How easy is it to get into CUNY colleges?

Hi everyone! I'm looking into applying to CUNY colleges and I'm curious about their admission rates. Are they considered relatively easy to get into, or do I need to brace myself for a tough process?

The City University of New York, or CUNY, is made up of a system of multiple colleges and each one has its own specific acceptance rates and admission standards.

The CUNY colleges range from more competitive schools like Baruch College, which has an acceptance rate of 50%, to schools like Medgar Evers College, which has an acceptance rate of around 88%.

Admission to CUNY colleges is primarily based on your high school grades and SAT or ACT scores (though they have declared a test-optional policy for recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic). If you're applying to some of the more selective CUNY schools, having strong grades and solid test scores can certainly help.

Beyond grades and test scores, CUNY schools also take a close look at your high school curriculum to ensure you've completed the necessary coursework. Keep in mind the application also requires an essay and some specific programs may have their own additional requirements.

The application process is centralized, meaning you use one application to apply to all the CUNY schools you're interested in. This can make the application process easier for prospective students as it eliminates the need to submit multiple applications. But remember to tailor your application and especially your essay, to each specific campus you're interested in.

Overall, while the admission process to some CUNY schools can be highly competitive, others are less so. It's always a good idea to have a balanced list of safe, match, and reach schools when you're applying to colleges.

Make sure to research each CUNY college you're interested in to understand their admission rates and requirements. You can also use CollegeVine's chancing calculator to get a more tailored estimate for your chances at specific CUNY schools, based on your academic profile and extracurricular achievements. Good luck!