Applying as a First-Year Student
Stony Brook is a highly selective institution, seeking to enroll those students who demonstrate the intellectual curiosity and academic ability to succeed. Applicants are evaluated on an individual basis. There is no automatic cutoff in the admission process, either in grade point average, rank, or test scores.
Step 1
Apply Online
Ready to take the first step toward your future at SBU? Get started on your application today! We offer three application options (apply using just one). There is a $50 application fee.
Apply: Common App Apply: SUNY App Apply: Coalition
Essay
An essay on the topic of your choice is required to submit your application through SUNY and Common App. Additional essays or writing samples may be required based on any restricted majors or honors programs that you apply to (see step 2 for more information).
Note:
An appropriate use of an AI tool is to help you explore admission essay ideas or to refine your admission essay based on the topic selected; however, it is important that the final work be yours. AI tools should be used as a resource, similar to resources you may use at your school, e.g. a counselor or teacher. As with counselors and teachers who are not writing your essay for you, AI should not either. This guidance extends to essays written for any university admission purpose*, including essays and short answers for our University Honors Programs and Simons STEM Scholars Program.
*For applicants to our Creative Writing program, which requires a supplemental writing sample be submitted; AI generated or assisted writing samples are not acceptable for consideration. The foundation of the review of the writing sample is to gauge how potential students write. Writing samples are assessed by Creative Writing staff for originality and if any concerns are present the sample is submitted for review to an AI detector.
Step 2
What You'll Need to Request or Submit
*Note: Applicants should be aware that it may take our office up to 5 business days to match school documents to their accounts; we encourage you not to request multiple documents be sent from your school counselor/administrator.
For Early Action applicants, all application documents should be received by November 1.
For Regular Decision applicants, all application documents should be received by January 15.
High School Transcript(s)
An official high school transcript must be submitted by your high school, either online with your application, by email (ugprocessing@stonybrook.edu), or by mail to Stony Brook University, Office of Undergraduate Admissions, 118 Administration Building, Stony Brook, NY 11794-1901.
*Please see the note under Step 2 regarding school document submission dates.
Standardized Test Scores (optional)
Official scores from the SAT, ACT or both must be sent directly from the testing agency. SAT Code: 2548, ACT Code: 2952.
*Stony Brook is test optional for applicants. Admission to Stony Brook is based on a holistic review of a student’s academic record including the overall grade point average and strength of curriculum, as well as other academic and personal factors such as co-curricular and community involvement, evidence of leadership, special talents or interest.
Letter of Recommendation
One letter of recommendation is required. The recommender can email us the document to ugprocessing@stonybrook.edu. Send two teacher recommendation letters if you are applying for any of our honors programs. If you are applying to WISE, at least one letter should be from a science or math teacher.
*Please see the note under Step 2 regarding school document submission dates.
Step 2A): Applicants for Honors Programs
Honors College, WISE, University Scholars, Scholars for Medicine, and Scholars for Dental Medicine
Honors Programs consider applicants for fall semester only.
Learn more about the honors programs and their criteria.
Deadline for Honors Consideration
The priority deadline to apply for Honors College, WISE, and University Scholars for Fall 2027 is November 1.
The final deadline for Scholars for Medicine, Scholars for Dental Medicine, Honors College, WISE, and University Scholars is January 15.
Simons STEM applications are due by November 1. All necessary materials for your application and general application for admission must be submitted by this deadline for consideration to this special program.
Honors Program Application(s)
You may indicate your initial interest for honors programs in your general admission application through either the SUNY or Common Applications. This is not the actual application, but will let our office know you are interested in these programs.
To submit applications and necessary materials for honors programs, please follow these steps:
- Apply to Stony Brook University for general admission through the SUNY or Common App (and any other applicable steps per your program selections).
- After submission of your general admission application, you will receive access to the Start SBU Portal. To apply for any honors programs under University Scholars, Honors College, WISE, or Scholars for Medicine/Dental Medicine, you must then fill out the Honors Program Interest Form for consideration (you can select more than one program to apply to, but you MUST indicate a preference for one program above the rest). If interested in applying to the Simons STEM scholars program, you must submit that separate application through your StartSBU portal.
- Necessary materials are both listed in and can be uploaded through the StartSBU Portal, but are also detailed below.
Note:
If applying for early action consideration, you must also submit all necessary honors program application materials by the Early Action deadline of November 1.
