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Special Admissions Programs


Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP)

ASAP students at CSI are assisted in earning both their Associate and Baccalaureate Degrees in four years with financial, academic, and personal support. For more information and how to apply, please visit the ASAP website.

CUNY Baccalaureate

Established in 1971, the CUNY BA/BS program is a small, University-wide alternate degree program intended for self-directed, academically strong students who have well-formulated academic and career goals. Students who are admitted to the program work on an individualized area of specialization with guidance from a CUNY faculty member who agrees to serve as a mentor. Students in this alternate degree program must also satisfy a core of general education requirements. Although students in the program are matriculated at one CUNY college, they are free to take courses at any of the other CUNY colleges. To be eligible to apply, students must have a clear academic goal and must have completed at least 15 college credits with a grade point average of 2.50 or higher. The CUNY BA and BS degrees are fully accredited and are awarded by The City University rather than by an individual college. The program operates under the auspices of the CUNY Graduate School and University Center. Additional information may also be obtained at www.cunyba.cuny.edu.

For more information, please visit email dina.pattelli@csi.cuny.edu or visit Bldg 1A, Room 101.

Macaulay Honors College Admissions Requirements

Students who are entering college for the first time may apply for admission to the Macaulay Honors College of CUNY at the College of Staten Island. Applicants are expected to have an academic diploma with an average of at least 90. The admissions committee for the Macaulay Honors College considers the following documents submitted by applicants: high school transcript; scores on Regents Examinations; scores on the SAT, ACT, and achievement tests; Advanced Placement courses; extracurricular activities; evidence of talents and interests; letters of recommendation; and personal essay. Personal interviews are also required. Admission is limited and competitive. Details on the Macaulay Honors College University Scholars Program admission process are available online at: www.csi.cuny.edu/honorscollege/.

SEEK Program (Search for Education, Elevation and Knowledge)

Established in 1965, The Percy Ellis Sutton Search for Education, Elevation and Knowledge Program (SEEK) is a higher education opportunity program offered in the senior colleges of the City University of New York (CUNY). Students are admitted into SEEK regardless of age, sex, sexual orientation, race, disability, or creed.

SEEK's primary mission is to assist in providing equality of higher education to students who otherwise would not have such access. SEEK provides comprehensive academic, financial, and social supports to assist capable students who otherwise might not be able to attend college due to their educational and financial circumstances.  The effort is intended to increase the level of education, social capital, and workforce expertise within our community. The major objectives are as follows:

  • To assist selected students with specifically defined educational and economic needs to achieve a high quality college education and expand their social and career capabilities.

  • To provide a range of intensive support services including supplemental instruction, counseling, and enhanced financial aid to enable students to bridge the gap between remedial programs and the regular college curriculum.

  • To develop, utilize, and demonstrate innovative educational techniques that will enable capable students to overcome the challenges of under-preparation and other relevant disadvantages with the goal of obtaining a college education.

Details on the SEEK eligibility and admission requirements are available online.

Teacher Education Honors Academy

The Teacher Education Honors Academy mission is to educate a new generation of exceptional teachers who will inspire in middle and high school students enthusiasm for science and mathematics. Students have a choice of five majors: biology, chemistry, earth science, mathematics, or physics.

Criteria for entering freshman:

  • A high overall high school average (a minimum of an 85 College Admissions Average)

  • A college preparatory program in science and mathematics

  • High grades in mathematics and science courses

  • High Regents scores in mathematics and science subjects

  • High SAT scores

  • Excellent recommendations that include at least one from a math or science teacher

  • Students entering the Teacher Education Honors Academy at CSI must be prepared to take calculus in their first semester. Successful completion of a pre-calculus course in high school is important

  • A strong desire to be a teacher in a high need New York City high school or middle school

  • A complete Application including both a CUNY application  and a Teacher Education Honors Academy Supplementary Application must be submitted by February 1st.  (See instructions below). Notification about admission to the Teacher Education Honors Academy will be mailed on March 15th.

Criteria for students who plan to transfer from other colleges, including other CUNY schools:

  • A minimum of a cumulative college grade point average of 3.0

  • A minimum of a 3.0 grade point average in college mathematics and science courses

  • A high school record that is comparable to that required for admission to the Teacher Education Honors Academy at CSI by entering freshmen

  • A strong desire to teach in a high need middle or high school in New York City

  • Apply to CUNY for admission to CSI.  

  • A complete Application including both a CUNY Transfer Application and a Teacher Education Honors Academy Supplementary Application for transfer students that includes two essay questions.

  • Two recommendation letters, including at least one from a college mathematics or science teacher

  • An official transcript of your college record

  • A high school transcript

  • Final acceptance is contingent upon submission of an official college transcript that includes your last semester grades

For information or an application, please call 718.982.3609.

The Verrazzano School

Freshman Applicants

Entering freshmen or students with fewer than 11 undergraduate credits may apply for admission to The Verrazano School at the College of Staten Island. Admission for these students to The Verrazano School is based upon the following criteria:

  • Verrazano Supplemental Application, including two letters of recommendation;

  • Strong academic high school record; 

  • High SAT or ACT standardized test scores;

  • Demonstrated proficiency in English (reading and writing) and mathematics;

  • Acceptance to a baccalaureate program at CSI; 

  • Demonstration of leadership, community service, creativity, talent, and enthusiasm. Personal characteristics that will contribute to The Verrazano School community are also considered.

Transfer Applicants

The Verrazano School also accepts applications from transfer and current students who have accumulated more than 11 credits and fewer than 36 undergraduate credits at the conclusion of the term of their application. Admission to The Verrazano School for current CSI students and transfer students is based upon the following criteria:

  • Verrazano Supplemental Application, including two letters of recommendation;

  • Full time enrollment in a baccalaureate program at CSI;

  • A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA at CSI or another accredited institution.

  • Demonstrated proficiency in English (reading and writing) and mathematics;

  • Demonstration of leadership, community service, creativity, talent, and enthusiasm. Personal characteristics that will contribute to The Verrazano School community are also considered.

For information or an application, please visit www.csi.cuny.edu/verrazanoschool or call 718.982.4171.