Admissions committees need to know that you are prepared to begin study at the college level, and that you have sufficiently challenged yourself through your high school course selection. A good way to demonstrate this is to successfully complete AP and Honors courses. Recommended college preparatory courses typically include:
- 4 units of English
- 4 units of social studies
- 3 units of mathematics (4 units required for engineering and applied sciences)
- 3 units of science (4 units required for engineering and applied sciences)
- 2 or 3 units of a foreign language
HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
Universities take note of a student’s progress in grades. It is favorable for applicants to have upward or solid steady trends in their grades as they move through their high school program. Stony Brook looks for students who have excelled in a strong college preparatory program.
STANDARDIZED EXAMINATIONS
Stony Brook is currently 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 extracurricular and community involvement, evidence of leadership, special talents or interest.
SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION
Some colleges and universities, including Stony Brook, have a required or optional supplemental application. This supplemental application may include a personal essay, and questions concerning extra-curricular activities. The activities that students engage in outside the classroom help to predict the success that they will have in a college environment. Universities are looking for students that are self-motivated, able to manage their time well, and are vested in the community. Admissions committees are interested in how prospective students will fit into the campus community socially, as well as academically.
SPECIAL TALENTS
While a supplemental application provides you with an opportunity to highlight your special talents or circumstances, it is often advisable to have your college advisor attach a letter to your transcript discussing these abilities and your potential.
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
Letters of recommendation can provide a sense of your capabilities and accomplishments through a voice that is not your own. At Stony Brook, one letter of recommendation from a school counselor or teacher is required for general admission to the University, and two letters from teachers are required for applicants to honors programs.
BE SURE TO APPLY EARLY!
Because of limited space, more and more universities are closing admissions earlier every year. The college application process does not have to be a daunting task if you prepare early and put forth a consistent effort.
