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Freshman Admission

Photo of students with the Hunter Hawk mascot

You are considered a freshman applicant if you are a senior in high school or a high school equivalency graduate who has not enrolled in another college/university, or if you are currently an Early College high school student.

This page includes:

Admission Deadlines & Notification

General admission criteria, the college essay, submitting ap and college credit, students educated outside the u.s., selective majors and programs, seek opportunity program, application status, application tutorials, questions and assistance, apply to hunter.

To be considered for freshman admission to Hunter, you must complete a CUNY Admission Application, pay the fee, and submit all supporting documents.

Fall Admission

Applicant Type Priority Deadline Admission Notification
February 1
(Application & Supporting Documents)
Rolling Admissions from
January – July

Including:

December 1
(Application Deadline) December 15
(Supporting Documents)
Rolling Admissions from
January – July
February 1
(Application & Supporting Documents)
Rolling Admissions from March 16 – July
November 15 at 6 pm*
(Application & Supporting Documents)
March 16

*Hard deadline. Late applications to the Macaulay Honors College will not be considered.

Spring Admission

Applicant Type Priority Deadline Admission Notification
September 15
(Application & Supporting Documents)
Rolling Admissions from
October – January

Including:

September 1
(Application Deadline)September 15
(Supporting Documents)
Rolling Admissions from
October – January

Hunter College will continue to accept and review completed General Freshman Admission Applications after the priority deadline on a space-availability basis.

A completed application includes your online Admission Application, all supporting documentation, and the online application fee or fee waiver (if applicable).

Hunter College encourages students to apply who have demonstrated academic success with the potential to grow and contribute to the Hunter community. In addition to your completed Admission Application, the admission review process includes consideration of the following:

  • High school/secondary school transcript/diploma or equivalent
  • Overall Grade Point Average (GPA) and success in individual subjects
  • SAT/ACT Scores
  • Curriculum rigor
  • College essay
  • Letters of recommendation (optional)
  • Evidence of demonstrated leadership and intellectual curiosity
  • Official TOEFL, EILTS, PTE, or Duolingo English Language Test scores (for students on an F1/J1 visa and were educated in a non-English speaking environment outside of the US)

Hunter College will be test optional until Spring 2027.

We strongly encourage students submit their SAT/ACT scores to help provide additional context to their application, especially students applying for merit scholarship programs (Freshman Honors, Macaulay etc.). However, students who do not submit scores will not be disadvantaged in the admissions process. Admission to Hunter is based on a comprehensive review of a student’s academic record including overall grade point average, strength of curriculum, and other factors such as co-curricular activities, community involvement, evidence of leadership, and special talents.

An essay of 500 words or less is required along with your CUNY Admission Application to Hunter College. Review the essay topics below.

Tell us something meaningful about yourself that is not reflected in your application. You may choose to speak about your interests, aspirations and/or background.

It is often said that the road to success is paved with setbacks. Tell us about a time you faced a challenge or obstacle. What did you learn from it, and how did it contribute to your success?

Share an essay on any topic. You may use an essay that you have previously written or one that discusses a topic of your choice.

Hunter College accepts Advanced Placement (AP) for transfer credit. Students who completed Advanced Placement (AP) courses in secondary school and who passed the AP Tests of the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) with a grade of 4 and above will receive credit for the equivalent requirement at Hunter. Students with grades of 3 may also receive credit for corresponding courses or elective credit.

  • Review Exact AP Exam Equivalencies Chart
  • More information on CollegeBoard AP score reporting

How to submit your scores  To have your test scores sent directly to Hunter College, enter the Hunter College code number, 2301, when prompted for your “Score Report Recipient” at the time of your examination.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Hunter College participates in the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), which provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate college-level achievement through a program of exams in undergraduate college courses. Registered degree-seeking Hunter students may receive college credit by completing certain CLEP Subject Examinations and earning specified scores.

  • Learn about Exact CLEP Exam Equivalencies
  • Get information on scheduling the CLEP exam at Hunter
  • For more information on CLEP, visit the CollegeBoard CLEP

How to submit your scores To have your test scores sent directly to Hunter College, enter the Hunter College code number, 2301, when prompted for your “Score Report Recipient” at the time of your examination.

Hunter College will conduct an evaluation of college courses to ensure appropriate transfer credit can be awarded. Students who took college courses while in high school should request for their official college transcripts to be sent directly from the institution to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at Hunter College.

How to Submit Your Scores

To have your test scores sent directly to Hunter College, please have them mailed to Transfer Course Evaluation, 695 Park Avenue, Room 203N New York, NY 10065 or sent to [email protected] electronically. View the Accepted IB Credits chart below.

Students educated outside of the United States are required to submit official transcripts from all previous secondary and post-secondary schools. All non-English transcripts and associated documents must also be translated .

Applicants have the following two options for submission:

SpanTran is Hunter College’s recommended international transcript evaluation service. They have created a custom application for Hunter College that helps ensure you select the right kind of evaluation at a discounted rate! Students that submit their documents to SpanTran should expect to see an update on their CUNY Application about 3-4 weeks after submission.

Fill out the SpanTran Application

Students may submit official transcript(s) and a certified translation of all official documents   directly to CUNY. Students submitting documents directly to CUNY should expect to see an update on their CUNY Application about 10-12 weeks after submission.

Additional resources for submitting required documentation:

  • Transcripts
  • Translations
  • English Language Test Scores
  • Other Evaluation Services

As a freshman applicant, we encourage you to select your intended major on your Admission Application; however, incoming freshmen are admitted to Hunter College and not directly to specific academic majors and/or programs.

Please note that the following selective programs will require an additional application process after you have been admitted and completed the required prerequisite coursework as a Hunter student.

For more information on what to expect later, visit the  Selective Programs Overview  page.

  • Public Health
  • Medical Laboratory Science
  • Nutrition and Food Science
  • BSN Nursing Program
  • BSW Social Work Program  (Fall only)
  • School of Education

Once you have submitted your Admission Application, please contact the music department to schedule your audition.

Students interested in the Macaulay Honors College at Hunter College must submit a Macaulay Honors College Application before the deadline. Additional information on the program can be found on the Macaulay Honors College  website.

