CUNY Proficiency Requirements
The City University of New York (CUNY) requires all students to demonstrate proficiency in English (reading and writing) and math in order to enroll in credit-bearing courses in the associated subject. Students may establish proficiency in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to meeting benchmark scores on the SAT, ACT, and New York State Regents exams.
CUNY Proficiency Index
Starting with the Spring 2020 entering class, students who do not meet benchmark scores will no longer be administered a skills certification examination; rather, CUNY will use a proficiency index to determine developmental education assignment. The proficiency index combines overall high school grade point average with SAT and/or New York State Regents exam scores. There are separate proficiency indexes for English and math.
What is the CUNY Proficiency Index and how will it work?
The CUNY Proficiency Index is a formula that combines overall high school grade point average with SAT and Regents scores to determine whether the student has a good chance of succeeding in a credit-bearing math or English course without any additional support. The CUNY Proficiency Index scores will be used to determine whether the student is eligible to begin in college level English and math or if remedial intervention is necessary.
There are separate proficiency formulas for math and English. Both use information that is already part of the application for freshman admissions: student’s overall high school GPA at the time of application, SAT scores, and Regents scores. If an applicant has both SAT scores and Regents scores, the formula will use both scores, but if they have only Regents or only SAT, it will use whichever is available. If an applicant does not have any relevant Regents Exam or SAT scores, proficiency in English and math will be assessed based on high school GPA or High School Equivalency exam scores. The formula places more weight on high school grades than test scores, but higher test scores can help offset lower grades and vice versa.</o<
Important Information On SAT and ACT examsACT and SAT Exams for Fall 2022 to Spring 2023 Admissions CyclesOrdinarily, students can demonstrate that they meet the University’s proficiency requirements in English and Math based on their SAT, ACT or New York State Regents test scores. Because of testing disruptions caused by the pandemic, CUNY will not collect or use SAT or ACT scores for admissions or proficiency determinations through the spring 2023 admissions cycle. ACT and SAT Exams for Fall 2023 to Spring 2025 Admissions Cycles – SAT/ACT TEST OPTIONAL POLICYStudents will have the option to submit SAT or ACT exam scores as part of their application. However, students should carefully consider whether they would like to send their test scores, and should carefully review the information and FAQs on the SAT/ACT Test Optional Policy available here CUNY will revise its testing policy to test optional effective fall 2023 through spring 2025. First-year applicants can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT exam scores as part of their application. The admission decision will be based primarily 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:
CUNY and Baruch College recommends that students discuss this test-optional decision with their school counselor. |
CUNY Proficiency Benchmark Scores
English Course Placements
Students who are deemed proficient in English via the CUNY Proficiency Benchmark Scores or CUNY English Proficiency Index, may be asked to take a placement test to determine the appropriate course/section placement in English.
English As A Second Language (ESL) Students
Applicants who have spent at least six months or more in an institution where English is not the primary language of instruction are flagged as potential ESL via the CUNY admissions process.
ESL students who meet the CUNY Proficiency Benchmark Scores on the basis of the SAT, ACT or New York State Regents will be deemed proficient in English and/or math, regardless of where they attended high school.
ESL students who do not meet the CUNY Proficiency Benchmark Scores in math will be assessed with the CUNY Mathematics Proficiency Index; for English proficiency, ESL students will be evaluated in the following ways:
Note About CUNY Proficiency Standards
CUNY’s proficiency standards are subject to change pursuant to CUNY Rules and Regulations. The most up to date information will be available on the Office of Testing and Evaluation website.
Office Update
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