In the ever-evolving world of college admissions, a new admissions option has emerged in recent years that has raised completely new questions and decision options for high school seniors – the Spring Start time.

When most students think about college, they are thinking of the “traditional” college experience – graduate from high school in May or June, have a great last summer with high school friends and family and start at your dream college in August or September.  The Spring Start time admissions option has thrown a curve-ball to many students who were thinking of this more “traditional” path.  What if you gained admission to your dream college, but were not able to start there until the following January?  This Spring Start option begs the question – just how badly do you want to go to your dream college?

Most colleges appear to be proud of their study abroad programs. At info sessions, admissions officers brag about how connected their college is to various places around the globe. College websites and alumni magazines show pictures of happy students walking the streets of Rome, paddling down a river in Vietnam, or playing soccer in the street with kids in Chile’.  Most colleges include study abroad expenses in their tuition charges. At some colleges the student may be required to pay the air fare and some incidental expenses.  But Is study abroad for everyone?

The fact is, depending on the student’s major, study abroad programs may not work for a student.  Engineering majors and others are discouraged from interrupting a required sequence of courses in pursuit of study abroad. Those students might be best served by taking advantage of study abroad opportunities in the second semester of their freshman year or during their sophomore year.