Get ready for college success!
Start strong at Syracuse University with SummerStart. Flexible, four-week online summer programs designed for incoming first-year students to prepare for college. Students can participate in one or both programs to build skills, connect early, and start their first semester with confidence.
Eligibility: Open to incoming first-year, full-time Syracuse University students for the upcoming fall semester.
For more information, email SummerStart@syr.edu or call 315-443- 0221.
College Skills
Get College Ready
A 1-credit online course designed to help you develop the skills, habits, and confidence to succeed in college.
Math Preparation
Get Calc Ready
Personalized math prep using ALEKS — strengthen your skills before your first college math course at your own pace.
Get College Ready
Are you ready for college life? Take a 1-credit online course in College Learning Strategies (CLS) 100 that equips you with the skills, habits, and confidence to succeed in college. Along the way, you will be guided by a SummerStart peer leader who is a current Syracuse University student, and connected with a mentor who will support you through your first year.
What you’ll do in CLS 100
- Learn study strategies, time management, and goal-setting
- Build positive academic habits for college success
- Engage with a SummerStart Peer Leader
- Be paired with a mentor through Orange Mentor Connect
Why join?
- Earn 1 college credit before fall semester begins
- Build skills that directly impact your GPA
- Gain mentorship and peer leadership support
- Feel confident and prepared from day one
Program Details:
- Application: May 1 – July 1
- Financial Aid Priority Deadline: June 10
- Program Dates: July 13 – August 7
- Cost: $750 for 1 college credit
Get Calc Ready
Are you ready for calculus? Complete the ALEKS topic assessment to receive a personalized learning plan, then work through the material at your own pace—with weekly milestones to help you stay on track and make steady progress before the semester begins. You can continue using the program throughout your first year.
How it works
- Take an online assessment to identify your current skills
- Receive a personalized learning plan through ALEKS
- Complete weekly targeted modules
Why join?
- Strengthen key math concepts before your first college-level math course
- Build confidence and reduce anxiety around calculus
- Prepare to succeed in your math course and start the semester strong
Who Should Join?
You can join in a few different ways—depending on where you are in your math journey:
- Before your math placement
If you already know you’d like to strengthen your math skills or feel more prepared before the semester begins, you can get started early and work through a personalized learning plan. - After your math placement
If you’ve completed your Syracuse math placement and are not yet placed into calculus (but need it for your major), this program can help you build the skills you need to get there.
Program Details:
- Application: May 1 – July 1
- Program Dates: July 13 – August 7
- Cost: $45