Admissions

This application process is for first-year students applying to Stony Brook University for the first time.

  Application Process:

This application process is for first-year students applying to Stony Brook University for the first time. Students must first be admitted to Stony Brook University before being reviewed for admission to the University Honors Programs.

• Prospective Honors students can apply to one of the University Honors Programs as part of the general admissions process. When applying, students should indicate their preferred Honors Program.
• If using The Common Application or Coalition Application, applicants can apply to their desired Honors Program directly through the general application process.
• If using the SUNY Application, applicants must apply to their desired Honors Program and upload an essay on a topic of their choice through the SBU applicant portal.

Application steps and further details can be found here: First Year Admissions.

 

Important Dates:

•  November 1: Priority Consideration deadline. Applicants interested in admission to a University Honors Program are encouraged to apply by this Early Action deadline. Please see the University Admissions' First Year application page for additional deadlines.
• January 15: Final deadline to apply to a University Honors Program through general admissions.
• May 1: Deposit deadline to accept the offer of admission.

 

Admissions Notifications

• Priority Consideration: Admission decisions for applicants meeting the November 1 Early Action deadline will be sent out in late winter.
• Regular Decision: Students who apply by the January 15 deadline will be notified after their regular decision.
• Program Enrollment: All students accepted into one of the University Honors Programs will be automatically enrolled in their respective program upon depositing with the University.

 

Special Requirements for Scholars for Medicine (SFM) and Scholars for Dental Medicine (SFDM):

• Admission is test-optional for most University Honors Programs, except for applicants to SFM or SFDM.
• Qualified applicants for SFM or SFDM will be personally contacted for an interview. Admission notifications will be sent in April.
• Students may only apply to one of the following: Scholars for Medicine or Scholars for Dental Medicine.
• Residency Requirements: SFM applicants must be permanent U.S. residents. Permanent residents or international students may apply to the SFDM Program.

Academic Standards:

Recent incoming students have had the following high school grade point averages and standardized scores*:

Honors College: 97-99 high school GPAs, 1500-1560 SAT (critical reading and math) composite scores, and 34-35 ACT composite scores.

University Scholars: 96-99 high school GPAs, 1410-1520 SAT (critical reading and math) composite scores, and 31-34 ACT composite scores.

WISE: 95-98 high school GPAs, 1420-1540 SAT (critical reading and math) composite scores, and 32-34 ACT composite scores.

Note: Admission to a University Honors Program is test-optional; only Scholars for Medicine and Scholars for Dental Medicine require the submission of standardized test scores.

Characteristics of a Strong Candidate: 

Stony Brook University Honors Programs seek students who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, leadership experience, community engagement, and a passion for learning. Strong candidates exhibit critical thinking, initiative, and a commitment to making a positive impact. Resilience and adaptability are also valued traits.

Admissions Notifications

• Priority Consideration: Admission decisions for applicants meeting the November 1 Early Action deadline will be sent out in late winter.
• Regular Decision: Students who apply by the January 15 deadline will be notified after their regular decision.
• Program Enrollment: All students accepted into one of the University Honors Programs will be automatically enrolled in their respective program upon depositing with the University.

Scholars for Medicine (SFM) Program

The Scholars for Medicine (SFM) Program  is a prestigious eight-year combined Bachelor’s/MD pathway designed for highly motivated students aspiring to pursue careers in medicine. This unique program integrates undergraduate education with guaranteed acceptance into the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, provided students meet program requirements.

Open to students enrolled in the Honors College, University Scholars, or the WISE Program, the SFM Program offers a streamlined path to medical school while ensuring a comprehensive undergraduate experience. Participants engage in recommended pre-medical courses and activities, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to excel in their medical careers.

Program Benefits

• Guaranteed admission to the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University upon successful completion of program requirements.
• Access to specialized academic advising and tailored pre-medical experiences.
• Opportunities to connect with a community of like-minded peers and medical professionals.

 

Eligibility and Retention Requirements

To maintain eligibility in the Scholars for Medicine Program, students must:

• Successfully complete their respective Honors program requirements.
• Maintain the following minimum GPAs:
  • 3.2 Science GPA and 3.4 Cumulative GPA (or 3.2 Cumulative GPA for students pursuing a BE in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences).
• Achieve a qualifying MCAT score, as determined by the Renaissance School of Medicine Committee on Admissions.

Embark on this transformative journey and take the first step toward a fulfilling career in medicine through the Scholars for Medicine Program at Stony Brook University.

Scholars for Dental Medicine (SFDM) Program

The Scholars for Dental Medicine (SFDM) Program  is an exclusive eight-year pathway designed for exceptional students committed to pursuing a career in dentistry. This integrated program provides a seamless transition from undergraduate studies to dental school, with guaranteed admission to Stony Brook University’s School of Dental Medicine upon meeting the program requirements.

