Program Overview

Introduction to Macaulay Honors College

The Macaulay Honors College at Hunter is a university-wide honors program designed for incoming freshmen. This program offers students the unique opportunity to be dually enrolled in both Hunter College and the Macaulay Honors College, combining the benefits of a small college community with the vast resources of a major research university.

Program Benefits

Macaulay Honors College scholars are entitled to a range of benefits, including:

• Individualized mentoring by distinguished faculty members and dedicated academic advisors.
• Full gap-merit scholarship for New York State residents.
• Priority access to campus housing.
• Seminar classes that provide enriching opportunities for students to work and learn together, developing a deeper understanding of New York's rich cultural and intellectual history.
• Completion of either an internship or a study abroad program as part of the curriculum.

Application Process

To apply to the Macaulay Honors College at Hunter, students must submit the CUNY Macaulay application, selecting Hunter College as their Macaulay campus choice. Applications can be submitted through either Early Decision or Regular Decision.

Early Decision Application Process

The Early Decision application process is binding, meaning that if a student is admitted, they are expected to enroll at Hunter College and withdraw any applications to other schools. The required materials and deadlines for Early Decision are:

• November 3, 2025, at 6 pm:
  • CUNY Macaulay Honors Application listing Hunter as the Macaulay choice
  • Select "Early Decision" on the application
  • Application Fee
  • High School Transcript(s) from all previous schools
  • Two (2) out of three (3) required Macaulay Essays
  • TOEFL (if educated in a non-English environment)
  • Resume (optional)
• November 10, 2025, at 6 pm: Letters of Recommendation

Regular Decision Application Process

The Regular Decision application process is non-binding, allowing admitted students until May 1st to decide if Macaulay at Hunter is the right choice for them. The required materials and deadlines for Regular Decision are:

• November 17, 2025, at 6 pm:
  • CUNY Macaulay Honors Application listing Hunter as the Macaulay choice
  • Application Fee
  • High School Transcript(s) from all previous schools
  • Two (2) out of three (3) required Macaulay Essays
  • TOEFL (if educated in a non-English environment)
  • Resume (optional)
• November 28, 2025, at 6 pm: Letters of Recommendation

Application Notifications Timeline

• Early Decision Applicants: Decisions will be notified on February 17, 2026, after 3 pm. Admitted Early Decision applicants are required to attend Hunter College.
• Regular Decision Applicants: Decisions will be notified on March 16, 2026, after 3 pm. Admitted Regular Decision applicants will have until May 1st to commit and deposit.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I apply regular decision if I don't get in ED? No, however, your ED application will be considered for admission to Hunter College as a general freshman automatically.
• Do I have to do anything special to apply ED? You just need to make sure to select "Early Decision" on your application and submit all required materials by the provided deadlines.
• Do I need to apply to Hunter as a general freshman too? No, all those who apply to Macaulay Honors College and submit all required materials will be considered for general admission to Hunter College automatically.