Students interested in one of the Freshman Scholar Programs at Hunter must apply to the programs of interest after submitting the CUNY application. For more information, please visit the  Freshman Scholar Program website .

The Percy Ellis Sutton Search for Education, Elevation and Knowledge (SEEK) program is a higher education opportunity program that provides academic and financial support to students who qualify based on specific income and academic criteria.

  • SEEK at CUNY
  • SEEK at Hunter

If you feel like SEEK at Hunter is right for you, please indicate your interest on your Admission Application. Review the financial criteria  before applying.

To learn how to check the status of your Admission Application and/or to report an error with your application, click the link below.

For help completing your online Admission Application, contact an Admissions Counselor .

Check out the video tutorials below about how to submit an application, submitting an application fee, and how to add documents.

A great way to learn more about us is to sign-up for an Admissions Information Session. Our information sessions are offered both in person and virtually, and allow ample time to ask questions live with a member of our admissions team.

Topics covered include:

  • the admissions process
  • what is required with your application
  • how to apply for available scholarships
  • student life
  • student resources and more

Click below to view upcoming Admissions Information Sessions.

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Hunter College High School Entrance Exam 101

Hunter College High School offers an exceptional academic opportunity to New York City students. The admission process for eligible students includes an entrance exam. In this article, we'll tell everything you need to know about the exam and how best to prepare for it.

Teresa F.

Cover photo by Ajay Suresh

Hunter College High School offers an exceptional academic opportunity to New York City students. The tuition free school is partnered with City University of New York and run by Hunter College and provides a learning environment dedicated to academically advanced 7th-12th students.

Admission into Hunter College High School is only open to rising 7th graders. Students are not admitted in any other year. The admission process for eligible students includes an entrance exam. Students who perform well enough on this exam will be invited to attend their 7th-12th grade years at the prestigious school.

The Entrance Exam for Hunter College is only held once a year. The next one will be administered on Wednesday, January 24, 2024. There are no alternate dates or make-up exams.

What are the requirements for the Hunter College High School Entrance Exam?

To take the Hunter College High School Entrance Exam, you must first meet three requirements at the time of the admission’s process:

  • You must live and attend a school in NYC.
  • You may not receive a 6th grade marking period score of 84 percent or less in any core ELA or Math class.
  • You must receive at least one 6th grade marking period score of 95 or higher in one core ELA or Math class.

hunter college high school essay prompts

Hunter College High School Entrance Exam Registration Process

Families of students who attend a Department of Education (DOE) public school will be notified to apply for the Entrance exam if they are eligible. Families of students who attend parochial, private, or charter schools and believe they meet the eligibility requirements can initiate a verification process to apply for the entrance exam.

Families of eligible students must also complete the online application. When the application process is opened, this can be found on the Hunter College High School website .

Hunter College High School Exam Fee

There are no fees to apply or register for the test.

Hunter College High School Exam Structure

The Hunter College High School entrance exam has 3 sections: a multiple choice Critical Reading section, a written essay, and a multiple choice Math section.

Students have three hours to complete all three sections of the test.

Critical Reading

Students will be asked to read 5-6 passages from different styles and time periods. After each passage, students will answer questions assessing their ability to understand, interpret, and analyze the passage. This section of the test usually contains 50 multiple questions and each question usually has 5 possible answer choices (A, B, C, D, or E).

Students will be asked to compose a personal essay or a piece of creative writing in response to a prompt. Some years students are only given one prompt and other years students may be asked to choose from a selection of prompts. Students are provided space to jot notes and/or outline their response as well as 2 pages of space for their composition. Students will want to write a response that demonstrates original, effective, and creative writing.

Students will be asked multiple choice questions to assess their mathematical problem-solving abilities. Most questions require multi-step solutions using a variety of concepts and skills, such as estimation, operations (with fractions, decimals, and integers), rate, ratio, averages, probability, time, geometry, and pattern recognition. This section of the test usually contains 30 multiple questions and each question usually has 5 possible answer choices (A, B, C, D, or E).

hunter college high school essay prompts

How Long is the Hunter College High School Test?

Students have 3 hours to complete the Hunter College High School Entrance Exam.

How Difficult is the Hunter College High School Entrance Test?

The Hunter College High School Entrance Exam is very challenging. Out of the few thousands of students who will take the test each year, less than 200 are accepted each year.

Hunter College High School Entrance Exam Scoring

To be admitted to the school, students must first score high enough on the multiple choice sections of the test. After the tests are computer-scored and hand-checked for accuracy, a cut-off score is determined. The cut-off score depends on how many students took the test that year and only allows a certain number of students to advance to the final step of the test scoring–the essay.

The essay is the final portion of the test to be evaluated. Essays are read “blind,” (student identities will never be known by the essay readers because names are replaced with ID numbers). The most impressive essays from those read will be selected and those students will receive admission to Hunter College High School.

Hunter College High School Exam Cut-off Scores 2022

Because Hunter College High School does not disclose scoring details, there is no official information about average test scores nor estimated cut-offs for admissions. Students and families will receive no report detailing performance on the entrance exam.

Hunter College High School Test Preparation Tips

  • Take a practice test. Although Hunter College High School does not publish or share any actual tests with the public, they do provide sample tests on their website . Ivy Tutors Network is happy to administer a diagnostic test, which is the best way for students to asess their strengths and weaknesses in order to creste a plan for furhter study. You can sign up for a diagnostic exam here .
  • Find materials . HCHS provides a small number of study aids on their website . We reccomend students work through those first. There are also test prep workbooks available from non-Hunter sources. HCHS had no partnership with any test prep company, but these can be a great option for students looking to further prepare for the test on their own.
  • Keep up in school . This is VERY important. As mentioned earlier in the article, HCHS has minimum academic requirements for students to even take the exam, so keeping up in school and performing well is essential for all students seeking to gain admission. It wil also indirectly help with the exam, which tests students on material they should already know for their grade level.
  • Work with a pro! Finally, Hunter College High School test prep workshops and private tutoring are great options for a structured and supportive studying program. Check out the great opportunities we have at Ivy Tutors Network for Hunter College High School entrance exam preparation !

