academic record sent to SUNY. Academic criteria may include being in the top 10% of their class and on track to receive an Advanced Regents or IB diploma, or on track to receive a Regents diploma and achieved at least one of the following:
• SAT 1100 or more
• ACT 23 or higher
• 2 APs of 3 or more in English, History, Math or Science
• 2 IBs exams of 5 or higher in English, History, Math or Science
The SUNY Top 10 Promise offers a direct, automatic pathway to higher education, encouraging New York students to stay in-state and thrive within the SUNY system.
The Wisconsin Guarantee Program and Direct Admit Wisconsin
Wisconsin has introduced two distinct direct admission programs. The first is the Wisconsin Guarantee Program, which was recently signed into law by Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers. For students in the top 5% of their Wisconsin high school class at the end of their junior year, admission to the University of Madison campus is guaranteed, provided the students meet other required criteria including, but not limited to, being in a class greater than 15 and meeting the course requirements for admission set by the Board of Regents.
The Direct Admit Wisconsin program was announced in 2023, and its first class will be admitted in the Fall of 2025. Its aim is to streamline the college admissions process for Wisconsin’s in-state high school students by removing traditional application barriers. Participating high schools share students’ GPAs and course credits directly with the University of Wisconsin system at the end of the students’ junior year. Without ever having to submit an application or take a test, qualifying students receive an email acceptance notification: fast, simple, direct. Ten of the 13 Universities of Wisconsin are currently participating. The three current non-participants are the campuses located in Madison, Eau Claire, and La Crosse.
The Texas Top 10% Rule
Among one of the more established direct admissions programs, the Texas Top 10% Rule was started in the late 1990s to promote diversity. Students who graduate in the top 10% of a recognized public or private high school in Texas can earn guaranteed admission to all public Texas universities to which they apply. While most Texas public colleges follow the 10% rule, some admit more, and the University of Texas at Austin is allowed to be more selective and admit less. The guarantee at UT-Austin is set at the top 6% and may be reduced even further if enrollment management requires.
Direct admissions programs like these are designed to reward academic achievement and make the college admissions process more equitable. For students and families, this means less stress and more options. These admissions options are an interesting alternative to the holistic admissions approach used by the majority of colleges and universities in the United States. Whether you’re in New York, Wisconsin, Texas or another state, explore direct admissions policies to see how they can help shape your college journey.
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