CUNY Application Guide: Your Path to CUNY Colleges

CUNY Application Guide

The CUNY college system is one of the most varied and extensive public university systems in the United States. Many CUNY colleges hold top spots in college rankings lists, attracting students to the CUNY Application from across the world. With many different campuses located throughout New York City, the CUNY system has an option for everyone. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the CUNY application process from beginning to end. We’ll explore: 

• The CUNY schools (including our list of the top five CUNY colleges)
• How to decide which CUNY colleges to apply to 
• A detailed overview of the CUNY application, from deadlines and essays to testing requirements and financial aid
• Tips and tricks for navigating the CUNY admissions process
• How to track your application in the CUNYfirst portal, and more!

If you’re planning to submit a CUNY application, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will give you all the information you need to find the best CUNY colleges for you and your goals. 

What does CUNY stand for?

CUNY is an acronym for City University of New York. Initially founded in 1847, CUNY has expanded to 25 different colleges throughout New York City. CUNY colleges provide affordable, high quality education to all students, regardless of background.

Initially founded as the first free public college in New York, CUNY has maintained its mission by providing quality education at an affordable rate. The CUNY tuition is significantly lower than most other public and private colleges in New York. With such a low CUNY tuition, 75% of CUNY graduates leave school without any debt. 

Based on that statistic alone, it’s clear the City University of New York allows students to explore their academic interests without breaking the bank. But CUNY’s effort to provide quality education doesn’t stop there. CUNY also has robust programs for local high school students, such as the CollegeNow Summer Science Academy. With its commitment to social mobility and affordability, CUNY consistently dedicates its resources to increasing access for all students. 

Your CUNY application will open the doors to one of the oldest and most established public college systems in the U.S. Interested in learning more about the CUNY admissions process and how to complete your CUNY application? Then keep reading — but first, let’s learn more about the CUNY campuses.

CUNY schools list

The CUNY system has 25 schools, listed here: 

Schools in the CUNY System

1. Baruch College
2. Borough of Manhattan Community College
3. Bronx Community College
4. Brooklyn College
5. College of Staten Island
6. Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism
7. CUNY Graduate Center
8. CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy
9. CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies
10. CUNY School of Law
11. CUNY School of Professional Studies
12. Guttman Community College
13. Hostos Community College
14. Hunter College
15. John Jay College of Criminal Justice
16. Kingsborough Community College
17. LaGuardia Community College
18. Lehman College
19. Macaulay Honors College
20. Medgar Evers College
21. New York City College of Technology (City Tech)
22. Queens College
23. Queensborough Community College
24. The City College of New York
25. York College

The CUNY schools are varied, ranging from community colleges to graduate schools. Your CUNY application allows you to apply to a number of CUNY colleges, so you’ll need to narrow down which schools are a good fit for you. 

Some CUNY colleges have a specific focus, such as public health or criminal justice. Many CUNY schools also allow you to study a wide range of fields, providing great options for many students. Your CUNY application is the key to all of these great schools, so don’t count any out until you’ve done your research. 

With so many CUNY schools to choose from, it can be hard to know which ones are best suited to you. The City University of New York system offers students a wide variety of options, and researching each campus can be daunting. In the next section, we’ll highlight some of the best CUNY colleges and what makes them stand out. 

Best CUNY colleges 

While all CUNY schools will provide an excellent education, we’ve chosen to highlight five of the top CUNY colleges. These CUNY colleges are highly ranked for their academic reputation, student experience, affordability, and career outcomes for graduates. 

Here are the top five CUNY colleges for you to consider including on your CUNY application. Keep in mind that, as some of the top CUNY colleges, these schools may have a lower CUNY acceptance rate compared to other campuses.

Top 5 CUNY Colleges

1. The City College of New York

Located in West Harlem, The City College of New York is the founding institution of the City University of New York system. Often referred to as City College, CCNY has an undergraduate enrollment of just over 12,000 students. With a wide range of programs in liberal arts and sciences, CCNY provides a great foundation for many different careers. Currently ranked #61 in Top Public Colleges by U.S. News, The City College of New York is one of the best CUNY colleges. 

2. Baruch College

Founded in 1919, Baruch College currently ranks #3 in Top Public Schools, per U.S. News. Known for their Zicklen School of Business, Baruch College attracts thousands of students each year for their top-tier business and management programs. With around a 50% acceptance rate, Baruch College is one of the more competitive schools in the CUNY admissions process. If you’re interested in studying business, Baruch offers one of the best programs in the country, with a very low CUNY tuition rate. 

