Navigating Admissions at Baruch College: Acceptance Rate and Requirements

Baruch College, a constituent college of the City University of New York (CUNY), is known for its strong business programs and diverse student body. For prospective students, understanding the college's acceptance rate and admission requirements is crucial. This article provides a comprehensive overview of what it takes to gain admission to Baruch College.

Acceptance Rate: A Moderately Selective Institution

Baruch College's acceptance rate stands at 51.2%, indicating that it is a moderately selective institution. Each year, the college receives about 49,700 applications and accepts approximately 25,400 students. However, the actual number of students who choose to enroll is significantly lower, with around 2,600 students matriculating.

This acceptance rate signifies that while Baruch isn't among the most selective colleges, it still expects applicants to meet certain academic standards. Applicants need to be above average in their high school class to get into the college. If you exceed their requirements, you have an excellent chance of getting in.

Academic Requirements: GPA and Standardized Tests

GPA Expectations

The average GPA at Baruch College is 3.6, requiring students to be above average in their high school class. Successful applicants typically have a mix of A's and B's, with more A's than B's. A lower GPA can be offset by taking more challenging courses, such as AP or IB classes. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 3.6, you'll need a higher SAT or ACT score to compensate.

Standardized Test Policy: Test-Optional Through Spring 2027

For the Fall 2023 through Spring 2027 admission cycles, Baruch College has adopted a test-optional policy. SAT and ACT test scores are not required nor considered in the application review process. The admission decision is primarily based on a student’s academic preparation in high school, including overall grade-point-average, course grades and the academic rigor of their high school curriculum.

Students should carefully consider whether they would like to send their test scores: If a student has a particularly strong academic record and believes that their standardized exam scores do not reflect their full academic potential, they may elect not to send SAT or ACT exam scores to CUNY. If a student feels that standardized test scores improve their overall academic record, we invite them to send test scores. The absence of SAT or ACT exam scores cannot be used to deny a student admission. It is recommended that students discuss this test-optional decision with their school counselor.

Historically, accepted students have typically scored within the range of 1210-1390 on the SAT, with an average of 1320. The 25th percentile SAT score is 1210, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1390. For the ACT, the average score is 27, with a range of 24-29. The 25th percentile ACT score is 24, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 29.

Even with the test-optional policy, submitting strong SAT/ACT scores can still enhance an application. Scoring a 1390 SAT or a 29 ACT or above will nearly guarantee you admission.

Baruch’s SAT / ACT score code is 2950.

Application Fee

The undergraduate application fee set by CUNY Bernard M Baruch College is $65. You can pay your application fee online using Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express or electronic check. You can also submit a money order payable to ‘CUNY’ to the University Application Processing Center.

Application Requirements for Freshman Applicants

Baruch College welcomes applications from high school seniors. The college makes decisions on a rolling basis. To apply as a freshman, applicants must fulfill the following requirements:

CUNY Application: Submit your completed CUNY Application by the priority deadline. Applications are only accepted online.
Official High School Transcript: An official transcript is required to apply.
Test Scores: As mentioned earlier, submitting SAT/ACT test scores is optional for the Fall 2023 through Spring 2027 admission cycles.
Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee of $65 is required.

Recommended Application Materials

In addition to the core requirements, Baruch College recommends submitting supporting materials to strengthen your application. These materials are listed in the ‘Supporting Materials’ section of the application based on your college and program choices. You will be able to upload them directly onto the application.

Letters of Recommendation: Applicants can send a request for a recommendation from the ‘Recommendation’ section of the application. You will be able to add additional recommendation requests after you have submitted your application.

After you submit your completed application, the admissions review process begins. Baruch College examines your entire high school academic records, including difficulty of classes, GPA and grade trends. Submitting SAT/ACT test scores are optional, hence any supporting documents including the recommended essay, and letters of recommendation are reviewed during the decision process. Applications submitted after the priority deadline will be considered on a space available basis.

You can check the status of your application by logging into your CUNYfirst account and selecting 'Student Center' then 'Admissions' then 'View Details.' You can also call the CUNY Welcome Center at (212) 997-2869.

Macaulay Honors Program

The Macaulay Honors College at Baruch offers a unique and enriching academic experience. The Fall Deadline (no early decision or action) is November 15, 2024 at 6:00 PM (EST).

Read also: Choosing Your Major at Baruch

The notification process is two-fold:

Beginning in February applicants will be notified of their admission decision as General Freshman by all college choices listed on their application.
March 17 - Macaulay applicants will be notified of their admission decision into Macaulay Honors College by only one of the college choices listed on their application.

The Macaulay application requires official high school transcript(s), two essays and two letters of recommendation. If Baruch is your first choice for honors, make sure to list it as such on your application.

Students applying to Macaulay may also be considered for the Baruch Honors program and other merit-based scholarships.

International Students

For international students, the deadlines listed for the CUNY applications are Priority Deadlines for applicants within the United States. It is suggested that international students have their applications completed and sent in at least 4 weeks prior to the deadline. Applications will not be processed until all required documents have been received.

In addition to the standard application materials, international students are required to submit their complete academic record (all years), as well as any national or government certificates earned. Baruch College accepts photocopies of secondary school transcripts, diplomas, mark sheets and/or secondary external examination certificates.

SEEK Program

The Percy Ellis Sutton SEEK (Search for Education Elevation and Knowledge) Program provides economically disadvantaged students with the tools they need to create their own success: to graduate and pursue fulfilling and productive lives, to develop an awareness of themselves and a sense of dedication to their community.

In order to be considered, students must indicate their interest in SEEK on the Freshman application. If academic requirements are met, applicants will be asked to submit supporting documents to prove financial eligibility.

Gender Distribution

The ratio of the applicants who submitted their applications is 23% and 26% for males and females respectively. However, of the first-year students enrolled, 49% were typically women preferred CUNY Bernard M Baruch College after receiving the acceptance letter and 50% were men.

Maximizing Your Chances of Admission

To increase your likelihood of acceptance to Baruch College, consider the following:

Maintain a Strong GPA: Focus on achieving high grades in challenging courses.
Consider submitting SAT/ACT Scores: If you believe your scores reflect your academic potential, submitting them can strengthen your application.
Craft a Compelling Application: Pay attention to the supporting materials, such as essays and letters of recommendation, to showcase your unique qualities and experiences.
Meet Deadlines: Submit your application and all required documents by the priority deadlines.

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