Applying to the Hunter Scholars Program is a two-step process:
Step 1 – You must first apply for admission to Hunter College via General Freshman or Macaulay Application.
Step 2 – Submit a supplemental Hunter Scholars Program Application to the cohort of your choice. You can only apply to one.
Priority Scholar Deadline - Dec 15
General Scholar Deadline - Feb 15
All applicants who submit the Hunter Scholars Program application after Feb 15, 2026 will be automatically placed on the waitlist. You will only receive a decision if you are removed from the waitlist, which is not guaranteed. The supplemental Hunter Scholars Program Application will close on April 1.
Priority Scholar Applicants (applied by Dec 15): Decisions will start to go out on Feb 17.
General Scholar Applicants (applied by Feb 15): Decisions will start to go out on March 16.
All Other Applicants (applied after Feb 15): Will be automatically placed on waitlist. Decisions from the waitlist may be made at any time. You will only receive a decision if you are removed from the waitlist, which is not guaranteed. No other communications will be sent.
The scholar application will require you to prepare two items:
The admissions committee makes every effort to understand who you are as an individual and as a potential Hunter College student. Please reflect on either a significant challenge you’ve faced, an important experience you’ve had, or a meaningful aspect of your identity: tell us the impact that it has had on your life, and how it will shape your engagement in the Hunter community and your goals for the future.
Athena
Describe a book you have read, a class you have taken, or a project that you worked on, that drives you to think you might like to major in humanities or liberal arts. How did it define your goals?
Daedalus
How have you continued to develop your computer science skills over time? Beyond the classroom, how have you sought out additional exposure to computer science?
Muse
What role does the arts play in your life? Tell us about a time a work of art (in any discipline) resonated with you artistically or intellectually and how you participate in artistic practice.
NextGen
What makes you interested in exploring some of the following topics: teaching, education policy, juvenile justice, equity for children and youth, family and community advocacy, or social work? Are there particular issues of equity, education, or advocacy that matter most to you? What in your life experience inspires your commitment to these issues and makes them feel compelling?
Nursing
Nurses make up the largest profession within healthcare, providing round-the-clock care to all patients in many different settings. What makes this work appealing to you? What elements of the caring needed by nurses seem most essential to you? How you cultivated those elements in your life thus far?
Salud Scholars
Public health workers are dedicated to promoting health broadly, and advancing health equity and justice. As such, they work in diverse roles from running health clinics to leading health education campaigns and developing programs to provide access to better health care. What makes this work appealing to you? Are there particular issues that matter most to you? What in your life experience makes these issues feel compelling?
Roosevelt
Describe an issue of public concern that you care about. Is there an organization, government agency or B-Corp that is doing work in that policy area that inspires you? Is a new law the answer or is there a different kind of solution needed? (Among the issues you might want to discuss include but are not limited to: social mobility, affordable housing, environmental justice, clean energy, student debt, criminal justice, human rights, immigration, sustainable cities, voting access, etc.)
Yalow
Why are you interested in a career in any or all of the following: Scientific Research (ex. chemistry, biology, physics, math, psychology), Medical School (ex. physician, dentist, veterinarian) or Allied Health fields (ex. physical therapy, optometry, genetic counseling, pharmacy etc. – excluding nursing)? Briefly describe and share any related experiences that demonstrate this interest.
The information session provides an overview of all Scholar opportunities at Hunter College, details of the exceptional learning communities, introduction to dedicated academic advisors, and the support that can help create an extraordinary learning experience for honors students.
No. You should choose the scholar cohort that best fits your interest.
Some cohorts may elect to invite some applicants for an interview in February if the committee feels like additional information is needed. Please note, not all applicants will be invited to interview.
Yes! You should submit a Hunter Scholars Program application to be considered for one of the scholar cohorts.
Yes! You can and should apply for the Hunter Scholars Program by the deadline provided. All applicants who submit the scholar program application after the deadline will be automatically placed on the waitlist. You will only receive a decision if you are removed from the waitlist, which is not guaranteed. No other communication will be sent.
Attending an information sessions is certainly one of the best ways to learn about the programs, so remember to check the schedule and register now.
You can also reach Admissions team at admissions@hunter.cuny.edu or live chat with us during our business hours.
Attend an Information Session