3. Hunter College

Known for its multidisciplinary programs, Hunter College is one of the oldest CUNY colleges in the system. Currently ranked #10 in Top Public Schools, Hunter College offers robust programs in the heart of the Upper East Side. With just over 17,000 students, Hunter College is one of the largest CUNY schools in the system. Hunter is a great option for students interested in nursing or social work.

4. Brooklyn College

With a 35-acre campus in the middle of Brooklyn, Brooklyn College offers a small-college feel while still maintaining access to all that NYC has to offer. Ranking #15 in Top Public Schools, Brooklyn College is known for its business and computer science programs. Brooklyn College is also one of the best schools for advancing social mobility, continuing on the City University of New York legacy.

5. Queens College

With a CUNY ranking of #17 in Top Public Schools, Queens College is best known for their psychology and social sciences programs. With both undergraduate and graduate programs, Queens College is a great option for students interested in pursuing advanced degrees. Queens College offers 78 majors and 100 master’s degrees, ensuring that students have a wide range of options. One of the most popular choices in the CUNY admissions process, Queens College is a great option for many students. 

If you’re not sure which schools to pick for your CUNY application, keep researching the different campuses. Your personal CUNY ranking may look different depending on your  academic goals and interests. For example, if you’re interested in studying criminal justice, the John Jay College of Criminal Justice may be #1 in your CUNY ranking. If you’re leaning more towards business, Baruch College may be the top choice.

CUNY rankings

The CUNY system is home to some of the best colleges in New York. Knowing which CUNY colleges align with your goals is key to navigating the CUNY admissions process. 

Looking beyond national rankings, CUNY colleges rank highly among more niche (and potentially more valuable) ranking lists and criteria. The City University of New York continuously ranks highly among Best Value schools, meaning that students often see a high rate of return on their investment. With the CUNY tuition falling well below the national average, students are getting a top-notch education for a lot less money. 

Lists such as the New York Times’s, which factor in affordability, earnings, diversity, and academics, also rank CUNY schools highly. The Princeton Review has included five CUNY colleges in their top 389 4-year school lists. Here are a few more CUNY rankings:

• The CUNY School of Public Health currently ranks #18 in the Best Public Health Programs (Graduate).
• Hunter College ranks #8 in Best Nursing Programs.
• The Borough of Manhattan Community College ranks #1 in Best Community Colleges.  

Before starting your application in the CUNYfirst portal, spend some time making your own CUNY ranking based on the factors that are most important to you. No matter which of the CUNY colleges you apply to, you can rest assured that you’ll be joining one of the most highly ranked school systems in the world.

CUNY vs. SUNY

If you’re considering submitting a CUNY application, you might also be considering schools in the State University of New York, or SUNY system. While they are both public school systems in the state of New York, there are some considerable differences between CUNY and SUNY colleges. 

SUNY was founded in 1948, much more recently than CUNY, with a mission to help address the changing needs of New York students. The school system was created to consolidate 29 schools, and has since expanded to 64 total institutions. Today, SUNY is home to some of the best colleges in New York state, including Stony Brook and the University at Buffalo.

While CUNY is concentrated in New York City, SUNY schools span across the entire state. As such, the SUNY system is much larger than CUNY. SUNY colleges also tend to be bigger than CUNY schools, with larger campus sizes and more students per campus. For students looking to have a more traditional campus experience, SUNY may be the better school system.

CUNY schools are slightly more expensive than SUNY. The average cost for a New York student will be just over $25,000 at SUNY, whereas the CUNY tuition and fees will come to around $29,000. However, both CUNY and SUNY participate in the Excelsior Scholarship program, meaning NY families who make less than $125,000 can attend either school tuition free. 

In general, both CUNY and SUNY schools offer a great education at a much lower cost. As you work toward the CUNY application deadline, consider researching SUNY schools as well — the more options you have, the better! 

Exploring CUNY majors

While the City University of New York may be the smaller public school system, its academic offerings are extensive. In fact, CUNY offers more than 2,800 majors through its various campuses and programs! From art and the humanities to business and engineering, there’s no shortage of CUNY programs to choose from. 