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Saturday, December 8, 2012

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Hunter College | CUNY Hunter

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Want to see your chances of admission at Hunter College | CUNY Hunter?

We take every aspect of your personal profile into consideration when calculating your admissions chances.

Hunter College | CUNY Hunter’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Select-a-prompt essay.

An essay of 500 words or less is required along with your CUNY Admission Application to Hunter College. Review the essay topics below.

Tell us something meaningful about yourself that is not reflected in your application. You may choose to speak about your interests, aspirations and/or background.

It is often said that the road to success is paved with setbacks. Tell us about a time you faced a challenge or obstacle. What did you learn from it, and how did it contribute to your success?

Share an essay on any topic. You may use an essay that you have previously written or one that discusses a topic of your choice.

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?

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What is the HCHS Entrance Exam?

The Hunter College High School Entrance Exam is an admissions test for Hunter College High School (HCHS), a highly selective public school in New York City. HCHS is known for its academically rigorous programs and is part of the Hunter College campus of the City University of New York (CUNY).

Students in the 6th grade typically take the entrance exam to seek admission to Hunter College High School for 7th grade.

Exam Requirements

Hunter College High School has released the minimum scores requirements for 6th graders to take the January 24, 2024 Hunter HS Entrance Exam. The minimum qualifications are:

Requirements can change for the January 2025 exam, and will be updated when they are released by Hunter College High School.

You can find the application form on the Hunter College High School’s Admissions Page once the application is released.

The Exam Breakdown

50 ELA Questions

This exam includes a rigorous English Language Arts (ELA) section comprising 50 multiple-choice questions. Students are tested on their reading comprehension skills, and literary analysis. The ELA segment assesses candidates’ language command, critical thinking, and ability to express ideas coherently.

30 Math Questions

This exam includes a comprehensive Mathematics section comprising 50 multiple-choice questions. This section assesses a range of mathematical concepts, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and problem-solving skills. Students face questions that demand critical thinking and a deep understanding of mathematical principles.

Writing Prompt

The writing assignment is a vital component of the exam, requiring students to express themselves coherently and thoughtfully on a given topic. This section aims to evaluate not only the students’ command of language but also their capacity for logical and persuasive argumentation. Aspiring students face the challenge of articulating their ideas in a clear and organized manner, showcasing their ability to engage with complex topics.

How does Khan’s HCHS Exam Program break down?

Weekly Classwork & Homework

Currently, select locations offer the In-Person Program with rolling admission. We’ve curated our curriculum for in-person use. Every class day, students receive a lesson, classwork, and homework.

4 Hours Classes

Our 4-hour classes are small and interactive, ensuring your student gets the individualized attention they need.

Monthly Diagnostic Exams

The HCHSEE Program includes  one signature diagnostic exam every month . Parents will also be able to speak to instructors in regard to the diagnostic exam and the student’s progress. We track your student’s progress with respect to mastering the material.

Talk to Us!

Your consultation is always free and we always provide a free trial week for you to try before you commit.

Related Programs:

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hunter college high school essay prompts

What to Know: A Look into the Hunter College High School Entrance Exam with Jonathan Arak

If you’re reading this, you’re likely already aware of the Hunter College High School admissions process, but there is always the possibility that certain aspects of the entrance exam may be causing some uncertainty.

The test typically is administered in mid-January, but given that the last year presented precarious circumstances, the 2021 test will now take place toward the end of June. Although it feels like time is running out, students still have the opportunity to sharpen their existing abilities.

What are the benefits of attending Hunter College High School?

Of course, everyone speaks about the memories they make in high school, and let’s not forget the friendships that can last a lifetime. While a typical high school experience lasts for four years—from 9th to 12th grade—Hunter College High School is a six-year experience, beginning in the seventh grade and continuing on through a student’s senior year. With this extended timeline, attendees of HCHS have the opportunity to build even stronger bonds and create a closeness within their class that may have otherwise been unachievable.

The main goal for most parents is to provide their child with the best education possible in order to create access to endless career opportunities post-graduation. As expected, Hunter College High School’s mission is very much aligned with that of parents. The faculty at HCHS is knowledgeable, supportive, and extremely encouraging when it comes to fostering a student’s creativity and curiosity.

In addition to the camaraderie that comes with being involved with such a close-knit group for an extensive amount of time, there are certainly many academic advantages to attending the most prestigious high school in the country. Don’t take our word for it; the Wall Street Journal has ranked Hunter College High School as the top public secondary school in the United States. In addition, it is a common trend that Hunter’s attendees are inclined to have some of the highest ACT and SAT scores of any high school student body in the country, including those of private institutions.

When should a student expect to take the entrance exam?

The admissions test is taken during the sixth grade school year, due to the fact that HCHS begins in the seventh grade. That said, in order to take the entrance exam it is required that the student received the appropriate scores on their 4th-grade standardized exams. The specifics of these requirements are as follows:

  • A qualifying score on the 4th grade NYS English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics Tests.
  • This score must be in the 90th percentile which includes a minimum score of 626 on the English Language Arts exam and a minimum of 628 on the State Math exam. *Note: For the June 2021 exam, students and parents must check the NYC Exam History Inquiry sheet, under the column marked “SS/MIU” to ensure these scores are current.
  • For students who didn’t take the prerequisite NYS tests, a score in the 90th percentile from any of the following standardized 4th-grade exams.
  • ERB Comprehensive Testing Program 5, TerraNova, Stanford Achievement Test, or the Iowa Test of Basic Skill.

If your student does not obtain any test scores whatsoever, or their scores do not meet the previously stated criteria, they, unfortunately, will not be considered for admission to Hunter College High School.

Typically the HCHS entrance exam takes place the first week of January, but for the incoming Fall 2021 class, it will take place on Wednesday, June 23rd due to complications caused by the recent pandemic.  

When is the test registration deadline?

As this year’s entrance exam takes place on June 23rd, it is necessary for the institution to have the appropriate amount of time to verify all applicants prior to test day. All applications for incoming 7th graders hoping to attend the esteemed school will be due no later than 4:00 PM on Wednesday, June 16th. Keep in mind, the application process includes the submissions of names and test scores of applicable students by their respective primary schools.

How many times can you take the HCHS entrance exam?

