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CUNY Application Prompts 2021 are Out!

The CUNY Macaulay Honors College Essay prompts are now available.  If you will apply next fall, you may want to get drafts going over the summer; this fall the Macaulay deadline will be earlier than in the past (November 16).

You can read about the full application process here.

OUR ESSAY PROMPTS HAVE BEEN POSTED!

The application for the Macaulay Class of 2026 won't open until September 1, but the prompts are available now for rising seniors.

As part of the Macaulay application to the class of 2026, we require that studemts submit  two pieces of writing: an ESSAY and a second WRITING SAMPLE . Each should be around 500 words long. Word counts may be slightly over or under, within reason.

ESSAY PROMPT:  Describe an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it.

WRITING SAMPLE PROMPT: Write on a topic of your choice. It may be something you have already written, something that addressed a different prompt (such as another college essay or academic assignment), or may be an essay of your own design.

In selecting your writing sample, students should consider that:

• Readers will not be specialists in any specific field, submissions of a technical nature are discouraged
• Submissions can be an excerpt from a larger text, but it should be self-contained, with a reasonably clear beginning, middle, and end
• Students are encouraged to be ambitious in their writing, but also aware of word count limitations

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Tips for Writing an Effective Application Essay

Find the right college for you.

Writing an essay for college admission gives you a chance to use your authentic voice and show your personality. It's an excellent opportunity to personalize your application beyond your academic credentials, and a well-written essay can have a positive influence come decision time.

Want to know how to draft an essay for your college application ? Here are some tips to keep in mind when writing.

Tips for Essay Writing

A typical college application essay, also known as a personal statement, is 400-600 words. Although that may seem short, writing about yourself can be challenging. It's not something you want to rush or put off at the last moment. Think of it as a critical piece of the application process. Follow these tips to write an impactful essay that can work in your favor.

1. Start Early.

Few people write well under pressure. Try to complete your first draft a few weeks before you have to turn it in. Many advisers recommend starting as early as the summer before your senior year in high school. That way, you have ample time to think about the prompt and craft the best personal statement possible.

You don't have to work on your essay every day, but you'll want to give yourself time to revise and edit. You may discover that you want to change your topic or think of a better way to frame it. Either way, the sooner you start, the better.

2. Understand the Prompt and Instructions.

Before you begin the writing process, take time to understand what the college wants from you. The worst thing you can do is skim through the instructions and submit a piece that doesn't even fit the bare minimum requirements or address the essay topic. Look at the prompt, consider the required word count, and note any unique details each school wants.

3. Create a Strong Opener.

Students seeking help for their application essays often have trouble getting things started. It's a challenging writing process. Finding the right words to start can be the hardest part.

Spending more time working on your opener is always a good idea. The opening sentence sets the stage for the rest of your piece. The introductory paragraph is what piques the interest of the reader, and it can immediately set your essay apart from the others.

4. Stay on Topic.

One of the most important things to remember is to keep to the essay topic. If you're applying to 10 or more colleges, it's easy to veer off course with so many application essays.

A common mistake many students make is trying to fit previously written essays into the mold of another college's requirements. This seems like a time-saving way to avoid writing new pieces entirely, but it often backfires. The result is usually a final piece that's generic, unfocused, or confusing. Always write a new essay for every application, no matter how long it takes.

5. Think About Your Response.

Don't try to guess what the admissions officials want to read. Your essay will be easier to write─and more exciting to read─if you’re genuinely enthusiastic about your subject. Here’s an example: If all your friends are writing application essays about covid-19, it may be a good idea to avoid that topic, unless during the pandemic you had a vivid, life-changing experience you're burning to share. Whatever topic you choose, avoid canned responses. Be creative.

6. Focus on You.

Essay prompts typically give you plenty of latitude, but panel members expect you to focus on a subject that is personal (although not overly intimate) and particular to you. Admissions counselors say the best essays help them learn something about the candidate that they would never know from reading the rest of the application.

7. Stay True to Your Voice.

Use your usual vocabulary. Avoid fancy language you wouldn't use in real life. Imagine yourself reading this essay aloud to a classroom full of people who have never met you. Keep a confident tone. Be wary of words and phrases that undercut that tone.

