Can anyone explain this...

Colleges and Universities A-Z Stony Brook University - SUNY
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<p>A credible person on the Stony Brook forum has been speaking of strict cutoff marks for SAT scores and GPA for admission into the Honors College. I understand that this is the official stance of the admission office and I do not dispute that.</p>

<p>I have a 90 average (3 points below the minimum) and a 1390 (90 points above), so, due to the seemingly stringent minimum requirements, I was planning on not applying. However, when I received a letter, from the Faculty Director of the Honors College, encouraging me to apply to the Honors college, I decided that my SAT scores, rigorous courses, exceptional extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation would be enough to possibly get me in. </p>

<p>Was this just a generic letter sent to all applicants? Will they even read my application? Do I have a shot? </p>

<p>I am beginning to think that I was encouraged to apply just so I can lower the admissions rate to the Honors College. I am normally not cynical but either they have a genuine interest in me or they sent this letter to all applicants (regardless of their eligibility) in order to entice them to apply, thus enabling them to boast about the 9% acceptance rate.</p>

<p>By the way, I have already been accepted and would consider enrolling at Stony Brook, regardless of my admission (or lack thereof) to the Honors College, however if they did send this letter to every applicant then I would be forced to question the integrity of the administration. </p>

<p>If the letter that I mentioned was a result of true interest, then I sincerely apologize in advance. </p>

<p>Thanks for replying.</p>

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<p>No, I didn't get it. Well, I don't think I did. If you received it after your admissions packet then definitely no. My sat score is much lower (1150) i know terrible:P</p>

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<p>I got such a letter (I think it came together with my SOLAR ID). My SAT score arrived roughly simultaneously with my app. It was high (1450+). And was the only thing they could consider (my transcript was sent after I got a letter). So it is possible that they saw that one of the requirements is fulfilled and sent the letter.</p>

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<p>That's a very valid question, but I can honestly tell you that the folks who make the decisions on the honors programs are SWAMPED with applications, and don't unnecessary application paperwork to read. That said, they're always interested in encouraging qualified candidates to apply. I don't know what the parameters of that letter were specifically, but I'd bet it came out of your high SAT score.</p>

<p>Chris</p>

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<p>Thanks for replying. Whatever happens happens. I've already sent out my application, and if I'm not accepted, then at least I tried. I understand their strict cut-off marks, but I hope that they get a chance to read the rest of my application. </p>

<p>Sbuadmissions: Please clarify what this means: "don't unnecessary application paperwork to read".</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

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<p>Meaning transcripts and recommendations from students they "know they're going to deny" because of low scores or a low GPA. I'm sure they don't do that.</p>

<p>Chris</p>