Frequently Asked Questions

The Office of International Undergraduate Admissions has compiled a list of questions that are most commonly asked by prospective international students, via e-mail, telephone and on interviews.

If your question is not listed here, please contact the Office of International Undergraduate Admissions:

E-MAIL: enrollintl@stonybrook.edu
PHONE: (631) 632-6868, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST (14:00-21:00 GMT)
FAX: (631) 632-9898
MAIL:

International Undergraduate Admissions
Stony Brook University
Administration 118
Stony Brook, NY 11794-1901
U.S.A.

We are happy to assist you throughout the application process. Please feel free to contact us if you have any additional questions or concerns.

Is there a special application for international students?
You are strongly encouraged to apply online using the Common Application; please read all instructions on the Instructions & Checklist page (you will need to download the Adobe Acrobat Reader if you do not already have it).

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When is the application deadline for international students?
The application deadline for fall (September) admission is March 1. The application deadline for spring (January) admission is October 1.

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Do I have to take the SAT exam?
The SAT examination is not required for international students who have attended high school/college outside of the United States, but is required for international students who have attended high school within the United States.

International students wishing to be considered for Merit Scholarships are required to have taken the SAT exam.

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Do I have to take the TOEFL exam? What TOEFL score does Stony Brook require?
All applicants must prove their English proficiency. The TOEFL (Test Of English as a Foreign Language) examination must be taken by anyone whose native language is not English, even if you have attended high school in the United States. Transfer students who have completed a college level writing course at a U.S college or university and have received a grade C or better DO NOT have to take the TOEFL exam. ESL courses DO NOT meet this requirement.

We require a minimum composite score of 213 (computer-based) or 550 (paper-based) on the TOEFL exam or a minimum SAT Critical Reading score of 430. For the IB TOEFL, we require a minimum score of 80, and for the IELTS, a score of 6.5 or higher is required. Satisfactory completion of Stony Brook's Intensive English Center program at the advanced level with a grade of B or better will be accepted in place of a TOEFL score.

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What if I score below the TOEFL score requirement?
We cannot admit you to Stony Brook until you have met our English proficiency requirement. You can do this in a number of ways (see above). We will not make an admissions decision until you have met the requirement.

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What is Stony Brook's code number for the SAT and TOEFL exams?
Our code number is 2548. Stony Brook does not have a code for IELTS. Students must request an official copy to be send by the British Council directly to our office at:

International Undergraduate Admissions
Stony Brook University
Administration 118
Stony Brook, NY 11794-1901
U.S.A.

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Does Stony Brook offer financial aid to international students?
Stony Brook offers a limited number of scholarships to international freshmen. International students must be self-supported and must prove the ability to cover expenses for their entire period of study. Currently, the yearly obligation is $27,000.

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What paperwork do I need to submit with my application?
The international student application requires a lot of detailed paperwork, therefore you are encouraged to apply early. Please refer to the Instructions & Checklist for the complete list of requirements.

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What are the requirements for admission?
If you are a freshman applicant, you must have completed the highest level of secondary education in your country of residence. We look for a strong secondary academic program with courses in math, natural sciences, and English, (or, if English is the language of instruction, another language).

If you have attended any college or university after graduating from secondary school you must apply as a transfer student. Successful applicants have usually completed 24 credits with a cumulative grade point average of 2.7 (on a 4.0 scale) or 15 credits with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). If the applicant has earned fewer than 24 credits, high school transcripts must also be submitted.

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Do I need to send official transcripts? Do my transcripts have to be translated?
Complete and official academic transcripts are required for all secondary and post-secondary institutions you have attended. Failure to provide academic transcripts of all previous academic studies can be viewed as misrepresentation of your background and could jeopardize your application. If your transcripts are not in English, they must be accompanied by an exactly worded and certified translation.

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How will my credits transfer?
Stony Brook will accept transfer credits earned at approved post-secondary institutions that were passed with a grade of C or higher. Applicants will have their credits evaluated for applicability toward Stony Brook's general education requirements by the International Admissions Advisor. Any course to be applied toward an academic major or the 39 upper-division credit requirement must be evaluated by the appropriate academic department.

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How do I get my I-20?
Your Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant F-1 Student Status) will not be issued until you have been admitted to Stony Brook University and have paid the required tuition deposit. Students already attending a school in the U.S. (high school or college) must be released from SEVIS by their advisor and submit the International Transfer Report.

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Where will I be living if I attend Stony Brook?
It is assumed that all international students require on-campus housing unless documented evidence of alternate living arrangements is filed with the application.

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Can I apply for conditional admission?
No, applicants may not apply for conditional admission. An applicant, however, may be offered admission with conditions stipulated.

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