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Admissions / First Year

First Year

We’re interested in knowing about you—your academic interests, your favorite books or movies, what makes you laugh, and how you’d like to change the world.


Selection Process

When reading applications, we evaluate your academic history and demonstrated readiness for college level work.

Most incoming first year students at Purchase have earned at least a B+ average and have pursued a typical college prep curriculum in high school:

  • Four years each of English
  • Foreign language
  • Mathematics
  • Social science
  • Three to four years of laboratory sciences

But it’s not just your transcript that we consider…

Holistic Review

We consider you as a whole individual. Of course, we evaluate who is best poised to succeed in our programs and who will contribute to our academic community in meaningful ways.

But we also consider rigor of high school coursework, academic and extracurricular interests, unique talents, writing/video submissions, character and personality, letters of recommendation, and community service/involvement.

First Year Class Profile

647 Total

610 / 585

Average SAT Reading / Math

88.3%

Average High School GPA

17%

First year students who are first in their family to attend college


Details

We know you are so much more than a test score. We believe that allowing you to choose whether or not to submit test scores demonstrates our commitment to a holistic review of applicants and our embrace of unique qualities and talents that predict success beyond traditional markers.

We’ll still need test scores from some, however. You’re required to submit test scores if you fall into the categories below:

  • Applicants who are homeschooled
  • International students need to provide a TOEFL score
  • Applicants who attended secondary schools that provide only narrative evaluations rather than some form of grading scale

Students are welcome to consult with an admissions advisor about their test-optional decision by emailing admissions@purchase.edu, calling (914) 251-6300, or texting (914) 290-5557.

Full Test-Optional Policy

You may apply via the Common Application or the SUNY Application. No preference is given to either form.

Decisions for most programs are made on a rolling basis; first year applicants who meet our deadlines will be notified of their admission status no later than April 1.

If Purchase College is your first choice, you’re invited to apply as an Early Action candidate. Early Action is a non-binding early application/notification program for fall Liberal Arts and Sciences first year students.

You may apply Early Action for most BA/BS programs and the School of Art+Design programs.

Early Action is not an option if you’re interested in Acting, Dance, Music, Film, or Theatre Design/Technology.

Admissions interviews are not mandatory, but we do offer you the opportunity to have an interview with one of our admissions counselors.

An interview allows you to tell us more about yourself than you can typically express in a written application, and may help the admissions committee make a more informed decision about your enrollment.

To schedule an interview, call the Admissions Office at 914-251-6300. Interview appointments are generally available on weekdays throughout the year. You should schedule an interview after you have submitted an application for admission.

Interview Policy


Program

Application Deadline for Fall 2022 Portfolio or Pre-Screening Deadline

Application Deadline for Spring 2022

Acting, BFA*

Recommended:
November 15, 2021

General Admissions:
January 1, 2022

January 7, 2022 Not Offered
Art+Design*

Priority Deadline:
November 15, 2021

General Deadline: February 15, 2022

Priority Deadline:
December 1, 2021

General Deadline:
March 1, 2022

Open to all majors except Graphic Design

November 15, 2021

Creative Writing, BA*

Early Action:
November 15, 2021

General Admissions:
March 1, 2022

Early Action:
November 20, 2021

General Admissions:
March 7, 2022

November 1, 2021
Dance, BFA*

January 27, 2022

February 16, 2022 Not Offered
Film, BFA* January 1, 2022

January 15, 2022

Not Offered
Liberal Arts & Sciences**

Early Action:
November 15, 2021

Rolling Admissions:
April 1, 2022

Still accepting Transfer applications until August 1st. Application materials must be submitted no later than August 12th. 

N/A January 5, 2022
Music, MusB*

January 1, 2022

We are still accepting Music applications on a rolling basis, which will be reviewed periodically by our Conservatory of Music faculty, as openings occur.

January 8, 2022

We are still accepting Music pre-screeings, which will be reviewed periodically by our Conservatory of Music faculty, as openings occur.  Submit your pre-screenings ASAP. 

Classical Composition and Performance Jazz programs only

October 15, 2021 (application)

October 21, 2021 (pre-screening)

Theatre Design/Technology, BFA* March 1, 2022 March 5, 2022 Not Offered

*Please visit the linked program information page to view additional deadlines and requirements.  Deadlines can be updated at anytime.

**We review applications on a rolling basis, and will review applications until our incoming class is full. Students are encouraged to apply and complete their application early in the application cycle.

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