Admissions FAQ

All entering first-year applicants are considered for admission based on:

• High school academic average
• Academic units
• SAT and/or ACT scores (if submitted)
• GED scores (if applicable)

Students from non-English speaking countries may be required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

Applicants must also take the SAT or ACT prior to admission.

To review last year’s Freshman Admission Profile and view average GPA information, use the Freshman Admission Profile link.

College readiness requirements:

Students must meet college readiness requirements in reading, writing, and mathematics. These requirements may be demonstrated through SAT, ACT, or New York State Regents exam scores.

For more information, use the college readiness requirements link.

Test-optional policy:

CUNY has a test-optional admissions policy for Fall 2023 through Spring 2027.

First-year applicants may choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Admission decisions are based primarily on:

• High school GPA
• Course grades
• Academic rigor

Students who believe their test scores reflect their academic ability may submit them. Students who choose not to submit test scores will not be disadvantaged in the admissions process.

Students are encouraged to speak with their school counselor when making this decision.

Prospective transfer students may review last year’s Transfer Admission Profile to view the average grade point average (GPA) for admission to John Jay College.

If you are transferring with fewer than 24 credits, you must meet the transfer GPA requirement as well as the high school academic average and academic unit requirements for admission. Please note that these requirements may change based on enrollment data.

In addition to GPA requirements, students must meet CUNY college readiness requirements in English and mathematics.

To learn more about CUNY college readiness requirements, use the college readiness requirements link.

Students who are not admitted as first-year students may apply to the CUNY Justice Academy Program offered at CUNY community colleges.

By enrolling in a CUNY Justice Academy degree program, students receive dual admission to one of the six participating CUNY community colleges and John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

Students complete the first 60 credits at a partner community college and the remaining 60 credits at John Jay College.

To learn more about the CUNY Justice Academy, use the program information link.

Yes. All students must provide SAT/ACT Exam Scores and Official High School Transcript(s) from all schools attended. 

Test-optional policy notice:

CUNY has a test-optional admissions policy for Fall 2023 through Spring 2025. During this period, SAT and ACT scores are not required and will not be used in the application review process.

First-year applicants may choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Admission decisions are based primarily on:

• High school grade point average (GPA)
• Course grades
• Academic rigor of the high school curriculum

For more information about the test-optional policy, use the test-optional policy link.

Freshman applicants may apply to up to six CUNY colleges. Transfer applicants may apply to up to four CUNY colleges.

Applications are reviewed after CUNY receives the online application, the application fee (or approved fee waiver), and all required supporting documents.

Students will receive an admission decision within 6–8 weeks after all required materials have been submitted.

To check your application status, use the application status link.

Yes. Students are required to submit transcripts from all schools attended. The application will not be reviewed until all required transcripts have been received.

Courses are evaluated on a course-by-course basis.

Credit evaluations are completed after a student is admitted and has submitted the commitment deposit. Students will receive an email once their credits have been evaluated with additional information.

The College has articulation agreements with several other colleges.

Yes, we offer Early Action which is non binding.

Early Action requirements:

• Submit your application by December 1
• Select Early Action by December 1
• Submit all transcripts by December 10

Students who are denied admission may submit an appeal to the Admission Appeals Committee for reconsideration of their application decision.

To be considered, students must provide new and compelling evidence demonstrating their qualifications for admission to John Jay, rather than repeating information already included in their application. Students are advised to accept an offer of admission from another college while their appeal is under review.

All appeal decisions are final. Submit an Admission Appeal

Yes, housing is available through private student housing providers. John Jay College does not manage student residences or provide housing placement services.

Educational Housing Services

Moving to New York City can be both exciting and challenging. Educational Housing Services provides support to help students find housing, explore local resources, and adjust to city life.

With over 30 years of experience, Educational Housing Services offers student housing options throughout New York City.

Explore student housing options to find accommodations that meet your needs.

The Towers at CCNY

The Towers is an apartment-style residence hall on the campus City College of NY that will help you make the most of your college experience in an environment which encourages residents to explore opportunities academically, socially and culturally.

The Residence Life Staff strives to create a sense of community through educational and social programming and serves as a resource to all residents.

FOUND Study

FOUND STUDY  provides housing for over 1,000 CUNY students each year, including students attending John Jay College of Criminal Justice. FOUND offers furnished student and intern housing with private rooms, shared rooms, and apartment-style options.

92Y

92Y Residence, located on the Upper East Side, offers housing for students, interns, and professionals in New York City. The residence provides a clean, quiet, and secure living environment with furnished rooms, shared spaces, and amenities designed to support daily living. Features include access to public transportation, common areas for studying and socializing, 24-hour security, and additional amenities such as a fitness center and community programming.

Students with international (foreign) credentials who are accepted to John Jay College may be awarded transfer credit on a case-by-case basis.

Credits are evaluated by the University Application Processing Center (UAPC), John Jay College, or a CUNY-approved credential evaluation service to determine whether college-level work was completed at a postsecondary institution.

For further details on document translation and evaluation, view the document translation and evaluation services.