To give you a sense of how diverse CUNY majors actually are, here is an overview of the types of academic programs offered at CUNY: 

• Business, Management & Accounting
• Education
• Engineering & Architecture
• Environmental Studies & Sustainability
• Fine & Performing Arts
• Health & Human Services
• Humanities & Social Sciences
• Language, Ethnic & Identity Studies
• Math & Science
• Marketing, Design & Communications
• Technology, Computer & Information Systems
• Unique & Interdisciplinary Studies

Each of these areas of study will have their own majors, which will vary by campus. Keep in mind that competitive programs may have more extensive CUNY admissions requirements compared to others. The CUNY acceptance rate can also change depending on the major you select.

In some cases, you’ll find the same major offered at multiple CUNY colleges. For example, you can study Comparative Literature at five different campuses: Brooklyn College, City College of New York, Hunter College, Lehman College, and Queens College. Some majors are only available at specific campuses, like criminology which you can only study at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. 

The City University of New York also offers a unique program where students can create their own path of study. Commonly known as the CUNY BA, the CUNY Baccalaureate for Unique and Interdisciplinary Studies allows students to self-direct their own program according to their academic goals and interests. This unique program is a great reason to submit a CUNY application — many schools don’t offer this as an option! 

CUNY Macaulay Honors College

CUNY is also home to the Macaulay Honors College, a highly selective program that allows students to get a more interdisciplinary education at one of eight CUNY campuses. The Macaulay Honors College is a great option for students interested in designing their own degree. However, the CUNY acceptance rate is much lower for the honors college. Students interested in the honors college can indicate so on their CUNY application — just be sure to complete the honors college application requirements and submit by the November CUNY application deadline. 

Finding the right CUNY colleges for you

With so many options, it can be hard to know which schools to select on your CUNY application. Deciding which schools to apply to through the CUNY admissions process is a big decision — how do you know which campuses are best for you? This section will give you some guidance to help you narrow down your list. 

Focus on academics

When it comes to choosing the right college, the most important thing to consider is the type of academic program you’re interested in. As we discussed earlier in this guide, the CUNY system has many robust academic programs, with hundreds of majors to pick from. You might not know which major you’d like to study when you start the CUNY admissions process. But, it’s important to think about what general academic fields interest you. 

If you’re interested in business, for example, you might want to consider selecting Barauch, or the City College of New York. If you’re interested in the sciences, Hunter College may be the best option. While you don’t have to worry about declaring a major quite yet, your CUNY application should reflect your interests and academic goals. Spend some time researching each campus’s major offerings and use that as a starting point for your top-colleges list 

Compare locations

Location is also a major factor when going through the CUNY admissions process. While all CUNY schools are located in New York City, different neighborhoods and campuses can create a very different college experience for students. As you consider what kind of internships and work experience you’re interested in, think about where each campus is. 

For business students, selecting a CUNY school close to Wall Street may make more sense. For nursing students, ensuring hospitals are close-by is a must. Your CUNYfirst portal will help you decipher where each campus is located, so you can think through which schools may be best for you. 

Factor in acceptance rates

As you work towards the CUNY application deadline, be aware that the CUNY acceptance rate can differ from campus to campus. For example, the CUNY acceptance rate at Baruch is 51%, while CCNY’s is 61%. Making sure that you have a good variety of schools on your CUNY application will ensure that you have solid options. 

Do your research

As you research campuses for your CUNY application, keep a list of what you’d like your campus to have. Do you want a robust campus life, or do you plan to commute from home? Is there a specific professor you’d like to study under, or a specialized program? Would you like a campus integrated into the city, or one with clearly defined borders? 

Narrow down your list based on your intended major, and spend some time on your CUNYfirst portal researching each school. As you do your research, consider checking out the admissions requirements at your top schools and programs. If you need to submit extra letters of recommendations or essays, you’ll need to factor that into your CUNY application timeline.

At this point, we’ve learned a lot about the City University of New York system and the top CUNY colleges. Now, we’re ready to dive into the CUNY application!

The CUNY Application

This section of the guide covers how to apply to CUNY, starting with an overview of the CUNY admissions process. The following sections will then discuss these specific aspects of the CUNY application:

• CUNY application deadlines
• CUNY application requirements
• CUNY testing requirements
• CUNY essays
• CUNY transfer application
• CUNY tuition and aid
• CUNY application fee
• CUNY status updates

The first step in the application process is to set up your CUNYfirst portal. This is where you’ll select which schools to apply for, submit all required documents, and check your CUNY application status.