This entrance exam is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, literally. As previously stated, all students who wish to sit for the entrance exam must obtain the appropriate scores on their 4th grade standardized tests. Hunter College High School only accepts students coming into the 7th grade, no sooner and no later. To ensure there is no confusion, your student cannot begin attendance in the 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade, so the margin for error in this situation is extremely small.

To add to the pressure, a student cannot take the test more than once. There is one opportunity to show the admissions committee that you have what it takes to excel at such a prestigious high school. Can’t make the test? Regardless of the reason, there is no make-up test date. Whether you are sick, have prior commitments, or simply do not make it to the testing site in time, no student will have the opportunity to redeem themselves.

How long should a student prepare for the exam?

Our tutors abide by the idea that the more time is taken to prepare for an exam, the better. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, so taking the time to really understand the material and establish a proper test-taking strategy gives a student their best chance to achieve their target score.

However, if a student has waited a bit longer than advised, don’t lose hope! Even having one solid month of test preparation and specialized tutoring can ensure that they hone their test-taking skills and work on any areas about which they may have doubts. This can take place in the medium of personalized tutoring sessions or practice testing, but having a long-term tutor who works with the student on a regular basis will be most likely to provide the desired results.

What subjects does the entrance exam cover?

The HCHS entrance exam is a three-hour test consisting of 50 multiple-choice reading comprehension questions, 30 multiple-choice math problems, and an essay. Seeing as this exam doesn’t have set time brackets for each separate section, students are expected to regulate their allotted three hours according to how they see fit. As a loose guideline (ideally to be tailored to each individual student), our Noodle Pros expert Jonathan Arak suggests designating 70 minutes to reading comprehension, 40 minutes to the essay section, and another 70 minutes to the math section.

What scores are needed for acceptance to HCHS?

Understandably, the entrance exam for such a high-ranking school is intended to be difficult, which makes sense considering that the students who do end up attending are proven to be exceptional. It should speak volumes that to even be able to submit an application, you are required to score in the 90th percentile on specific 4th-gradestandardized tests.

Each graduating class size is about 200 to 250 students. Of 60,000-plus 5th grade students attending public school in New York, approximately 2,500 students are eligible to sit for the test. In terms of exam scores, any applicant who tests below 65 to 70 percent on the multiple choice exam sections is disqualified before their essay is given consideration. At this point, there will typically be about 500 students still up for consideration, whose essays are then reviewed.

When do students receive their test scores?

Due to the unprecedented pandemic of 2020, this year’s admissions are on a very different timeline compared to the usual course of operations. Typically it takes about six weeks to find out whether or not you are granted admission to Hunter College High School, so we can only assume that, although the test is being taken much later, the admissions results will become available after a similar amount of time has elapsed following the test.

There is a bit of suspense involved in this process, as there is when awaiting any important academic feedback. This particular anticipation is due to the fact that at no point throughout the application process does a student or parent receive the test scores achieved during the entrance exam. As previously stated, the test contains 80 multiple choice questions and at least 65% of these questions must be answered correctly to have your essay even considered. The only way of knowing that a student has advanced to this portion of the application process is by gaining admission. Essentially, both the parents and students are left in the balance until you receive confirmation as to whether or not your application was accepted or denied.

In conclusion

This process is a high-stakes situation to be in, especially for a student in the sixth grade, but this should not rob anyone of hope. We are in the final few weeks approaching test day, and there is still time for students and parents to ensure that they take the steps necessary to put forth their best effort. Now is a time to implement practice testing, work closely with your personal tutor, and make sure your timing for the various exam sections is on point.

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  • Aug 14, 2020

Crafting a Captivating Admissions, ISEE, SSAT or Hunter High School Essay

Updated: Sep 13, 2020

Many students shudder at the thought of having to write a school admissions essay. Whether it is a college admissions essay, or an essay for Hunter High School, ISEE, ISEE Prime or the SSAT the struggle is the same. There is, after all, a tremendous amount riding on your words. This essay could be the difference between getting into that school you’ve always dreamed of and receiving a letter that begins with “We regret to inform you…”

So, the anxiety level is high as you sit at your desk, staring at a blank Word document, wondering where to begin. You type a sentence, then delete it. You have a vague idea of what you want to say but struggle to find the words to communicate it. And all the while, the deadline draws nearer and nearer.

It’s torture.

But it doesn’t have to be. You can write a captivating essay that will grab the attention of school admissions committees and genuinely move them. And that’s a really important goal since the majority of your Hunter High School Elementary, ISEE ( Independent School Entrance Exam ) or SSAT ( Secondary School Admissions Test ) results is impersonal and clinical. For the most part, schools see your name and a number. Your admissions essay is the one place where your personality and voice can shine through.

So, whether you’re trying to figure out how to put together an effective college admissions essay or you’re working on the essay portion of your application to get into New York City’s Hunter High School or writing an admissions essay for the ISEE or SSAT, learning how to craft a powerful essay is essential.

That’s where we can help.

We’ve put together a complete guide to penning the perfect admissions essay. We’ll walk you step-by-step through the process and even leave you with a handful of parting tips to keep in mind if you really want to wow your future school’s admission committee.

So, let’s get right to it…

What’s the point of any admissions essay ? College?Hunter High School? or ISSE and SSAT?

Before you ever put pen to paper (or finger to keyboard), it’s always a good idea to reflect on why you’re writing to begin with. Understanding the reason behind a thing can go a long way toward helping you do that thing well.

So, what’s the point of a high school ISEE or SSAT or even a college admissions essay?

First, it’s important to realize that your admissions essay will not be the only (or even primary) factor in your application. This doesn’t mean that it won’t matter at all. It will. But it probably won’t matter as much as you’re fearing unless it is for Hunter High School. Then it is a make it or break it deal.

So, take a deep breath and relax. Anxiety over essay writing can keep you from writing the best essay possible. Instead, you should understand that your essay is only one important part of a much larger picture that your prospective high school or college will be seeing in most cases.

Once you’ve gotten some perspective, you should consider what a powerful tool your essay can be if you take the time to work through it piece by piece…

· An amazing essay can be the little bit that pushes your ISEE or SSAT results ahead of the competition.

