High School Students

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High School Students

 WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO APPLY
 No matter where you are in your high school journey, now is the time to start exploring!

Choosing to pursue a college education is the biggest investment you will ever make in your future. In addition to providing a foundation for a successful career, your time in college will influence the rest of your life both personally and professionally, and leave with you with a lifetime of friends and memories.

It’s never too early to begin planning your road ahead. 

We invite you to take our virtual tour and discover the possibilities that await you at Stony Brook.  Your story starts here!

HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM

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.

TEST OPTIONAL FAQS

SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION

As part of the supplemental portion of your application, we require a personal essay. You may elaborate on extracurricular activities in the application. Honors programs including Scholars for Medicine and Scholars for Dental Medicine will also require additional essays highlighting your interest in those programs.

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.

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