Macaulay Honors College
Applying to Macaulay
If you’re interested in applying to Macaulay, please join our mailing list to hear about admissions events, important dates, and application tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
What You'll Need to Complete Your Application
First college experience: We accept applications from first-time college students (incoming Freshmen). We do not accept transfer students, or anyone who has attended classes at a post-secondary institution after high school, whether or not any credit was granted. Students who attended college classes (such as College Now) ARE eligible to apply to Macaulay.
Reapplying: If you applied but were not accepted to Macaulay in the past, and have not attended any other post-secondary institutions, you may apply again (except for Queens College applicants, who may not re-apply).
Macaulay Honors College students take most of their courses at their home campus. When you apply, you will select up to six of eight campus choices for general admission and ONE campus choice for Macaulay.
Your application will be sent to each of the six campuses you select for general admission. You will then be reviewed for your Macaulay campus choice.
Applicants are encouraged to learn as much as possible about the eight campuses before applying. We recommend you visit the campuses and only apply to those with the programs and extracurricular options best suited to your interests.
See the checklist below for a list of items you should prepare prior to applying.
The Macaulay (CUNY) Application will open on September 1, 2021. You’ll be directed to create a CUNY Application account first and then to a special section for Macaulay applicants.
After completing the application, print out the application summary package. It contains important documents and provides you with a printed record of your submission.
The application deadline for Macaulay Honors College is November 16, 2021. Macaulay Honors College does not offer an early decision option.
When you finish applying online, you’ll have the option of printing a copy of the completed application summary package. We strongly recommend you do so to check for errors and to have a record of your submission.
Application Checklist
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Official high school transcript(s)
If you attend a New York City public high school, your transcript can be sent to Macaulay Honors College via your OSIS number. If you live outside New York City, or attend a private or parochial high school in New York City, ask your high school guidance department to email an official copy of your transcript to transcripts@cuny.edu OR they can be forwarded via Naviance to CUNY.
Mid-year grade reports are not required, but if you believe it will help your application, you may send one to UAPC.
If you are currently attending or have graduated from a Missionary or other American private school, your school must meet CUNY standards for school accreditation. If your high school does not meet accreditation standards, you will be required to take the High School Equivalency test.
Applicants with the following types of high school credentials must successfully complete the High School Equivalency examination to be considered for admission to a CUNY college. High School Credentials/Diplomas from any non-public correspondence, online, or virtual high school will not be considered.
Generally, your home-schooling curriculum should adhere to your school district’s preliminary education requirement for earning a high school diploma. This will allow us to review your entire record as a home-schooled student within the context of the academic requirements as outlined above.
If you are a New York State resident who received home schooling, a transcript outlining all completed coursework with grades earned is required. You must also submit a letter from the superintendent of your school district or comparable chief school administrator certifying that you have completed the equivalent of a New York State four-year high school program through home schooling.
If you are a senior who is currently completing a home-school program, you must submit a letter from the superintendent of your school district certifying that you are currently completing a program that is equivalent to a NYS four-year high school program. Upon completion, please submit a letter verifying that you have successfully completed the program.
If you cannot obtain the letter from the high school district, you must obtain a High School Equivalency diploma. See the High School Equivalency section below.
If you are an out-of-state resident who received home-schooling, a state-issued diploma is required. If you have not obtained a state-issued diploma, you must obtain your High School Equivalency diploma. For more information on how to obtain a High School Equivalency score click here.
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SAT or ACT scores
CUNY will not consider SAT and ACT tests for admission to Macaulay’s class of 2026. DETAILS -
Two letters of academic recommendation
After you complete and submit your application, your recommenders will receive via email the electronic recommendation form. They must complete and return the form by December 10, 2021. Note that recommenders will only receive the form AFTER you have completed and submitted your application. Once you’ve done this, it’s a good idea to check with your recommenders to confirm they have received the form.
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Character Reference Letter
Macaulay Honors College requires a character reference in addition to the two academic references required by CUNY. The character reference letter should specifically focus on your character rather than your academic or intellectual abilities and accomplishments. This letter must be submitted by January 15, 2022.
Instructions for Character Reference Letter -
Essay and Writing Sample
You need to submit two pieces of writing as part of your online application: an ESSAY and a WRITING SAMPLE of your choice. Both essays have a 500 word preferred limit (each). Be sure to proofread carefully and save a hard copy for your records. HOW TO WRITE THEM
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$65 application fee
All applicants must pay the non-refundable $65.00 application processing fee. The fee is the same no matter how many home campus choices you make. CUNY may waive its application fee for students in special financial or other circumstances.
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Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
If you are on a temporary visa and educated in a non-English speaking environment, you must demonstrate proficiency in the English language by submitting one of the following test scores: TOEFL, IELTS (Academic Level), PTE (Academic level), or Duolingo
Arrange to have your official test scores sent to CUNY and/or list our University code 2950 when registering for the exams. DETAILS
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Other Supporting Material
All applicants are encouraged to provide supporting documents as part of their application, in digital form. Any supporting documents sent by mail must be postmarked by the application deadline.
Brochure: What Will You Achieve Next?