If you are applying under regular decision consideration, you must submit your honors program (WISE, University Scholars, Honors College, Scholars for Medicine or Dental Medicine) application and materials by January 15, otherwise your applications will be considered on a space available basis.
Essay/Statement Requirements:
Simons STEM Scholars: "You can find more information about the essay in Step 2 of the Simons STEM Scholars Application Roadmap.
Honors, WISE, and University Scholars:
- Upload to your StartSBU Portal one brief statement: Please discuss why you are a good fit for your preferred University Honors Program (Honors College, University Scholars, or WISE). Applicants should keep their statement to approximately 250 words. This honors statement is a required document for Honors Program consideration, but please note if applying to more than one program, only one statement for your preferred program is required (this does not apply to the Simons STEM application process).
- Two total Letters of Recommendation are required, no matter which of the University Honors Programs (Honors College,
University Scholars, or WISE) you are applying to . These recommendations must be sent only by the person who wrote the letter, such as a teacher or school counselor. The letters can be attached to your application
or emailed from the recommender to ugprocessing@stonybrook.edu.
- WISE Applicants: At least one of the recommendations or evaluations should be from a science or math teacher
Scholars for Medicine & Scholars for Dental Medicine:
- Applicants to these programs also must apply to one of the University Honors Programs (Honors College, University Scholars, or WISE), thus following the application directions for that corresponding Honors Program.
- Additional Scholars for Medicine/Dental Medicine essay required, up to 650 words, on "What aspects about medicine/dental medicine intrigue you? Describe how these aspects influence your life."
- SAT or ACT scores are REQUIRED for Scholars for Medicine and Scholars for Dental Medicine consideration. If you are applying for Early Action consideration, please note that test scores can take up to two weeks for arrival from either College Board or ACT and should factor in this delivery time in accordance with the completion deadline of November 1. Likewise for those taking the SAT or ACT in October, as they must ensure they list our school code for timely delivery of scores. Official scores from the SAT, ACT or both must be sent directly from the testing agency. SAT Code: 2548, ACT Code: 2952.
Step 3
Additional Requirements
There are additional application procedures, eligibility requirements, and deadlines for the following programs and applicants:
The State University of New York's Arthur O. Eve Educational Opportunity Program (EOP/AIM) provides access, academic support and financial aid to students who show promise for succeeding in college but who may not have otherwise been offered admission.
Please note that the EOP/AIM program only considers applicants for fall semester admission. This program is dependent on New York State funding allocations, which vary from year to year. Students who wish to be considered for the EOP/AIM program will be notified at the earliest possible date if we are unable to consider their fall semester application due to a lack of funding.
The table below lists the income guidelines for EOP admission for the 2026-27 academic year.
| Household Size (including head of household) | Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $28,953 |
| 2 | $39,128 |
| 3 | $49,303 |
| 4 | $59,478 |
| 5 | $69,653 |
| 6 | $79,828 |
| 7 | $90,003 |
| 8 | $100,178* |
*For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $10,175 for each additional person.
Home-schooled students constitute a small yet growing percentage of Stony Brook's applicant pool. We are happy to accept and review applications from students who have been home-schooled.
Stony Brook University offers a world of possibilities for international students. Please review our application procedures for a list of required credentials.
Restricted Majors
Applicants who do not specify a major on their application are considered for admission to the University rather than to a particular major. Admission to Stony Brook University does not guarantee acceptance into the following restricted majors, which have additional admission requirements.
Successful applicants in all CEAS majors will, in addition to our general admission criteria, are required to have:
- 4 units of math including Calculus for most CEAS majors
- 4 units of science including Physics for most CEAS majors
Strong applicants typically have earned outstanding grades in high school calculus and physics, and performed exceptionally well on the Math section of the SAT and/or ACT. Stony Brook is test optional for applicants (unless applying to the Scholars for Medicine or Scholars for Dental Program).
- Applied Mathematics and Statistics
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical and Molecular Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Engineering Science
- Information Systems
- Mechanical Engineering
- Technological Systems Management
Accounting
Successful applicants will, in addition to our general admission criteria, typically display evidence of achievement in mathematics and writing, and will have performed particularly well on both the Math and Critical Reading sections of the SAT and/or ACT. Stony Brook is test optional for applicants (unless applying to the Scholars for Medicine or Scholars for Dental Program).
