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Academic Preparation

The best preparation for success at Hunter College is a full program of college-preparatory courses. The college recommends four years of English, four years of social studies, three years of mathematics, two years of foreign language, two years of laboratory science and one year of performing or visual arts.

In addition to providing a strong foundation for college-level coursework, the program recommended above fulfills the 16 units of high school work in academic courses required for admission to a CUNY senior college. High school students should check with guidance counselors to determine which courses are considered to be academically within the English, mathematics, science, social science, foreign language and fine and performing arts curricula. Freshman admission to Hunter College is competitive. Applicants are considered for admission on the basis of the overall strength of their academic preparation, which includes SAT/ACT scores, high school academic average, the number of academic subjects and the distribution of those courses. A diploma from an accredited high school, an equivalency diploma or a United States Armed Forces diploma is also required for entrance to the college. Neither a high school certificate nor an IEP diploma is acceptable. For more information on how to prepare to apply to Hunter College, visit freshman admissions information.

Advanced Placement and College-Level Courses Taken while in High School

A maximum of 30 transfer credits can be awarded to students in a freshmen status through the following programs; College Entrance Examination Board Advanced Placement (AP), College-level Examination Program (CLEP), International Baccalaureate (IB) Exam and any college-level courses. Certain academic departments may have restrictions on the award of credits by examination. Check with the department.

Advanced Placement (AP)

Students need to score at least a 3 on the AP exam to earn credit and/or exemptions from requirements (some exams may require a 5). For more information on how Hunter evaluates AP exams for credit see our Advanced Placement (AP) Examination Course Equivalencies sheet. 

International Baccalaureate (IB)

In accordance with CUNY policy, students have two ways to earn credit from an International Baccalaureate (IB) program:

  • 30+ POINTS WITH AN IB DIPLOMA: Students who have completed an IB Diploma with 30 points or higher may be awarded 30 credits (7 credits for each HL exam and 3 credits for each SL exam). See the International Baccalaureate Policy for more detailed information.

  • 24-29 POINTS: Students with 24-29 points may be awarded credits for HL (Higher Level) IB exams with a grade of “5” or better in accordance with the equivalencies in our International Baccalaureate Policy.  SL (Standard Level) courses are not transferable with 29 points or less. An official IB transcript and diploma (if applicable) are required for credit review.

College Courses Taken While in High School

Students who have completed college-level coursework offered by an accredited college while in high school may receive credit for courses in which grades of C or better are earned (Grade of D or better if taken in the CUNY College Now Program). Students admitted prior to fall 2019 may only receive non-CUNY college credit for courses (with a grade of “C’ or better) that were not used toward their high school graduation requirements.

An official college transcript(s) is required in order to be evaluated for college credit at Hunter.