8. Be Specific and Factual.

Capitalize on real-life experiences. Your essay may give you the time and space to explain why a particular achievement meant so much to you. But resist the urge to exaggerate and embellish. Admissions counselors read thousands of essays each year. They can easily spot a fake.

9. Edit and Proofread.

When you finish the final draft, run it through the spell checker on your computer. Then don’t read your essay for a few days. You'll be more apt to spot typos and awkward grammar when you reread it. After that, ask a teacher, parent, or college student (preferably an English or communications major) to give it a quick read. While you're at it, double-check your word count.

Writing essays for college admission can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. A well-crafted essay could be the deciding factor─in your favor. Keep these tips in mind, and you'll have no problem creating memorable pieces for every application.

What is the format of a college application essay?

Generally, essays for college admission follow a simple format that includes an opening paragraph, a lengthier body section, and a closing paragraph. You don't need to include a title, which will only take up extra space. Keep in mind that the exact format can vary from one college application to the next. Read the instructions and prompt for more guidance.

Most online applications will include a text box for your essay. If you're attaching it as a document, however, be sure to use a standard, 12-point font and use 1.5-spaced or double-spaced lines, unless the application specifies different font and spacing.

How do you start an essay?

The goal here is to use an attention grabber. Think of it as a way to reel the reader in and interest an admissions officer in what you have to say. There's no trick on how to start a college application essay. The best way you can approach this task is to flex your creative muscles and think outside the box.

You can start with openers such as relevant quotes, exciting anecdotes, or questions. Either way, the first sentence should be unique and intrigue the reader.

What should an essay include?

Every application essay you write should include details about yourself and past experiences. It's another opportunity to make yourself look like a fantastic applicant. Leverage your experiences. Tell a riveting story that fulfills the prompt.

What shouldn’t be included in an essay?

When writing a college application essay, it's usually best to avoid overly personal details and controversial topics. Although these topics might make for an intriguing essay, they can be tricky to express well. If you’re unsure if a topic is appropriate for your essay, check with your school counselor. An essay for college admission shouldn't include a list of achievements or academic accolades either. Your essay isn’t meant to be a rehashing of information the admissions panel can find elsewhere in your application.

How can you make your essay personal and interesting?

The best way to make your essay interesting is to write about something genuinely important to you. That could be an experience that changed your life or a valuable lesson that had an enormous impact on you. Whatever the case, speak from the heart, and be honest.

Is it OK to discuss mental health in an essay?

Mental health struggles can create challenges you must overcome during your education and could be an opportunity for you to show how you’ve handled challenges and overcome obstacles. If you’re considering writing your essay for college admission on this topic, consider talking to your school counselor or with an English teacher on how to frame the essay.

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The scholarship essay or personal statement is a very common requirement on scholarship applications. For many people it is also the most dreaded part of the application process. And for some, it is the reason why they will not even bother to apply.

We know that many people struggle with the writing process. However, with the following tips and resources, we hope to demystify the scholarship essay and make the process manageable.

Read the essay topic and, if necessary, break it down into manageable pieces – Is the essay topic one question, or multiple questions? However many questions you have to answer, take a piece of paper and write each section of the question down. Then start drafting your answer to each question. It does not have to be in essay format yet, just write out how you would respond if someone were asking you the question in person.

Gather your thoughts, and start creating a framework for your essay – Once you have your response to the question, start building the framework for your response. Again, on a sheet of paper, write headings for each section of your essay starting with your Introduction, then your Body (one to three paragraphs usually), and finally your Conclusion. Under each category, include the important points that you want to cover in each.

Using your framework, start “building” your essay – Now that you’ve got your framework, start “filling-in” your essay. By this point you should already know what you want to say in your introduction, each body paragraph, and your conclusion.

Let the essay sit for at least a day, then come back and re-read – After you’re done with your first draft, revisit your essay and read it with fresh eyes. Read it out loud. Make sure you stayed on topic and make any changes you feel necessary. Then, have a friend, professor, and perhaps even someone else you trust read it and provide feedback. Make more changes. Let it sit again, and then revisit it once more.

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Welcome to undergraduate admissions at the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS). We're glad you are choosing CUNY SPS to complete your undergraduate degree and further your academic goals. 

Our undergraduate programs are designed to meet the needs of adult students who are returning to college, some after many years, to finish or transition into a bachelor’s degree program.

Before applying

Admissions requirements*.