· Your essay writing can help college admissions committees understand who you are at a deeper level than your GPA and a list of after school activities can.

· The essay portion of your ISEE, SSAT, or admissions application will be the one thing committee members remember – and talk about.

So, once you’ve recognized the limits and potential benefits of your admissions essay, it’s time to sit down and get to work.

Start with Your Prompt

When approaching an essay, it’s easy to put the cart before the horse. We read through the prompt once or twice and then we’re off to the races.

But that’s a recipe for disaster.

The best essays are tightly focused. They don’t get distracted by unnecessary details or other rabbit trails. Instead, they’re centered around the prompt and never leave it. But that won’t happen unless you take the time to fully think through your prompt.

Keep in mind that most Hunter High School , SSAT and ISEE essay prompts ask you to weigh on an important issue, consider a timeless truth, or reflect on a significant moment in your life. So, the first step in your journey toward essay success is figuring out which of these things your prompt is actually asking.

Take the time to read (and reread) your prompt. Then, before you start brainstorming, outlining, or writing, write down the goal of your essay in your own words. Let this purpose statement be your guide as you write. And after every paragraph, go back and ask, “Is this paragraph pushing me closer to this goal?”

Let Your Creativity Run Wild… Then Reign it In

When you’re sitting down to write your essay, spend just as much time preparing to write as you do writing, by brainstorming and outlining.

First, you’ll want to let your imagination and creativity run wild. If you’re a visual thinker, create a mind map. Make a list of ideas and words related to the prompt. Try to remember experiences from your life that relate to the topic you’ll be writing on. Get every possible thought you may have in your mind on a piece of paper. Don’t hold anything back.

Once you’ve gotten it all out, go through and begin to refine it. Search for the most compelling ideas. Look for thought threads that seem to come up again and again. Analyze how all of these separate pieces may be able to come together into a larger whole.

After you’ve focused and refined your idea, you’ll want to create an outline. An outline will ensure your essay stays on topic from beginning to end. So, write your main idea at the top of your page in large letters so you don’t leave it. It should be the guiding principle of your essay. Then, break down the rest of your paper into smaller chunks, adding any details from your brainstorming session into the appropriate sections.

Although some people prefer the freedom of writing without an outline, using one will help you hit your target more effectively – especially if you struggle with structuring and writing essays.

When you have your outline finished, it’s time to start writing.

This is the easiest step if you’ve prepared well. After all, you now know exactly what the point of your essay is. You understand its overall structure. You’ve even collected some great details to include.

Now, it’s just a matter of fleshing everything out.

Most writers will tell you that the best way to approach writing an essay (or anything else for that matter) is simply to sit down and write. Don’t overthink things. Don’t try to edit as you go. Instead, just follow your outline and get the first draft of your essay on paper.

There will be moments when you aren’t sure about the best way to word something. That’s okay. Don’t exhaust yourself with trying to find the perfect wording. That’s best left for the editing stage. Right now, you simply want a draft that you can start working with.

As you go, there are a handful of key things to remember that will make your writing more vibrant, engaging, and memorable…

Stay focused. Remember the main idea you wrote down at the top of your outline? Go back and look at that occasionally as you write. Let it keep you on track. And do the same thing with the purpose statement you wrote when you analyzed the prompt. If you feel your writing start to drift into distraction, pull it back.

Use strong, clear language. Your writing will be more enjoyable to read and more engaging if you’ll stick with vivid words and simple, direct sentence structure. This is one of the reasons your teachers will tell you to avoid passive voice (“The ball was hit by me”) and to use active voice (“I smacked the ball”).

Avoid verbal decorations. When writing an essay that has a word count, there’s always a subtle temptation to turn what could be a five-word sentence into a thirty-five-word one. Don’t fall for it! Be clear and concise. Refrain from using your words as unnecessary, decorative pieces on your sentences.

Let your personality shine through. Remember, your admissions essay is one of the few ways that your prospective school will get to know you. So, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in the stories you tell, the language you use, and even with any humor you might throw in. And whatever you do, don’t – under any circumstances – plagiarize any part of your essay or ask someone else to write it. This essay is your chance to set yourself apart from the competition. So, do it proudly!

Edit, Edit, Edit.

Once you’ve finished the first draft of your essay, take a well-deserved break. Get a snack or go for a walk. Let your mind decompress and bask for a few minutes in the progress you’ve made. Then, go back to your essay and print it out if you typed it on a computer.

With your essay in one hand and a pen in the other, slowly read the whole thing out loud. By reading it aloud, you’ll be much more likely to catch awkward sentence constructions and other grammatical mistakes. In addition to these issues, look for misspelled words, slang, acronyms, and other things that shouldn’t be there. As you go back and edit, you may even notice whole sentences or paragraphs that need to be removed. Or, on the other hand, you may realize some great idea that you left out and you want to add back in.

Take your time editing. This is where you will transform your essay from mediocre to amazing.

Once you’ve finished and feel good about it, give it to a trusted friend, family member, or teacher who’s willing to give you honest feedback. Let them read it and make any suggestions. Having an additional set of eyes on your writing can help you sharpen unclear passages and ensure your essay is in top form.

A Handful of Parting Tips for any ISEE, SSAT or admissions essay

By the time you finish editing, your essay will be ready to submit. And we’re confident that if you’ve taken each of the above steps in stride, you’ll have a piece of writing you can be proud of – and that will capture the attention of that New York City Hunter High School committee or college admissions board.

But if you want to go above and beyond, you may want to consider a couple more parting tips. These are the things that will send your Hunter High School, ISEE or SSAT essay sailing past the competition…

Honesty is the best policy. As you reflect on your life, including the challenges, defeats, and victories, be willing to be genuine. Admit when you’ve made mistakes. Don’t sugarcoat your missteps. Authenticity speaks far louder than a fake, smoothed over past that everyone can see through anyway.

Use humor carefully . Humor is a powerful weapon when wielded well. But when it falls flat, it can be disastrous. So, only use humor if it fits the tone of your essay and if you’re absolutely certain that the middle-aged committee members reading it will find it as funny as you do.