Open to students in the Honors College, University Scholars, or the WISE Program, the SFDM Program allows participants to complete a combined Bachelor’s/DDS course of study while engaging in essential pre-dental coursework and enrichment activities.

Program Highlights

• Guaranteed admission to the School of Dental Medicine at Stony Brook University upon successful completion of the program requirements.
• Access to specialized advising, mentorship, and unique pre-dental opportunities.
• Exposure to the dental profession through hands-on experiences, including shadowing and community service.

 

Eligibility and Retention Requirements

To remain in good standing in the Scholars for Dental Medicine Program, students must:

• Complete the requirements for their Honors program of study.
• Complete all required pre-dental courses at Stony Brook University.
• Maintain a 3.5 Cumulative GPA and a 3.4 Science GPA.
• Achieve a qualifying score on the Dental Admission Test (DAT), with a score at or above the national average for that test year.
• Complete at least 50 hours of shadowing/observation in a dental setting.
• Participate in research and community service to develop a well-rounded professional profile.

Begin your dental career journey with the Scholars for Dental Medicine Program at Stony Brook University—where excellence meets opportunity.

A small number of students currently enrolled at Stony Brook University may be accepted for admission into a University Honors Program. 

First-year and sophomore students may apply for admission into Honors College; University Scholars; or the Women in Science and Engineering Program (WISE).  Acceptance will be based on qualitative and quantitative criteria. 

Applications are due December 1 for Spring enrollment; June 1 for Fall.  Notification of admission decisions follows four to six weeks after the application deadlines.

Current Student Admissions Criteria:

• Current enrollment in Stony Brook courses at the time of application. Students will not be accepted directly into a University Honors Program from another institution. Note: Applications will not be accepted after the start of their junior year (by tenure, not credit standing).

• 3.5 minimum cumulative GPA in a well-rounded academic program.

• STEM major for WISE applicants.

• Established leadership and commitment in extracurricular activities.

Current SBU Student Application Process:

• • • Download and complete the   University Honors Programs Current Student Application
    • Please email all documents to universityhonors@stonybrook.edu

The University Honors Programs strongly encourage applicants to submit their applications by the following Deadlines: 

• Priority Consideration: Apply by November 1 for Early Action consideration.
• Regular Decision: The final deadline to apply is January 15.
• Deposit Deadline: Accepted students must submit their deposit by May 1 to secure their place in the program.

• Students who apply by November 1 for Early Action will be notified in late winter.
• Students applying by January 15 will receive their decision after the regular decision notifications.
• All students accepted into the University Honors Programs will automatically be enrolled in their respective program once they submit their deposit.

No, your admission to a University Honors Program is separate from your admission to Stony Brook University. You can only be considered for a University Honors Program after you have been admitted to the university. Rest assured, not being admitted to a University Honors Program does not impact your general admission to Stony Brook.

Students in the University Honors Programs have access to small class sizes, personalized mentorship, research opportunities, exclusive events, and a community of high-achieving peers.

Admission to a University Honors Program is based on the expectation that you have followed and excelled in a rigorous academic program. However, we understand that not all high schools offer the same opportunities, and you are not required to take every AP course available at your school. Successful applicants typically demonstrate strong performance in a variety of advanced courses, such as AP, IB, or college-level classes, as these are good indicators of your potential to thrive in a challenging academic environment at Stony Brook.

For students applying to the WISE Program, advanced coursework in sciences and mathematics is particularly encouraged. Please note that Stony Brook allows a maximum of 30 AP credits to be transferred.

 

Admission to most University Honors Programs is test-optional. While standardized test scores are not required for most programs, they may still be submitted if you believe they enhance your application.

Required for SFM and SFDM: Standardized test scores are required for applicants to the Scholars for Medicine (SFM) and Scholars for Dental Medicine (SFDM) programs.

SAT II Subject Tests: While SAT II Subject Test scores are not required, they can provide additional insight into your academic strengths. If you have these scores, we encourage you to submit them. These scores, if provided, will be considered as part of our holistic review process.

If you think you can improve your score, retaking the SAT may be a good idea. For the SAT, we consider your highest individual Critical Reading and Math scores, even if they are from different test sittings. This means that retaking the SAT could help improve your overall application.

However, for the ACT, only your composite score is considered, and individual section scores from different test dates are not combined.

Please note that standardized test scores are not required for admission to most University Honors Programs. However, scores are required for specialized programs such as Scholars for Medicine or Scholars for Dental Medicine.

Yes, you may apply to all three University Honors Programs. However, you must indicate your preferred first-choice programon your application to help us better understand your interests and priorities.

Yes. Admission to the Scholars for Medicine or Scholars for Dental Medicine Program requires acceptance into a University Honors Program. If you are not admitted to one of these medical programs, you will still retain your admission to the University Honors Program you were accepted into.

Yes, you may appeal, but only if you have substantive new information to add to your application. To submit an appeal, email a letter explaining your new information, along with any supporting documentation, to universityhonors@stonybrook.edu.