Have you heard about CUNY’s Macaulay Honors College? It is one of America’s top public honors college programs. If you live in New York and your teen is interested in this program, I encourage you to have them start the application as soon as possible.
What Is Macaulay Honors College?
Macaulay Honors College at CUNY is an honors college that is spread across eight CUNY colleges. Macaulay students participate in a program designed jointly by the respective college and Macaulay. Students graduate with a dual degree from Macaulay and their chosen CUNY home college.
Every Macaulay student receives a full-tuition scholarship. Students are still responsible for paying school fees (including some years of room and board) if they are not covered by grants, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid. Each CUNY college provides different housing options.
Other perks for Macaulay students include a $1,500 per student Opportunities Fund to help pay for various professional or academic programs.
Macaulay Honors Eligibility Requirements
Macaulay Honors College evaluates prospective students based on a combination of academic and personal factors. On the academic side, there isn’t a minimum GPA stated but the FAQ section mentions that Students applying to Macaulay should have a recommended average of 90 and above.
Also, note that high school classes of 2023 and 2024 Macaulay college applications are test-optional regarding submitting copies of their standardized test (SAT or ACT) scores.
To receive the full tuition Macaulay scholarships, students must be New York state residents/meet CUNY’S New York State residency requirements. Also, it must be the first college experience for prospective Macaulay students. The program only accepts incoming Freshmen – not transfer students.
For more in-depth information, visit Macaulay’s Admissions Requirements page.
Macaulay Information Session
Macaulay offers several upcoming admissions events for interested students. The events begin on October 2nd. Staff will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the program. Topics include deadline reminders, essay tips and handling the CUNY application for Macaulay. It is a great way to learn more about Macaulay Honors College.
Macaulay Application Tips
Start as Early as Possible
The application went live on 9/1/22. The sooner that a student submits their application, it gives their recommenders more time to write recommendations. Once the application is submitted, their recommenders are notified and asked to upload their recommendation.
The great thing is that students can revise their submitted applications any time up until the deadline. They can add recommenders, upload essays and other supporting materials as well as pay the application fee. The application fee is currently $65. (Students with special financial or other circumstances may be able to have CUNY waive its application fee.)
It is important to note that applicants can only use the CUNY Application. Macaulay Honors College is not in the CommonApp. The Macaulay application website closes on 11/16/22 at 6pm.
Application Essay Prompts
As part of the Macaulay application, students are required to submit two essays for the class of 2027. Each should be around 500 words long.
ESSAY 1: ABOUT YOU
MACAULAY HONORS COLLEGE
Select one of the options below.
Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
OR
Tell us about an area or activity, outside of academics, in which you have invested a lot of time and effort. Tell us why. What did you learn? How was it meaningful?
ESSAY 2: ABOUT YOUR PLANS FOR COLLEGE. PLEASE DISCUSS ALL POINTS BELOW.
Why do you want to go to an honors college ? There are many benefits of being a Macaulay student, such as the Macaulay community, special courses, Honors advisement, cultural passport, opportunities funds, and other financial benefits. Please describe how these features will shape you and your college experience, including, what you expect to bring to the college community and what you expect to get out of your college experience.
You can learn more about essay considerations on the Macaulay Honors College Essay Questions page.
Important Macaulay Admissions Dates
9/1/22: The Macaulay application opens.
11/16/22: The Macaulay application closes at 6pm.
11/28/22: All supporting documents (including application recommendations) are due by 6pm.
3/15/23: Decision day (prospective students receive notifications).
5/1/23: COMMITMENT DAY
The Macaulay Honors College is a wonderful program so consider encouraging your high (academic) achieving seniors to apply.
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