Don’t procrastinate . It’s easy to put your essay off until tomorrow… that is, until it’s due today. So, don’t procrastinate when penning your essay. Give yourself plenty of time to do each of the above steps and to do them well. Writing under pressure may produce, but it seldom produces your best.

Show, don’t tell . This is some of the most classic pieces of writing advice you’ll ever get. Rather than telling the committee how trustworthy you are, show them with a brief story. Actions speak louder than words, as they say.

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CRITERIA TO APPLY

List of 3 items., nys ela & math exams.

  • SP 24, ELA English Language Arts =  TBD
  • SP 24, STM State Math = TBD

Other Standardized Exams

  • Earned a score in the 90th (national) percentile -- in certain Reading and Math subtests (see sample score reports to the right) -- from any of the following standardized 5th grade exams. This option is for those who DID NOT take the NYS 5th grade ELA and * NYS 5th grade mathematics exams. * ERB Comprehensive Testing Program 5 (CTP 5) * Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) * Stanford 10 Achievement Test * TerraNova3
  • Earned a minimum stanine score of 8 on both Reading Comprehension and Mathematics Achievement on the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE).
  • Earned a score in the 90th (national) percentile -- in certain Reading and Math subtests -- on another 5th grade standardized exam. Other exams must be approved by Hunter admissions.

Students Without Exams

  •  Select "No Scores" on the application if the student has never tested in grade 5.
  • Upload a letter on school stationery from the candidate’s school principal or counselor that confirms the student did not take the NYS or any other 5 th grade standardized exams.
  • Obtain Hunter approval to take any of the exams listed in the Other Standardized Exams section at the candidate's school or at a local testing center* by Friday, December 20 . Scores must be sent directly to HCCS Admissions from the center by Monday, December 23, 2024. Candidates must take an exam level that is appropriate for entry into grade 7. Students may not take a 5th grade exam in Fall 2024.
  • Score in the 90 th [national] percentile on the reading and math subtests of that exam. ISEE test takers may submit a minimum stanine score of 8 for consideration.
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Nys exams: score report samples.

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hunter college high school essay prompts

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HUNTER HIGH SCHOOL ENTRANCE EXAM: 3 PRACTICE HUNTER EXAMS

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hunter college high school essay prompts

HUNTER HIGH SCHOOL ENTRANCE EXAM: 3 PRACTICE HUNTER EXAMS

  • **THREE full-length practice exams accompanied by detailed solutions
  • **In-depth look at each section of the HCHS admissions exam
  • **SEVEN extra essay prompts to help students practice a winning essay (in addition to the essay prompt associated with the practice tests)
  • **Information on the exam format and how it is scored
  • **Specific test-taking techniques to help build confidence
  • Hunter College High School Practice Tests Help your student prepare for the very challenging HCHS admissions exam by taking the practice test/s in this book. Performance on the practice tests can help identify a student’s weaknesses and allow your child to focus on concepts that most need to be reviewed. Finally, the seven additional essay prompts will help your child practice writing an essay that impresses and wows the graders. WHAT’S INSIDE? THREE PRACTICE TESTSEach full-length practice test includes two multiple-choice sections on English Language Arts and Math and an Essay section. SEVEN EXTRA ESSAY PROMPTSPractice makes perfect. These seven extra prompts are true to the Hunter test; use them to master writing a winning essay. EXAM CONTENT OVERVIEWAn in-depth look at each section on the HCHS exam. ANSWER EXPLANATIONSWe provide detailed explanation of every question so students don't make the same mistakes again! TEST-TAKING TIPSWe provide test-taking tips and strategies to help sixth graders do their best on this challenging test. SCORING AND FORMAT Information on scoring and the format of the HCHS test is included. What is the Hunter College High School Entrance Exam? The Hunter College High School (HCHS) entrance exam is offered to sixth-grade students residing within the five boroughs of New York City (NYC) who have met specific criteria in reading and mathematics. Why Use our Test Prep Books? Our goal is to provide you with the very best test prep materials. We created our test prep material because we could not find enough good practice material to effectively prepare students for the Hunter College High School admissions test. As tutors and teachers, we have used various test prep books and have found that they either have an incorrect difficulty level or not enough material. After studying original materials from Hunter College High School sample tests and testing them on children, we are confident our materials and tests provide excellent practice for preparing for the Hunter exam. Purchase this book and you will have made an important first step towards ensuring your child will do her best on test day. Kweller Prep Developed by a lawyer, Kweller Prep is an established supplemental education service with a 15-year track record of success in preparing students for specialized middle-school, high-school, college entrance, and graduate school exams. With thousands of acceptances to date, Kweller Prep has built a time-tested learning program with unsurpassed performance. Our competitive advantage is the way in which we operate; we focus on each child individually to ensure success. Our rigorous program is designed for ambitious students to help them achieve their academic goals. Tutoring centers in Queens and Manhattan serve as learning incubators where parents, students, teachers, tutors, and counselors alike can learn from one another and grow. Nearly every tutor at Kweller Prep is the first one in his or her family to attend a Specialized High School or Top University on a scholarship.
  • ISBN-10 1948255553
  • ISBN-13 978-1948255554
  • Publication date November 11, 2018
  • Language English
  • Dimensions 8.5 x 0.25 x 11 inches
  • Print length 108 pages
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  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Origins Tutoring (November 11, 2018)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 108 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1948255553
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1948255554
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 11.2 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.5 x 0.25 x 11 inches
  • #66 in High School Entrance Test Guides
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hunter college high school essay prompts

Bespoke Education

Bespoke Education

Hunter Test

The hunter college high school entrance exam is a test taken by residents of new york city for admission to hunter college high school..

As a New York-based company, Bespoke is proud of the knowledge and experience we offer families preparing for this highly specialized test.  Our comprehensive approach to test prep incorporates individualized tutoring sessions and weekly homework to comprise a program that is both thorough and tailored to your student’s specific needs.

Whether you’re ready to begin tutoring immediately or just have questions about the test, our client services team is looking forward to speaking with you! You’ll talk to a knowledgeable, caring individual who will create a test prep plan and pair you with the perfect tutor for your student’s personality and learning style. Your student will then learn the actionable skills to build confidence and thrive on test day and beyond.