In your application, you’ll need to select your top CUNY schools. Incoming freshmen can pick six campuses through the CUNYfirst portal. The CUNY transfer application is limited to four schools. The CUNY application fee covers all applications you submit, so it’s best to apply to as many campuses as your application allows.

Once you’ve paid your CUNY application fee, you’ll need to upload additional documents through the CUNYfirst portal. Your CUNY application status won’t be complete until all documents are submitted. All students will need to upload their transcripts, so you’ll need to get those ahead of the CUNY application deadline. Certain colleges require essay responses, which also need to be uploaded with your application. 

Your CUNYfirst portal is also where you’ll check your CUNY application status. There, you will find your CUNY application status, which will alert you to any missing or incomplete documentation, so it’s important to check frequently. Your CUNY application status will update once a decision is made, with any important next steps.

Now that you have a general sense of the CUNY application process, let’s discuss the CUNY application deadlines in more detail.

CUNY application deadlines

When applying to CUNY colleges, it’s essential to understand the CUNY application deadlines. Most CUNY campuses operate on a rolling admissions basis, meaning they review applications as they are received. Others have specific deadlines that must be met. Therefore, it is crucial that you know which CUNY application deadline matches your chosen CUNY college and program. 

For U.S. students, the priority CUNY application deadline for fall admission is February 1. After February 1, there is no formal CUNY application deadline. Note that there is no difference for a CUNY transfer application, however deadlines for international applicants tend to fall a bit earlier.

Certain CUNY colleges have strict CUNY application deadlines, particularly for their competitive programs. Be mindful of these specific dates.

While the February CUNY application deadline is considered late compared to many other schools, it’s still a good idea to start your application early. Here are three tips to help you stay on track. 

3 CUNY Application Tips:

1. Visit the official websites of the colleges you’re applying to to confirm their exact CUNY application deadline.

2. Applying early can significantly increase your chances of admission and eligibility for financial aid. This is especially true for competitive programs at the best colleges in New York with a low CUNY acceptance rate.

3. Since you’re applying to multiple CUNY schools with a single application, be mindful of your earliest deadline.

Next, let’s take a closer look at the CUNY application requirements.

CUNY application requirements

In addition to adhering to the CUNY application deadline, it’s also vital to complete the CUNY application requirements. To apply to The City University of New York, you’ll need to submit the following materials through the CUNYfirst portal.

Some CUNY colleges and programs have extra CUNY application requirements beyond the standard CUNY application. Here are some of those additional requirements.

As one of CUNY’s most competitive programs, applications to the Macaulay Honors College are more involved. To be considered, you will need to submit the following application materials.

Before submitting your CUNY application, carefully review the specific requirements for the program or college you are applying to. Each CUNY school or program may have different application criteria. Therefore, it’s crucial to check with each school’s official CUNY admissions website to complete your application successfully.

Does CUNY require SAT/ACT?

According to CUNY admissions, the City University of New York application will remain test-optional through Spring 2027. That means SAT/ACT scores are not required. However, you can still submit your test scores if you believe they positively contribute to your CUNY application.

It’s important to note that your CUNY application status will not be negatively affected if you choose not to submit your test scores. Therefore, submitting scores is entirely up to you and should be based on whether they add value to your application. If you choose not to submit, CUNY admissions will focus on other factors, such as your high school GPA, extracurricular activities, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.

Here are some things you should consider when deciding whether to submit your test scores to CUNY schools.

If you’re still unsure whether to submit your scores, take a step back and evaluate your overall academic profile. Suppose you feel confident that other aspects of your CUNY application, like your grades and personal statement, will make you a strong candidate. In that case, you might decide that submitting scores is unnecessary. Conversely, if your scores positively reflect your academic abilities, including them may give your application an extra boost.

CUNY essay prompts

Some CUNY colleges, such as Baruch College, Hunter College, and Queens College, allow or recommend submitting a personal essay as part of the application. These essays allow you to showcase your personality, experiences, and values beyond your grades and test scores for CUNY admissions. You can choose from the following three essay prompts.

This CUNY application prompt offers a great opportunity to dive deeper into your identity and experiences. Think about the qualities, passions, or experiences that make you unique and often go unnoticed. Perhaps it’s a personal interest that has taught you valuable lessons or a meaningful project you’ve undertaken that speaks to your dedication and interests. Or maybe it’s a part of your cultural heritage that has influenced your worldview.

