A: The application is a two-step process: you must apply to Stony Brook University and, separately, to the Honors College. To obtain more information, click here.
A: The admissions process for the Honors College is holistic and takes into account a variety of factors on the application. The process is highly competitive and approximately 12% of applicants are admitted. The minimum qualifications for admission to the Honors College are a combined score of 1300 on the critical reading and math components of the SAT or a composite score of 29 on the ACT, and an unweighted high school average of 93 (on a 100 point scale) or 3.7 (on a 4.0 scale). We are looking for excellent, energetic students who have demonstrated an ability to thrive in a rigorous academic program.
A: The Honors College does not participate in an early admission program. The Honors College notifies students of their decision by April 1. Students who are admitted into the Scholars for Medicine or Scholars for Dental Medicine Programs will be notified in early April.
A: No. In fact, you cannot be considered for admission to the Honors College until you have been admitted to Stony Brook University.
A: The Honors College welcomes students from any major Since the HC curriculum replaces the DEC requirements (general education classes), students have the option to choose whichever major they wish to pursue. We do not give any priority to students based on intended majors/interests.
A: You are expected to have followed, and succeeded in a rigorous program of study. We understand that you cannot take courses that your high school does not offer, or that you might not be able to take every AP course offered by your high school. Students who are admitted to the Honors College demonstrate success in a range of courses (AP, IB, college-level), and this serves as a good indicator of probable success in a rigorous academic program in college.
A: Yes. Every Honors College student receives at least $2000 per year for four years (contingent upon maintaining a 3.0 GPA and membership in the Honors College). Some, depending upon the strength of their applications, receive various university scholarships for as much as full tuition and fees each year.
A: In that case, you will be offered the larger of the two.
A: SAT II Subject test scores provide additional information about the scholastic abilities or applicants. We encourage students to submit SAT II scores if they are available, but these scores are considered in the context of the entire application.
A: A new writing section of the SAT was added in March 2005, and due to the lack of historic data on its usefulness the Honors College only considers the critical reading and math components of the SAT.
A: For the SAT, we consider your highest individual critical reading and math scores even if they were received on two different sittings. For the ACT, we only consider your composite score and do not combine individual scores from various test dates. Standardized test scores are only one factor in the admissions process and taking these test a significant number of times can begin to look desperate. Research has shown that after the third attempt most students' SAT/ACT scores begin to plateau. We encourage you to take the tests when you feel you are best prepared.
A: Yes, though you should expect to be admitted to at most one of the two programs, and will be asked to specify your preference when you apply. If you are not admitted to your first choice, you will still be considered for your second choice.