• Applicants should have a minimum of 24 earned credits from a regionally accredited institution. Official transcripts from all previous colleges, universities, or proprietary schools you have attended since high school must be submitted, whether or not you intend to request transfer credit.
• For students who feel their prior college GPA is not reflective of their academic potential and may not meet our standard GPA requirement, CUNY SPS has an alternate performance-based application program called Jump Start .
• Jump Start Application Deadlines
• We accept a maximum of 105 Transfer Credits .
• To gain admission to CUNY SPS, students must satisfy the reading, writing, and mathematics basic skills requirements. CUNY College Readiness Requirements
• A personal essay of at least 250 words is part of the application process.
• Unless a currently enrolled CUNY student, to submit your application, you must pay a $70 non-refundable processing fee. Without payment, your application will not be sent to CUNY SPS. Veterans of the United States Military, active duty service members, and members of the National Guard or Reserves are eligible for an  application fee waiver .

*Following an initial admissions review, applicants may be asked to submit additional documentation.

How to Submit Official Transcripts

Keep in mind that your application must include an official transcript from each individual college or university you attended since graduating high school. As a courtesy we will attempt to pull your CUNY transcripts and you will be notified via email if we are unable to.

Your official transcript(s) should be sent to:  CUNY School of Professional Studies  Attn: Office of Admissions  119 West 31st Street  New York, NY 10001  We will also accept electronic transcripts submitted directly from the institution or by a company contracted by the institution through a secured system. Electronic transcripts will not be accepted as official if they are emailed from the student. Please request that your official transcript be sent electronically to  [email protected] .

For information regarding submitting transcripts from non-domestic colleges/universities, please visit Undergraduate Applicants Educated Outside the U.S.

Financial Aid 

Applicants who have not yet filed for  TAP or the  Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and plan on receiving financial aid should do so right away!

Undergraduate Degree Program Deadlines

Fall 2024 Regular Deadline: Monday, June 17, 2024

Priority Decision Deadline: Monday, April 6, 2020

Completing the application by the priority deadline will guarantee notification of an admission status weeks before the Regular Decision.

Students admitted through the Priority Decision will have an early advantage to:

• Start classes with the Summer 2020 session
• Receive a transfer credit evaluation
• Meet with an academic advisor to select classes
• Have more time to sign up for a tuition payment plan
• Learn of their financial aid award (for those who submit a FAFSA and are deemed eligible for grants)

The regular deadline for Spring 2020 has passed. The CUNY SPS Office of Admissions is offering interested students the opportunity to apply online with  Direct Admission  for the Spring 2020 semester. The Direct Admission application is designed only for transfers who are seeking admission to one of our fully online bachelor’s programs or one in-person bachelor’s program (excluding our BS in Nursing program).  

Can Anyone Apply Through Direct Admission?

For the Spring 2020 semester, only prospective undergraduate transfer students who were educated within the United States can apply through this process.

If you were educated at any point outside of the U.S., your international transcripts must be evaluated by the University Application Processing Center (UAPC), and you must apply for the Fall 2020 semester through the regular  admissions application . Students interested in our RN to BS in Nursing program for Spring 2020 will also have to apply through the regular admissions application .

Important Information for all Applicants

Please be advised that while you are invited to apply for the Spring 2020 semester with the Direct Admission application, your application will only be reviewed if it is complete and pending the availability of space in the program. Applicants will be required to upload an admissions essay and submit all official transcripts directly to the Office of Admissions . Please note letters of recommendation, high school transcripts, and SAT/ACT scores are NOT required for admission to CUNY SPS.  

While we cannot guarantee that your application will be reviewed for Spring 2020, note that as a courtesy your application will automatically be forwarded for the Fall 2020 semester.

(Accelerated) Nursing programs

The decision deadline for admission to the (Accelerated) Nursing programs is Tuesday, December 3, 2019 .

• RN to BS-MS in Nursing Education (Accelerated)
• RN to BS-MS in Nursing Informatics (Accelerated)
• RN to BS-MS in Nursing Organizational Leadership (Accelerated)

The Office of Admissions can help you with any questions you have about the application process.

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Want to see your chances of admission at City College of New York | CCNY?

We take every aspect of your personal profile into consideration when calculating your admissions chances.

City College of New York | CCNY’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Common app personal essay.

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.

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.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you‘ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?