How to Get Into Stony Brook University
Complete admissions guide with requirements, stats, and insider tips
Admissions Overview
Stony Brook University is a public university located in Stony Brook, NY. With an acceptance rate of 39.5%, it is considered competitive.
Stony Brook University is a public university located in Stony Brook, NY. It is a medium-sized institution with approximately 15,724 undergraduate students. The university is moderately selective with an acceptance rate of 39.5%. The average SAT score is 1253. Annual tuition for out-of-state student...
Acceptance Rate & Statistics
Competitiveness
- Classification
- Competitive
- Student Population
- 15,724
- Retention Rate
- 90.1%
- Graduation Rate
- 65.9%
Academic Profile of Admitted Students
Application Requirements
Required Materials
- Common Application or School Application
Complete the application with personal information and essays
- High School Transcript
Official transcripts showing all coursework and grades
- Standardized Test Scores
SAT or ACT scores (check if test-optional for recent years)
- Letters of Recommendation
Usually 2-3 letters from teachers, counselors, or mentors
- Personal Essays
Application essays and supplemental questions
Additional Considerations
- Application Deadlines
Early Decision/Action typically November 1-15, Regular Decision January 1-15
- Application Fee
Most universities charge $50-100 application fee (fee waivers available)
- Processing Time
Decisions typically released in March-April for fall admission
- International Students
May require TOEFL/IELTS scores and additional documentation
Tips for Getting Into Stony Brook University
Academic Excellence
- • Aim for SAT scores above 1253 (current average)
- • Maintain a GPA of 3.55+ to be competitive
- • Take challenging coursework (AP, IB, honors courses)
- • Show consistent academic improvement over time
- • Excel in your intended major's prerequisite courses
Stand Out from the Crowd
- • Develop unique extracurricular activities and leadership roles
- • Write compelling essays that showcase your personality
- • Demonstrate genuine interest in the university and program
- • Get strong letters of recommendation from teachers who know you well
- • Consider applying Early Decision/Action if the school is your top choice
Pro Tip for Stony Brook University
Stony Brook University's 39.5% acceptance rate makes it moderately competitive. Strong academics and extracurriculars will improve your chances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Stony Brook University?
Stony Brook University has an acceptance rate of 39.5%, making it competitive.
What SAT score do I need for Stony Brook University?
The average SAT score at Stony Brook University is 1253. The middle 50% range is 1150-1350. Aim for scores above the average to be competitive.
How much does it cost to attend Stony Brook University?
Tuition at Stony Brook University is $7,995 for in-state studentsand $19,935 for international students. Additional costs include room and board, books, and personal expenses.
What GPA do I need for Stony Brook University?
The average GPA of admitted students at Stony Brook University is 3.55. A competitive GPA would be above this average, typically 3.8+ to improve your chances.
When is the application deadline for Stony Brook University?
Application deadlines for Stony Brook University vary by program and application type. Early Decision/Action deadlines are typically November 1-15, while Regular Decision deadlines are usually January 1-15. Check the official admissions website for specific dates.
Related Resources
Ready to apply to Stony Brook University?
Get personalized guidance and see how you match up against other applicants with our AI-powered admission assessment.
Start your assessment — Free