About the Hunter Test

What is the Hunter Test? The Hunter College High School Entrance Exam is used exclusively for admission to Hunter College High School, a free public school operated by Hunter College.

Who takes the Hunter Test? The Hunter Test is taken by sixth grade students for admission to seventh grade. Only students who live in New York City are eligible to take the test. Additionally, to be eligible to take the Hunter Test, students must have achieved qualifying scores on the fifth-grade New York State English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics tests. Students who did not sit for those tests may also submit qualifying scores on one of four other accepted fifth-grade standardized tests. For more information on testing eligibility, click here .

What’s on the test? The Hunter test has two multiple-choice sections—English Language Arts and Mathematics—as well as a Writing assignment.

  • The English Language Arts section consists of five or six reading passages followed by questions that assess students’ ability to understand, interpret, and analyze those reading passages.
  • The Mathematics section consists of questions that assess students’ proficiency in arithmetic, geometry, data analysis, and pattern recognition.
  • The Writing assignment asks students to write an essay or short story based on an assigned prompt.

How long is the test? Students are given three hours to complete the exam. The individual sections are not timed—students may take as much or as little time as they need on any particular section.

How is the test scored? The multiple-choice sections of the Hunter Test are scored based on the number of correct answers. The students with the top 500 multiple-choice scores will have their essays read by members of Hunter’s English faculty, and the students who write the top 170 essays will be offered admission.

How is the test administered? The Hunter Test is a pencil-and-paper test and is offered once per year, usually in January, at Hunter College High School and Hunter College. 

Where can I get more information about the Hunter Test? For more information on the Hunter Test, and to register online, please visit the Hunter College High School admissions website .

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hunter college high school essay prompts

Hunter College High School is an American secondary school for intellectually gifted students located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side in New York City, New York. It is administered by Hunter College, a senior college of the City University of New York, and by the New York City Department of Education. There is no tuition fee and it is publicly funded. 

HUNTER College High School & Exam?

If you have a sixth grade child in NYC, chances are that you’ve heard about Hunter College High School (HCHS), more commonly referred to as Hunter. Situated on the Upper East Side, Hunter is a free K-12th grade school administered by a division of the City University of New York (CUNY), rather than the NYC DOE. HCHS is known for educating intellectually gifted students from diverse backgrounds, and for having a rich and accelerated curriculum. It is one of NYC’s most competitive public schools, with an acceptance rate of about six or seven percent, depending on the amount of applicants.  The only entry point to the high school for students is in 7th grade. About 2500 sixth grade students take the Hunter College High School Entrance Exam, hoping for a spot in this highly-ranked, selective school. And approximately 185 children –on the basis of the exam–are admitted as seventh grade students in the fall. About 35-45 students enter from Hunter College Elementary School (HCES).  

The Hunter College High School Entrance Exam is a three-hour test, with an essay section, multiple choice math section, and multiple choice critical reading/verbal skills section. The essay section is a full half-hour segment where students must respond to a specified prompt, and then craft a well-written, proofread writing sample. The test requires students to have above-average vocabulary and writing skills, high-level quantitative reasoning abilities, and the fortitude to make it through a three-hour test.

Who can take the Hunter College High School Entrance Exam?

In order to be eligible to take the Hunter College High School Entrance Exam,, students must score exceptionally well on their 5th grade New York State standardized verbal and math tests. (The cut off scores on NYS tests for eligibility to take the Hunter exam in 2013 were 690 in ELA and 733 in Math, though please note that the qualifying score changes each year). Only students who are NYC residents can take the exam.

Students from independent schools need to score in the 90th national percentile of tests given at their schools. If a student was sick on the test date or does not have the requisite score because his or her school does not require annual exams, HCHS will organize a qualifying test — if the student’s principal submits a letter of recommendation to HCHS that explains why the student is academically qualified.

What is on the Hunter College High School Admissions Exam?

The Hunter College High School Entrance Exam, that eligible students take in order to be considered for admission to HCHS, can be a stressful ordeal. It is a three-hour test, with an essay section, multiple choice math section, and multiple choice critical reading/verbal skills section. The essay section is a full half-hour segment where students must respond to a specified prompt, and then craft a well-written, proofread writing sample. The test requires students to have above-average vocabulary and writing skills, high-level quantitative reasoning abilities, and the fortitude to make it through a three-hour test. That’s nearly as long as taking the SAT! Because of the length and difficult content of the exam, it is a challenging assignment for sixth grade students, but if you help your child prepare, it can make the test easier, and at the very least, your child will feel ready for a long test.

How is the Hunter College High School Exam Scored?

Once a student has taken the test, a long waiting process begins while the administrators determine which students to accept. To make this determination, the graders establish a cutoff score for the math and verbal sections. After this score is chosen—it changes every year—only students who obtained at least that high a score on the math and verbal sections will be considered. Once the pool of students is narrowed down to those who achieved at least the cutoff score, the graders read each student’s essay. They choose the students whose essays are scored the highest, so students who attend Hunter need to excel in three areas: math, writing, and reading.

Where Do I Register for the Hunter College High School Exam?

On Which Date Does the Hunter College High School Exam take place?

The exam is held the second Friday of January every year. The exams were given at 1. HCHS at 94th St. between Park and Madison Avenues 2. Hunter College – West Building at 68th St. and Lexington Avenue 3. Hunter College – North Building at 69th St. between Park and Lexington Avenues

How to Prepare for the Hunter College High School Exam?

Hunter does not publish its past entrance exams or share any exam questions, but the school provides a  sample test . Taking this test is one of the best ways for your child to prepare, as the sample test will include the same sections as the actual tests, and you and your child can work together to pinpoint areas where your child needs to brush up on certain topics.

You should make sure that your child is comfortable with critical reading, has a large vocabulary, and has strong quantitative reasoning skills. While there are no specific test prep books or companies endorsed byHCHS, any review that your child can do that contains math drills, critical reading problems, and logic problems will help your child prepare.

It is also essential that your child become comfortable with writing essays in response to prompts. Since the essay section is how graders determine which students who scored above the cutoff score will attend HCHS, your student’s essay may ultimately be the deciding factor in whether he or she receives an acceptance letter or not. The only way to prepare for this section is to make sure that your child writes practice essays in response to prompts, then revises them to see where the writing can be improved. Focus on writing if you only have time for review one topic with your child; on the Hunter College High School Entrance Exam, a strong essay is the way for a student to stand out.