Since this essay asks you to reflect on something meaningful to you, it’s the perfect chance to highlight what sets you apart. Plus, it’s more personal than other aspects of your application, allowing the CUNY admissions committee to get a more well-rounded view of who you are. It’s not just about listing accomplishments, but showing what drives and motivates you on a deeper level.

This prompt is an opportunity to reflect on a specific time in your life when you encountered a personal, academic, or even professional challenge. Think about a moment when things didn’t go as planned, and you had to dig deep to overcome the issue. The key is not just discussing the struggle, but focusing on your actions to manage or resolve it.

Reflect on the lessons you learned — whether it was resilience, time management, or seeking support from others — and how the experience contributed to your growth. Show how overcoming this obstacle made you more capable, wiser, or better prepared for future challenges. 

This open-ended prompt gives you the chance to explore a subject that’s meaningful to you. It can be an essay you’ve already written or a new one, but it should reflect your authentic voice and perspective. Perhaps there’s a social issue you feel passionately about, a personal story that has shaped your outlook on life, or a topic that excites you intellectually.

This is your chance to delve into something that showcases your writing ability and demonstrates who you are beyond what’s presented in other parts of your application. The key is to express your thoughts clearly and demonstrate your ability to engage with and thoughtfully analyze a topic.

Macaulay Honors College Essay Prompts

Applicants to Macaulay Honors College must submit two essays, each approximately 500 words. These essays allow you to explore your motivations, goals, and experiences in greater detail. Here are the two prompts.

5 Tips for Writing a Strong CUNY Essay

1. Be specific

Generic responses won’t stand out. Instead, tell a unique story that highlights your personal journey, challenges, or accomplishments. Specific details make your essay memorable and engaging.

2. Answer the prompt

Stay focused on the question being asked. It can be easy to get off-track or try to cover too much. Keep your response centered around the prompt to ensure that it’s relevant and clear.

3. Show, don’t tell

Rather than just stating facts or feelings, use descriptive details and personal experiences to demonstrate the points you are trying to make. Instead of saying, “I am resilient,” describe a time you bounced back from adversity to show your resilience in action.

4. Revise and edit

A strong essay isn’t written in one draft. Take time to revise for clarity, coherence, and grammar. Ask teachers, mentors, or friends to review your work and provide feedback. Careful editing ensures your essay is polished and professional.

5. Authenticity matters

Be yourself and write in your own voice. CUNY admissions officers want to understand who you are beyond grades and test scores. Avoid writing what you think they want to hear — focus on expressing your genuine thoughts, values, and experiences.

Writing a compelling essay offers CUNY admissions a window into who you are beyond your grades and test scores. By staying authentic, specific, and focused, you can craft an essay that reflects your unique experiences and strengths, helping you stand out to CUNY admissions in the CUNY application process.

CUNY transfer application

If you’re looking to transfer to The City University of New York (CUNY), you must complete the CUNY transfer application. This application allows you to apply to up to four CUNY colleges. Whether you’re transferring from another college within the CUNY system or an external institution, understanding the specifics of the transfer process is key to ensuring a smooth transition.

First, let’s understand the lingo surrounding transfers. Internal transfer refers to students moving between CUNY schools. For example, those transferring from a CUNY community college to a four-year CUNY college are considered internal transfer students. Applicants from SUNY colleges or another institution are completing an external transfer.  

One of the most important parts of the transfer process is checking your transfer credits. Once you’ve completed The City University of New York application, you can use the CUNYfirst portal to check the transferability of your credits. The portal is an essential tool that allows you to see which courses you’ve taken at your previous institution(s) that will count toward your degree at CUNY.

Reviewing how your academic history aligns with the program you want to enter at CUNY is important to completing your studies on time. If you have questions about specific credits or courses, contact the CUNY admissions office or the academic department to clarify any uncertainties.

CUNY tuition and financial aid

One of the most significant advantages of attending The City University of New York (CUNY) is its affordability. Whether enrolling in a four-year college or a community college, CUNY tuition rates are significantly lower than many other institutions.

CUNY Tuition Rates

For many students, CUNY colleges provide an affordable path to earning a degree. In fact, 67% of in-state students attend CUNY tuition free, and an impressive 75% of students graduate without debt. This makes The City University of New York one of the most cost-effective choices for higher education.

