Admissions FAQs | Honors College

Does the Honors College have early admission?

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.

If I am not admitted to the Honors College will that affect my admission to Stony Brook University?

No. In fact, you cannot be considered for admission to the Honors College until you have been admitted to Stony Brook University.

How many AP courses should I have taken in order to be admitted to the Honors College?

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 typically demonstrate success in a range of courses (AP, IB, college-level) as this serves as a good indicator of probable success in a rigorous academic program in college, however there is no magic number. Please note however that a maximum of 30 AP credits can be transferred to the university.

Do SAT II test scores matter in Honors College admission?

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.

Is it a good idea to take the SAT again to improve my score?

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 tests a significant number of times can begin to suggest desperation. 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.

Can I apply to both WISE and the Honors College?

Yes. You must indicate on your application what your first choice of program is but you can apply to all of Stony Brook University's honors programs if you wish.

If I am not admitted to Scholars for Medicine or Scholars for Dental Medicine Program will I still be considered for admission into the Honors College?

Yes. Acceptance to the Scholars for Medicine and Scholars for Dental Medicine programs is contigent on acceptance to the Honors College, University Scholars, and/or Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) programs for the former, and solely on acceptance to the Honors College for the latter, however consideration for the Honors College is independent from consideration for any other programs.

If I am not admitted to the Honors College can I appeal the decision?

It depends. If you have new information to add to your Honors College application please contact us at honorscollege@stonybrook.edu to submit a letter of appeal (if eligible).