Freshman Admissions
You are considered a freshman applicant if you are a senior in high school or a high school equivalency graduate who has not enrolled in another college/university, or if you are currently an Early College high school student.
General Admission Criteria
Hunter College encourages students to apply who have demonstrated academic success with the potential to grow and contribute to the Hunter community. In addition to your completed Admission Application, the admission review process includes consideration of the following:
High school/secondary school transcript/diploma or equivalent
Overall Grade Point Average (GPA) and success in individual subjects
SAT/ACT Scores
Curriculum rigor
College essay
Letters of recommendation (optional)
Evidence of demonstrated leadership and intellectual curiosity
Official TOEFL, EILTS, PTE, or Duolingo English Language Test scores (for students on an F1/J1 visa and were educated in a non-English speaking environment outside of the US)
Hunter College will be test optional until Spring 2027.
We strongly encourage students submit their SAT/ACT scores to help provide additional context to their application, especially students applying for merit scholarship programs (Freshman Honors, Macaulay etc.). However, students who do not submit scores will not be disadvantaged in the admissions process. Admission to Hunter is based on a comprehensive review of a student’s academic record including overall grade point average, strength of curriculum, and other factors such as co-curricular activities, community involvement, evidence of leadership, and special talents.
The College Essay
An essay of 500 words or less is required along with your CUNY Admission Application to Hunter College. Review the essay topics below.
Essay Option 1
Tell us something meaningful about yourself that is not reflected in your application. You may choose to speak about your interests, aspirations and/or background.
Essay Option 2
It is often said that the road to success is paved with setbacks. Tell us about a time you faced a challenge or obstacle. What did you learn from it, and how did it contribute to your success?
Essay Option 3
Share an essay on any topic. You may use an essay that you have previously written or one that discusses a topic of your choice.
Submitting AP and College Credit
Advanced Placement (AP)
Hunter College accepts Advanced Placement (AP) for transfer credit. Students who completed Advanced Placement (AP) courses in secondary school and who passed the AP Tests of the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) with a grade of 4 and above will receive credit for the equivalent requirement at Hunter. Students with grades of 3 may also receive credit for corresponding courses or elective credit.
More information on CollegeBoard AP score reporting
How to submit your scores
To have your test scores sent directly to Hunter College, enter the Hunter College code number, 2301, when prompted for your “Score Report Recipient” at the time of your examination.
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Hunter College participates in the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), which provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate college-level achievement through a program of exams in undergraduate college courses. Registered degree-seeking Hunter students may receive college credit by completing certain CLEP Subject Examinations and earning specified scores.
For more information on CLEP, visit the CollegeBoard CLEP
How to submit your scores
To have your test scores sent directly to Hunter College, enter the Hunter College code number, 2301, when prompted for your “Score Report Recipient” at the time of your examination.
College Coursework Credits
Hunter College will conduct an evaluation of college courses to ensure appropriate transfer credit can be awarded. Students who took college courses while in high school should request for their official college transcripts to be sent directly from the institution to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at Hunter College.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
How to Submit Your Scores
To have your test scores sent directly to Hunter College, please have them mailed to Transfer Course Evaluation, 695 Park Avenue, Room 203N New York, NY 10065 or sent to trceval@hunter.cuny.edu electronically.
Fall Admission
Applicant Type | Priority Deadline | Admission Notification |
Freshman – U.S. Educated | February 1 | Rolling Admissions from |
Freshman – International Applicant
| December 1 | Rolling Admissions from |
Honors Scholar Program | February 1 | Rolling Admissions from March 16 – July |
Macaulay Honors College | November 15 at 6 pm* | March 16 |
*Hard deadline. Late applications to the Macaulay Honors College will not be considered.
Spring Admission
Applicant Type | Priority Deadline | Admission Notification |
Freshman – U.S. Educated | September 15 | Rolling Admissions from |
Freshman – International Applicant
| September 1 | Rolling Admissions from |
Hunter College will continue to accept and review completed General Freshman Admission Applications after the priority deadline on a space-availability basis.
A completed application includes your online Admission Application, all supporting documentation, and the online application fee or fee waiver (if applicable).
Students Educated Outside the U.S.
Students educated outside of the United States are required to submit official transcripts from all previous secondary and post-secondary schools. All non-English transcripts and associated documents must also be translated.
Applicants have the following two options for submission:
Option 1
The Evaluation Company (SpanTran) is Hunter’s College’s recommended international transcript evaluation service. They have created a custom application for Hunter College that helps ensure you select the right kind of evaluation at a discounted rate! Students that submit their documents to The Evaluation Company (SpanTran) should expect to see an update on their CUNY Application about 3-4 weeks after submission.
Fill out the the Evaluation Company Application
Option 2
Students may submit official transcript(s) and a certified translation of all official documents directly to CUNY. Students submitting documents directly to CUNY should expect to see an update on their CUNY Application about 10-12 weeks after submission.
Additional resources for submitting required documentation:
Selective Majors and Programs
As a freshman applicant, we encourage you to select your intended major on your Admission Application; however, incoming freshmen are admitted to Hunter College and not directly to specific academic majors and/or programs.
Selective Programs
Music Major
Macaulay Honors College at Hunter
Freshman Honors Scholar Programs
SEEK Opportunity Program
The Percy Ellis Sutton Search for Education, Elevation and Knowledge (SEEK) program is a higher education opportunity program that provides academic and financial support to students who qualify based on specific income and academic criteria.
If you feel like SEEK at Hunter is right for you, please indicate your interest on your Admission Application. Review the financial criteria before applying.