Hello! So I'm in the midst of college planning and I’m trying to understand the difference between applying to CUNY and SUNY schools. Is there a difference in the application process, or is it all through the Common App? Also, how does one decide which system they should apply to, or should I just apply to both?
The primary difference between applying to CUNY (City University of New York) schools and SUNY (State University of New York) schools lies in the application system. SUNY schools use the Common Application, which streamlines the process for applicants because they can submit the same application to multiple colleges. CUNY, on the other hand, has its own application portal known as the CUNY Application, although some CUNY schools are starting to allow Common App submissions as well.
As far as choosing between them, consider the campus environments and locations. CUNY schools are mainly urban, situated within the five boroughs of NYC, which might appeal if you're looking for a city experience.
SUNY schools are spread throughout the state of New York, offering a variety of settings from urban to rural. Assess the academic programs, campus culture, and locations to decide.
You can apply to both systems to keep your options open, but be aware of each system's application fees and deadlines. If it helps, create a spreadsheet or use CollegeVine as a resource to compare the characteristics of each institution within the CUNY and SUNY systems that are important to you. Best of luck!
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