Admission application readers need to know that you are prepared to begin study at the college level, and that you have sufficiently challenged yourself through your high school course selection. A good way to demonstrate this is to successfully complete a rigorous curriculum. For some, this may mean AP and Honors courses. For others, if your school doesn't offer AP and Honors, it may be dual credit, or credit earned from a college while you are in high school. It may also be a college preparatory curriculum. In all cases, application readers want to know that you have challenged yourself. Recommended college preparatory courses typically include:
- 4 units of English
- 4 units of social studies
- 3 units of mathematics (4 units required for engineering and applied sciences)
- 3 units of science (4 units required for engineering and applied sciences)
- 2 or 3 units of a foreign language
At Stony Brook, we consider all course work completed as part of our academic review, but English, Social Studies, Mathematics, and Science courses are considered core subject areas and often are considered for admission to some majors.
APPLICATION CRITERIA AND NEXT STEPS
HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
Universities take note of a student’s progress in grades. It is favorable for applicants to have upward or solid steady trends in their grades as they move through their high school program. We know that sometimes taking more challenging courses may not always mean an ‘A’ and for our review, that's okay as long as there is a balance across our review areas.
STANDARDIZED EXAMINATIONS
Stony Brook is test optional for applicants. This means it is up to each applicant to determine if submitting an SAT or ACT is appropriate. If you believe your test score reflects your academic achievement and potential, you may decide to send the score. Test scores are just one part of our holistic review. Other parts that are reviewed include a student’s academic record including the overall grade point average and strength of curriculum, as well as other academic and personal factors such as extracurricular and community involvement, evidence of leadership, special talents or interest. All factors are considered for all applicants, so even if you don’t submit a test score you will still receive full consideration. You’ll also be eligible for merit based scholarships, too.
SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION
As part of the supplemental portion of your application, we require a personal essay. University Honors Programs including Scholars for Medicine and Scholars for Dental Medicine will also require additional essays highlighting your interest in those programs.
SPECIAL TALENTS
While a supplemental application provides you with an opportunity to highlight your special talents or circumstances, it is often advisable to have your college counselor or advisor attach a letter to your transcript discussing these abilities and your potential.
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
Letters of recommendation can provide a sense of your capabilities and accomplishments through a voice that is not your own. At Stony Brook, one letter of recommendation from is required for general admission to the University; two letters from teachers are required for applicants to honors programs.
GETTING INVOLVED
During your high school experience it is important to get involved in your school and local community. This involvement is a sign to application readers of how you may engage in our campus community. It’s not as important to be involved in as many activities as you can as much as it is to be involved in a select number of activities that you are passionate about, contribute strongly to, and can show leadership growth in. For example, becoming the president of your student government after being in it for three years is a great sign of leadership growth. This can also include working part time jobs. Working part time jobs also show motivation and leadership growth so be sure to consider this as an option, too.
BE SURE TO APPLY EARLY!
Stony Brook follows an Early Action application process, which means for students who apply by our Early Action deadline, you will receive a decision by the end of January. Applying early also gives you priority consideration for select academic programs and special university programs.
FINANCIAL AID
Financing your college education is an important consideration to begin thinking of now. At Stony Brook we offer merit based scholarships to admitted students. You don’t have to apply for these, all admitted students are automatically considered for them. There are also a number of university scholarships that you’ll be able to apply for after being admitted. We encourage you to begin exploring finances soon so you can understand all of your options. Our financial aid website is a great resource to begin with.
VISIT US
Visiting campuses is an important part of your exploration as being on campus will give you a sense of match. Visiting will also allow you to see some top campus resources students utilize on campus. Stony Brook offers campus visits nearly every day and on select Saturday’s. Be sure to register early as space does fill quickly.
