I'm interested in applying to John Jay College of Criminal Justice, but I'm not sure about what they're looking for in applicants. Could someone share insights on their admissions criteria and what the incoming class looks like?
John Jay College of Criminal Justice, which is part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system, predominantly operates with an Open Admission policy, which means they consider all students who have graduated from high school or attained their GED for admission, regardless of grades or test scores. That said, the admission process is a bit different for the other courses, majors or programs, and there are a few additional pieces they look at, such as your personal statement or essay, extracurricular activities, etc.
An effective application would include:
1. High School Transcript: The school requires that you submit your high school transcripts as part of your application. More competitive programs might expect higher grades and more rigorous coursework.
2. Standardized Tests: CUNY system, including John Jay, does not require SAT or ACT scores for admission. However, your standardized test scores can help you place into the right level of classes once you're on campus.
3. Personal Statement: A well-written personal statement can set you apart from other candidates. It's an opportunity for you to narrate your experiences and interests that aren't reflected in other parts of your application.
4. Letters of recommendation: While not necessary for most programs at John Jay, certain programs might require letters of recommendation. If you're applying for these programs, ensure your recommendation writers are people who can speak to your abilities and qualifications.
As far as what their incoming class looks like, you should aim to find information on the admitted student profile on their website or their common data set. This will give you a sense of the typical academic qualifications and demographics of admitted students.
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