To help cover tuition and costs at the City University of New York, students can apply for financial aid, including:

• Federal aid: Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to access Pell Grants, work-study programs, and federal loans.
• State aid: New York residents may qualify for TAP (Tuition Assistance Program) and the Excelsior Scholarship, which offers free tuition to eligible students.
• CUNY scholarships: Various merit- and need-based scholarships are available directly from CUNY colleges.

If you’re wondering how to apply for financial aid at CUNY schools, start by completing the FAFSA. The FAFSA is available starting October 1 each year. Use CUNY’s school codes to ensure your application reaches the right colleges.

If you’re a New York state resident, complete the TAP application to see if you qualify for state-based aid. Many CUNY schools offer additional funding opportunities to help cover CUNY tuition and costs, so review each college’s financial aid office website.

CUNY application fee

When applying to CUNY colleges, students must submit a CUNY application fee:

• Freshman applicants: $65 CUNY application fee (applies to up to six CUNY campuses)
• Transfer applicants: $70 CUNY transfer application fee (applies to up to four CUNY colleges)

Keep in mind that students can access multiple CUNY schools by submitting a single application, making it a cost-effective way to apply.

For students facing financial hardship, CUNY application fee waivers are available. This includes CUNY internal transfer applicants, veterans, and NY applicants facing economic hardship. The CUNY admissions website has an in-depth overview of current eligibility requirements. Eligible students can request a waiver through their high school counselor or college financial aid office.

Tracking your CUNY application status

After submitting your CUNY application, be sure to track your CUNY application status to ensure all required materials have been received.

How to Check Your CUNY Application Status

1. Log into the CUNYfirst portal.

The CUNYfirst portal is the official platform for checking your CUNY application progress.

2. Review document submissions.

Confirm that transcripts, recommendation letters (if required), and other necessary materials have been received.

3. Monitor updates.

Check your CUNYfirst portal for any requests for additional information from CUNY colleges.

Avoid delays and ensure your application is fully processed by staying proactive and on top of your CUNY application status. Colleges will use the CUNYfirst portal to notify you of your admissions decision, so be sure to check it regularly.

CUNY Application Guide: Your Path to CUNY Colleges – Final Thoughts

Choosing the right college is a significant decision. Lucky for you, The City University of New York (CUNY) offers an incredible range of opportunities for students seeking an affordable, high-quality education. Whether you’re considering CUNY colleges for their strong academic programs or low tuition, this guide has covered everything you need to know to navigate the CUNY application process successfully. 

5 Final Takeaways

1. CUNY (City University of New York) is the largest urban public university system in the U.S., with 25 campuses, including senior colleges, community colleges, and professional schools.

CUNY schools are located in New York City, offering an urban college experience, unlike SUNY colleges, which are spread across New York State.

2. Top CUNY colleges like Baruch, Hunter, and The City College of New York are highly ranked and are considered some of the best colleges in New York.

CUNY schools consistently earn strong CUNY rankings for affordability, diversity, and academic excellence. These CUNY rankings highlight the system’s strong academic programs across various fields.

3. You can apply to up to six CUNY schools with one application.

Consider factors like campus size, available majors, and student resources when choosing the right CUNY college. Competitive schools like Baruch, Hunter, and City College have a lower CUNY acceptance rate, while others offer broader access. Despite differences in the CUNY acceptance rate, all campuses provide quality education. 

4. CUNY offers affordable tuition, especially to residents of New York.

Financial aid options include state-sponsored scholarships, such as TAP and Excelsior, as well as institutional scholarships. To make the application process more accessible, CUNY offers fee waivers for eligible students.

5. CUNY admissions requirements vary by school.

Be mindful that some CUNY schools require or recommend essays. For example, the Macaulay Honors College requires two essays. Confirm deadlines and required materials before submitting your CUNY application, and be sure to check your CUNY application status using the CUNYfirst portal.

In closing, applying to CUNY schools is an exciting step toward your future. While the CUNY application process may seem involved, there’s no reason to be intimidated. With the proper preparation, research, and attention to deadlines, you can maximize your chances of success. If you need additional support, CollegeAdvisor is here to help you craft a strong application. We can help you write strong essays, connect you with great opportunities at CUNY, and guide you through the entire admissions process.

This article was written by Jessica Klein and Ashley Hollins. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.