Business Management
Successful applicants will, in addition to our general admission criteria, typically display evidence of achievement in mathematics and writing, and will have performed particularly well on both the Math and Critical Reading sections of the SAT and/or ACT. Stony Brook is test optional for applicants (unless applying to the Scholars for Medicine or Scholars for Dental Program).
Creative Writing
Applying for Creative Writing*
To be reviewed for the Creative Writing major, please submit the Creative Writing Supplemental through the StartSBU Portal. This supplemental includes a statement of purpose and writing sample.
Creative Writing supplemental materials are due by the application deadline to be considered for the program.
Additional requirements for Creative Writing
An appropriate use of an AI tool is to help you explore admission essay ideas or to refine your admission essay based on the topic selected; however, it is important that the final work be yours. AI tools should be used as a resource, similar to resources you may use at your school, e.g. a counselor or teacher. As with counselors and teachers who are not writing your essay for you, AI should not either. This guidance extends to essays written for any university admission purpose*, including essays and short answers for our University Honors Programs and Simons STEM Scholars Program.
*For applicants to our Creative Writing program, which requires a writing sample be submitted; AI generated or assisted writing samples are not acceptable for consideration. The foundation of the review of the writing sample is to gauge how potential students write. Writing samples are assessed by Creative Writing staff for originality and if any concerns are present the sample is submitted for review to an AI detector.
Music
All Music applicants if admitted are admitted as Pre-Music and will need to audition for admission directly to the major. Auditions and required placement exams are offered at the beginning of each semester. Interested students should be in touch with the Undergraduate Studies Director, Deborah Heckert (deborah.heckert@stonybrook.edu).
These health sciences majors are upper-division and require completion of 57 college credits and specific courses/grade prerequisites. These majors include:
- Nursing
- Social Work
- Respiratory Care
- Clinical Laboratory Sciences
Those interested in these upper-division majors may apply for admission as a first-year student in the College of Arts and Sciences, in a major of their choice where they can enroll in the course prerequisites. An application to the upper-division program will need to be submitted the year in which you anticipate completing all prerequisites.
View Special Application Procedures for Health Sciences Majors
Step 4
Check Your Application Status and Monitor Decision Timeline
Within two weeks of submitting your application to Stony Brook through the Common App or SUNY Application, we will send you login information to access your StartSBU Portal.
You'll be able to:
- Monitor your status and view your decision
- Apply for honors or restricted programs through supplemental applications provided
- Upload supplemental documents as necessary (including essays for honors programs and other various documents)
- Confirm receipt of items
Decision Timeline
1. General admission decision.
- Students are notified of their general admission decision first (see below for honors decision timelines).
- Admission Decision Notification Schedule
- Early Action Applicant: End of January
- Regular Decision Applicant: End of March
- Your honors program consideration does not affect your admission decision. See the below for honors programs decision release information.
2. Admitted students are then considered for their honors program(s) of interest. Therefore, students will only receive a decision regarding honors applications after being admitted.
- Honors College, WISE, University Scholars will typically start to notify qualified applicants of their decision in mid to late March.
- Scholars for Medicine and Scholars for Dental Medicine will contact qualified applicants directly with a request for an interview and then be notified of their Scholars for Medicine or Scholars for Dental Medicine decision in April.
- Simons STEM applicants will receive an invite or declined application February to Early March to move forward in the Selection Weekend Process.
Simons STEM Scholars program decision releases will begin in early April. Waitlisted students will know by the end of April if they have been moved to admitted off the waitlist.
Additional Information
Freshman applicants admitted to the University but not initially accepted into their major of choice may apply for admission into the major after satisfying the requirements as outlined in the Undergraduate Catalog description of the major.
Related Links
State University of New York (SUNY) policy prohibits Stony Brook University admission applications from inquiring into an applicant’s prior criminal history. After acceptance, the College shall inquire if the student previously has been convicted of a felony if such individual seeks campus housing or participation in clinical or field experiences, internships (where a criminal history background check is required) or study abroad programs. The information required to be disclosed under SUNY policy regarding such felony convictions shall be reviewed by a standing campus committee consistent with the legal standards articulated in New York State Corrections Law, and other applicable law.
Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions. Students who have concerns about such matters are advised to contact the dean's office of their intended academic program.