Who can take the Hunter entrance exam?

The only entry point to Hunter High School is the seventh grade. Thus, the exam is designed for New York City’s intellectually gifted 6th grade students, as determined by performance in standardized assessments, who are performing at at two to three and one half years above sixth grade level.

When is the Hunter College admission test offered? The Hunter exam is offered once in January of each year to students residing within the five Boroughs of NYC who meet the specific criteria in reading and mathematics. There are no make-ups or retests.

How does a student register for the Hunter Examination? School Principals are asked to identify students who performed at high levels on the fifth grade standardized tests (greater than 90th percentile in Total Reading and Math). Admission cards for the entrance exam are sent to those eligible candidates.

What is the Hunter School High School Admission Test Structure? It is a three hour exam consisting of about 100 multiple choice questions and one essay.

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Sentence Completion
  • Math Section (50% weight): Basic skills to solve problems
  • Assigned Topic Essay (30 minutes) – “high quality and content required”

How does the entrance exam determine admission to the Hunter High School Gifted program? A “cut-off” score in the multiple-choice portion of the exam is determined. Essays from students that met the cut-off score are read. The top scorers on the objective exam who also wrote a high quality essay are offered admission. Additionally, the next 30 students, by score and essay quality, who are economically disadvantaged, are offered admission.

누가 시험을 볼 수 있나요 ? 5 학년 NY Statewide 시험 2013 년 기준 690ELA, 733MATH, 혹은 교장추천

  • 어떤과목을 보나 ? 3 시간동안 영어 / 수학 / 에세이 (30 분 )
  • 어떻게 선발하나 ? 영어 / 수학 cut-off 점수로 일차선발후 에세이 심사로 결정
  • 얼마나 선발하나 ? 헌터초등에서 올라오는 50 명을 제외한 170-190 명 ( 변동됨 )

We started an educational academy under the name of JERICHO C.C.B. PREP. in Jericho/Hicksville area from December 2004.  We moved and started ARISTA PREP. in Little Neck Campus since April 2015.

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Sunday, October 21, 2018

Essay to get to hunter college high school.

hunter college high school essay prompts

  • Who is your favorite book character and why?
  • Describe your favorite character in a book or novel.
  • What is the best thing you have ever written?
  • Describe your best friend.
  • Which friend has had the best influence on you? Describe the friend and cite examples.
  • Who do you admire or respect and why?
  • If you could do one thing to make the world into a better place, what would it be?
  • Describe your favorite school teacher.
  • Describe the greatest thing you learned in school.
  • What is your favorite school subject and why.
  • What motivates you to learn?
  • Describe what you like the most about New York City.
  • If you could live in another state or country, where would it be and why?
  • Who do you want to be (professionally) when you grow up and why?
  • What mistake did you make that you learned a valuable lesson from?
  • What is the most favorite object you own? Describe its sentimental value to you.
  • What is your favorite color? Describe why.
  • Describe your ideal day.
  • Describe a typical Sunday.
  • Describe the most recent thing you did during your spare time.
  • Describe your favorite animal at the zoo.
  • What is your favorite activity at the park?
  • Where have you traveled  recently? What was the trip like?
  • Have you ever built anything from scratch? Describe it.
  • What do you wish to get as a birthday gift this year?
  • What do you think is the best invention ever?
  • What was the best movie you ever saw?
  • If you could discover a cure to a life-threatening disease, which one would it be and why?
  • Tell us about a peer who has made a difference in your life.
  • What do you hope will change about the place where you live?
  • What is one thing that we don’t know about you that you want for us to know?
  • What is one thing you will definitely bring to school with you?
  • What is your proudest accomplishment for which you did not receive recognition?
  • Have you ever owned a pet? If not, which pet do you wish you owned?
  • Describe your favorite piece of clothing.
  • Why do you want to go to this school?
  • If you could choose any profession (such as becoming a lawyer, doctor, pharmacist, accountant), which one would it be and why?
  • If you could give money to any charity, which one would it be any why?
  • Describe the best vacation you ever went on.
  • Describe a cell phone.
  • Describe a treasured belonging you carry with you every day.
  • Describe your favorite meal.
  • Describe your dream house.
  • Describe a memory of a place you visited as a child.
  • Describe your ideal college roommate.
  • Describe the streets or path that leads from your home to your school.
  • Describe your favorite fruit.
  • Describe a recent gift you received and its importance to you.
  • Describe a person you will never forget.
  • Describe a sport you play/ Describe your favorite sport.
  • How did you spend your last two summers?
  • What’s your favorite word and why?
  • What is your least favorite aspect of traveling? Describe a place you visited.
  • Describe a phobia (fear) you had and how you overcame it.
  • Describe what it would be like to meet a famous celebrity. If you have met one already, describe what the experience was like.
  • If you could add a subject or class at your school, what would it be? Please describe how this subject or class would benefit not only you, but also all your classmates.
  • Describe an obstacle you have overcome.
  • Describe your most memorable moment.
  • Describe a specific interest or talent and how you have pursued it to date or wish to pursue it in the future.
  • Tell us about a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and how it impacted you personally.
  • You are required to spend the next year in either the past or the future. To what year would you travel and why?
  • We are a community with quirks, both in language and in traditions. Describe one of your quirks and why it is part of who you are.
  • Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
  • The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
  • Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
  • Tell us about the place, or places, you call home. These can be physical places where you have lived, or a community or group that is important to you.
  • Reflect on your unique background and tell us about a time when you had to relate to someone whose life experience was very different from your own. How did you approach the difference? If put in a similar situation again today, would you respond differently? If so, how?

hunter college high school essay prompts

  • Must generalize the topic to a universal audience
  • Must answer the essay prompt question
  • Must NOT let the reader realize that they are reading an essay
  • Must address the supporting paragraph topics without listing them
  • Must stay on one SUPPORTING topic; if you start another topic then create a new paragraph
  • Must refer back to the essay prompt question
  • Must use the SHOW DON’T TELL method
  • Use figurative language
  • