Freshman Application
The online application must be completed and submitted electronically.
To submit the application, you will be required to create a CUNY Application account or log into your CUNYfirst account. We strongly recommend that you complete the application using a desktop or laptop computer rather than a mobile phone or tablet.
You must submit a non-refundable $65 application fee. You may pay the fee in one of the following ways:
Online payment:
- Use a credit card or debit card to pay online through the application system.
Mail payment:
- Send a check or money order payable to “CUNY” to CUNY/UAPC at the address listed below.
- Write your CUNYfirst ID number (8 digits) on your check or money order.
- You can find your CUNYfirst ID number on your Application Summary.
CUNY UAPC Lockbox
Mail Code: 8770
P.O. Box 7247
Philadelphia, PA 19170-8770
Students may submit an application fee waiver instead of paying the application fee if it is provided by their high school counselor.
Veterans of the United States Military, individuals currently on active duty, and members of the National Guard or Reserves may also request an application fee waiver.
To receive this waiver, applicants must:
- Indicate their U.S. military status on the CUNY application, and
- Submit proof of military service.
Acceptable documentation includes:
- DD-214 form
- Current military ID card
- Deployment orders or pre-separation orders
Send all supporting documents directly to the City University of New York (CUNY).
Standardized test scores (SAT and/or ACT):
- Send to CUNY code 2950.
Official high school transcript and/or GED:
- Submit either electronically or by mail.
Electronic submission
- transcripts@cuny.edu
Use this email address only for high schools or colleges and universities sending official transcripts electronically. - admissions@cuny.edu
Use this email address for home school students, students educated outside of the United States, and HSE students.
Documents sent to this email address will be considered unofficial.
Mail submission (if electronic submission is not available)
If your previous or current school does not offer electronic document submission, you may mail documents to:
General Freshman Admission
CUNY/UAPC
P.O. Box 350136
Brooklyn, NY 11235-0001
Important information
CUNY does not accept a high school certificate or an Individualized Education Program (IEP) diploma.
All incoming freshmen must complete one of the following before the start of their first semester:
- A diploma from an accredited high school
- A high school equivalency diploma
- A diploma from the United States Armed Forces Institute
Fall 2023 through Spring 2025 Admission: SAT/ACT Test-Optional Policy
CUNY has a test-optional admissions policy for Fall 2023 through Spring 2025. First-year applicants may choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their application.
Admission decisions will be based primarily on a student’s academic preparation in high school, including:
- Overall grade point average (GPA)
- Course grades
- The rigor of the student’s high school curriculum
Students should carefully consider whether to submit test scores:
- Students with a strong academic record who believe their SAT or ACT scores do not reflect their full academic ability may choose not to submit test scores.
- Students who feel their SAT or ACT scores strengthen their application are encouraged to submit them.
The absence of SAT or ACT scores will not be used as a basis for denying admission.
Students are encouraged to discuss this test-optional decision with their school counselor
If you are applying for financial aid, you may begin submitting your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) after submitting your online application.
To start your FAFSA application, use the FAFSA application link.
Once you submit your application, CUNYfirst allows all applicants to:
- Check the status of their application
- View admission decisions
For more information on activating your CUNYfirst account and checking your application status, use the instructions link.