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.

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I’m Ready to Apply

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 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 (Fall 2023)

774

Total number of students

1262

Average SAT

89.5%

Average High School GPA

83%

First-year students who live on campus

Application 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
Applicants applying to the Upstate Accelerated Scholars Program (UASP)

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

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

Deadlines

Program	Application Deadline for Fall 2024	Portfolio or Pre-Screening Deadline	Application Deadline for Spring 2024
Acting, BFA*	Priority Deadline: November 24, 2023 General Deadline: January 1, 2024	Priority Deadline: December 1, 2023 General Deadline: January 8, 2024	Not Offered
Art+Design*	Priority Deadline: November 15, 2023 General Deadline: February 15, 2024	Priority Deadline: December 1, 2023 General Deadline: March 1, 2024	Transfers Only Open to all majors except Graphic Design Application Deadline: November 15, 2023 Portfolio Deadline: December 1, 2023
Creative Writing, BA*	Early Action: November 15, 2023 General Admissions: *Extended: April 1, 2024	Early Action: November 20, 2023 General Admissions: *Extended: April 8, 2024	Application: November 1, 2023 Portfolio: November 8, 2023
Dance, BFA*	Priority Deadline: January 7, 2024 General Deadline: February 1, 2024	Priority Deadline: January 14, 2024 General Deadline: February 8, 2024	Not Offered
Film, BFA*	Priority Deadline: November 15, 2023 General Deadline: January 1, 2024	Priority Deadline: November 22, 2023 General Deadline: January 7, 2024	Not Offered
Liberal Arts & Sciences**	Early Action: November 15, 2023 Rolling Admissions: March 1, 2024	N/A	January 3, 2024
Music, MusB*	Priority Deadline: December 1, 2023 Extended Deadline: January 15, 2024 Closed: Music Studio Production and Music Studio Composition	Priority Deadline: December 8, 2023 Extended Deadline: January 22, 2024 Closed: Music Studio Production and Music Studio Composition	Closed for Studio Composition and Studio Production Application: October 13, 2023 Prescreening: October 20, 2023
Theatre Design/Technology, BFA*	February 26, 2024	March 1, 2024	Not Offered

*Please visit the linked program information page to view additional deadlines and requirements. Deadlines and portfolio submission requirements may 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.

Selection Process

Holistic Review

First Year Class Profile (Fall 2023)

774

1262

89.5%

83%

Application Details

Deadlines

Program

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First Year

Selection Process

Holistic Review

First Year Class Profile (Fall 2023)

774

1262

89.5%

83%

Application Details

Standardized Test Policy

Application Options

Decisions

Early Action (Liberal Arts and Sciences only)

Interviews

Deadlines

Program