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First-Year Admissions

Students who have not attended a college, university, or other postsecondary institution are classified as first-year students. To apply as a first-year student, you must submit the appropriate application fee along with your official high school transcript(s). If you received a High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma from New York (also known as TASC), please include a copy of your diploma and scores. If you were eligible for HSE Regents exemptions, ensure that you submit your high school transcript along with your HSE diploma. If you obtained an equivalency diploma outside of New York State, please contact the relevant State Education Department for your records. For more information, visit ged.com.

SAT and ACT scores are not required and will not be considered in the application review process during the Spring 2027 admission cycle. For further details about the suspension of SAT/ACT test scores, please visit the CUNY website.

Admission is based on various factors, and each applicant is evaluated individually. First-year students are strongly encouraged to complete a college preparatory program in high school that includes courses in English, Mathematics, Laboratory Science, Social Science, Foreign Language, and Fine Arts.

CUNY Proficiency Requirements

The City University of New York (CUNY) requires all students to demonstrate proficiency in English (reading and writing) and mathematics in order to enroll in credit-bearing courses in their respective subject areas. Applicants can establish proficiency in various ways, including meeting benchmark scores on the SAT, ACT, and New York State Regents exams. For more information on CUNY's proficiency requirements, please visit the CUNY website.

If an applicant does not meet all of the proficiency criteria, they may still be considered for admission if they provide evidence of strong academic preparation. This can include exceeding the minimum requirements in college preparatory classes or demonstrating strong performance on other academic assessments, such as the Regents examinations. Additionally, more flexible admission options are available through the SEEK Program. Please see below for information regarding the SEEK requirements.

The Percy E. Sutton Search for Education, Elevation, and Knowledge (SEEK) Program

Academic Core Building, Room 1C08
718-262-2300
email: seek@york.cuny.edu
webpage: https://www.york.cuny.edu/seek

The SEEK (Search for Education, Elevation and Knowledge) Program is a higher education opportunity program offered at each of the senior colleges of CUNY. SEEK was established in 1966 when the New York State Legislature enacted a law that mandated the creation of programs providing access and support for New York City residents and that advanced the cause of equality and educational opportunity at CUNY. Today, the university maintains a commitment to admit students under the provisions of this law.

SEEK is an opportunity program for students who are:

  1. Entering college for the first time

  2. In need of financial assistance

  3. Residents of New York State for at least twelve consecutive months

Students are eligible for ten (10) semesters plus two (2) summer sessions of financial assistance. Transfer students from College Discovery (CD), Higher Education Opportunity Programs (HEOP), or Educational Opportunity Programs (EOP) are admitted in both the fall and spring. Veterans with up to 18 credits earned during or before their military enlistment are also eligible for this program.

The mission of SEEK is to enhance educational attainment, social mobility, and vocational capabilities in New York City and New York State by providing access to higher education for students who are educationally and economically disadvantaged. Academic services offered through SEEK include specialized Pathways courses exclusively for SEEK students, counseling courses, learning skills workshops, one-on-one tutoring on specific topics, and small group tutoring sessions. Counseling services provide academic, career, and personal guidance through individual or group workshops. Upon entering the program, all students are assigned a counselor. Financial aid services offer essential information regarding the timely completion of financial aid documentation. These comprehensive services help students achieve academic success by employing innovative, student-centered teaching approaches and providing essential support.

To apply, students should complete the "SEEK/College Discovery" section of the CUNY Freshmen Application and list York College as their first choice. Incoming students are required to attend and complete a mandatory Pre-Freshmen Summer Program. Additionally, all students must be deemed economically eligible for SEEK before formally accepting their place in the program. Students must also submit a FAFSA and a TAP application to qualify for financial aid. These forms are used to apply for the following types of financial aid:

  1. PELL

  2. SEEK stipends, books, and fees

  3. College Work Study

  4. Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants