macaulay honors college essay

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Macaulay Honors College 101 [For the (College) Class of 2027]

September 28, 2022 by CPM

Have you heard about CUNY’s Macaulay Honors College? It is one of America’s top public honors college programs. If you live in New York and your teen is interested in this program, I encourage you to have them start the application as soon as possible.

What Is Macaulay Honors College? 

Macaulay Honors College at CUNY  is an honors college that is spread across eight CUNY colleges. Macaulay students participate in a program designed jointly by the respective college and Macaulay. Students graduate with a dual degree from Macaulay and their chosen CUNY home college.

Every Macaulay student receives a full-tuition scholarship.  Students are still responsible for paying school fees (including some years of room and board) if they are not covered by grants, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid. Each CUNY college provides different housing options.

Other perks for Macaulay students include a $1,500 per student  Opportunities Fund  to help pay for various professional or academic programs.

Macaulay Honors Eligibility Requirements

Macaulay Honors College evaluates prospective students based on a combination of academic and personal factors. On the academic side, there isn’t a minimum GPA stated but the FAQ section mentions that Students applying to Macaulay should have a recommended average of 90 and above .

Also, note that high school classes of 2023 and 2024 Macaulay college applications are test-optional regarding submitting copies of their standardized test (SAT or ACT)  scores . 

To receive the full tuition Macaulay scholarships, students must be New York state residents/meet CUNY’S New York State residency requirements. Also, it must be the first college experience for prospective Macaulay students. The program only accepts incoming Freshmen – not transfer students. 

For more in-depth information, visit  Macaulay’s Admissions Requirements page .

Macaulay Information Session

Macaulay offers several upcoming admissions events for interested students. The events begin on October 2nd. Staff will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the program. Topics include deadline reminders, essay tips and handling the CUNY application for Macaulay. It is a great way to learn more about Macaulay Honors College.

Macaulay Application Tips

Start as early as possible.

The application went live on 9/1/22. The sooner that a student submits their application, it gives their recommenders more time to write recommendations. Once the application is submitted, their recommenders are notified and asked to upload their recommendation.

The great thing is that students can revise their submitted applications any time up until the deadline. They can add recommenders, upload essays and other supporting materials as well as pay the application fee. The application fee is currently $65. (Students with special financial or other circumstances may be able to have CUNY waive its application fee.)

It is important to note that applicants can only use  the CUNY Application . Macaulay Honors College is not in the CommonApp.  The Macaulay application website closes on 11/16/22 at 6pm.

Application Essay Prompts

As part of the Macaulay application, students are required to submit two essays for the class of 2027. Each should be around 500 words long.

ESSAY 1: ABOUT YOU Select one of the options below. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. O R Tell us about an area or activity, outside of academics, in which you have invested a lot of time and effort. Tell us why. What did you learn? How was it meaningful? ESSAY 2: ABOUT YOUR PLANS FOR COLLEGE. PLEASE DISCUSS ALL POINTS BELOW. Why do you want to go to an honors college ? There are many benefits of being a Macaulay student, such as the Macaulay community, special courses, Honors advisement, cultural passport, opportunities funds, and other financial benefits. Please describe how these features will shape you and your college experience, including, what you expect to bring to the college community and what you expect to get out of your college experience. MACAULAY HONORS COLLEGE

You can learn more about essay considerations on the  Macaulay Honors College Essay Questions  page.

Important Macaulay Admissions Dates

9/1/22: The Macaulay application opens.

11/16/22: The Macaulay application closes at 6pm.

11/28/22: All supporting documents (including application recommendations) are due by 6pm.

3/15/23: Decision day (prospective students receive notifications).

5/1/23: COMMITMENT DAY

The Macaulay Honors College is a wonderful program so consider encouraging your high (academic) achieving seniors to apply.

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Home — Application Essay — National Universities — Macaulay Honors College: Academic Excellence, Research, and Growth

Macaulay Honors College: Academic Excellence, Research, and Growth

• University: Macaulay Honors College

About this sample

Words: 633 |

Published: Feb 15, 2024

Words: 633 | Pages: 1 | 4 min read

Table of contents

Academic excellence, undergraduate research, community engagement, personal growth.

I am writing to express my sincere interest in becoming a part of the Macaulay Honors College community. As a college student who values academic excellence, community involvement, and personal growth, I firmly believe that the unique opportunities offered by Macaulay Honors College align perfectly with my ambitions and aspirations.

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First and foremost, I am incredibly impressed by the academic rigor and distinguished faculty that Macaulay Honors College has to offer. As a student dedicated to my education, I am constantly seeking ways to challenge myself and broaden my knowledge. I am drawn to the interdisciplinary curriculum of Macaulay Honors College, and I believe that it will allow me to connect different fields of study and explore complex issues from multiple perspectives. This holistic approach to education is crucial in today's fast-paced, interconnected world, and I am excited about the prospect of being exposed to a diverse range of academic disciplines.

In addition to the outstanding academic programs, I am particularly excited about the opportunity to engage in undergraduate research at Macaulay Honors College. The emphasis placed on research and inquiry aligns perfectly with my own passion for intellectual exploration and discovery. I have always been intrigued by the idea of pushing the boundaries of knowledge and making a meaningful contribution to my field of study. The chance to work closely with faculty mentors and engage in hands-on research experiences will undoubtedly foster my intellectual growth and prepare me for a successful future in academia.

Furthermore, the emphasis placed on community engagement and service at Macaulay Honors College deeply resonates with my personal values. Throughout my high school years, I actively sought out opportunities to give back to my community and make a positive impact. Whether it was volunteering at local homeless shelters, organizing food drives, or tutoring underprivileged students, these experiences not only enriched my life but also instilled in me a deep sense of empathy and social responsibility. I am convinced that Macaulay Honors College's commitment to community engagement will provide me with countless opportunities to continue my passion for service and make a difference in the lives of others.

Beyond academic and community engagement, I believe that Macaulay Honors College's commitment to personal growth and development perfectly aligns with my own goals. The comprehensive advising and mentorship programs offered by the college are particularly appealing to me. As a first-generation college student, I understand the importance of having a strong support system, and I am confident that the resources and guidance provided by Macaulay Honors College will greatly contribute to my personal and academic success. The college's commitment to fostering a close-knit community and providing individualized attention to each student further reinforces my belief that Macaulay Honors College is the ideal environment for my personal growth and development.

Lastly, I am captivated by the vibrant and diverse community at Macaulay Honors College. The opportunity to engage with students from various cultural, socioeconomic, and academic backgrounds is particularly enticing. I firmly believe that the most profound learning experiences occur when individuals with different perspectives come together to exchange ideas and challenge one another's assumptions. Macaulay Honors College's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment will undoubtedly enhance my educational experience and broaden my horizons.

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In conclusion, I am genuinely excited about the prospect of becoming a part of the Macaulay Honors College community. The college's dedication to academic excellence, community engagement, personal growth, and diversity align perfectly with my own aspirations and values. I am confident that my passion for learning, commitment to service, and drive for personal growth will enable me to thrive at Macaulay Honors College and make meaningful contributions to the college community. Thank you for considering my application; I look forward to the possibility of joining the Macaulay Honors College family and embarking on a transformative educational journey.

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