Admissions

University Honors Programs Admissions Information

Admission to our University Honors Programs is highly competitive, and we are looking for students who stand out not only for their academic excellence but also for their passion and leadership. We seek individuals who have excelled in challenging coursework and are ready to thrive in a dynamic, intellectually stimulating environment at Stony Brook University.

Successful applicants are academically accomplished and demonstrate a broad range of talents, from engaging in the arts and athletics to making a difference through community service, scientific research, and student leadership. If you're someone who is eager to embrace all that university life has to offer—taking full advantage of research opportunities, scholarly initiatives, and community-based programs—then the University Honors Programs are the perfect fit for you.

Join a vibrant community of high-achieving students committed to making an impact both in and outside of the classroom!

Admissions Process & Applicant Profiles

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 you're using The Common Application or Coalition Application, you can apply to your desired Honors Program through the general application process. However, if you're submitting the SUNY Application, you must apply to your desired Honors Program and upload an essay on a topic of your choice through the SBU applicant portal.

Application steps and information about the process may be found here: First Year Admissions.

Please note the following:
- 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 deadline information.
- January 15: The deadline to apply to the University Honors Program through general admissions.
- May 1: Deposit deadline to accept the offer of admission.
- All students accepted into one of the University Honors Programs will be automatically enrolled in their respective program upon depositing with the University.
- Admission decisions for Priority Consideration notifications will be sent out in late winter.
- University Honors Programs admission is test optional except for students applying to the Scholars for Medicine (SFM) or Scholars for Dental Medicine Programs (SFDM).
- The Scholars for Medicine and Scholars for Dental Medicine Programs will personally contact qualified applicants for an interview. Admitted students will be notified in April. Students may only apply to one of the following: Scholars for Medicine or Scholars for Dental Medicine.
- SFM applicants must be permanent residents. Permanent residents or international students may apply to the SFDM Program.
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.

*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.
The Scholars for Medicine (SFM) Program is an integrated eight-year program for select students interested in attending medical school following their undergraduate degree. The SFM Program offers students in Honors College, University Scholars, or the WISE Program an opportunity to complete a combined Bachelor’s/MD course of study while participating in recommended pre-medical courses and activities.

Students who have been accepted into the Scholars for Medicine Program are guaranteed a seat in the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University upon graduation provided they fulfill the following requirements:
- Complete their Honors program of study.
- Maintain a minimum 3.2 science GPA and 3.4 cumulative GPA; 3.2 cumulative GPA for students pursuing a BE in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
- Complete successfully the MCAT (minimum score determined by the Renaissance School of Medicine, Committee on Admissions).
The Scholars for Dental Medicine (SFDM) Program is an integrated eight-year program for select students interested in attending dental school following their undergraduate degree. The SFDM Program offers students in Honors College, University Scholars, or the WISE Program an opportunity to complete a combined Bachelor’s/DDS course of study while participating in pre-dental courses and activities.

Students who have been accepted into the Scholars for Dental Medicine Program are guaranteed a seat upon graduation provided they fulfill the following requirements:
- Complete their Honors program of study.
- Complete all required pre-dental courses at Stony Brook.
- Maintain a 3.5 cumulative GPA and 3.4 science GPA.
- Complete successfully the 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.
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

FAQ Admission Questions for the University Honors Programs

Yes, the University Honors Programs strongly encourage applicants to submit their applications by the Priority Consideration Deadline of November 1. This ensures early review and maximizes your chances of admission. Admission decisions for priority applicants are typically released in late winter. The General Admissions Deadline is January 15, but applying earlier is recommended for the best opportunity to secure a spot.
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.
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.
SAT II Subject Test scores can provide additional insight into an applicant's academic abilities, and we encourage students to submit them if available. However, these scores are not required for admission and are considered as part of a holistic review of your entire application.
For the SAT, we consider your highest individual Critical Reading and Math scores, even if they are from different test sittings, so retaking the test may help improve your overall application. For the ACT, however, 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 into a University Honors Program. However, they are requiredfor admission to 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.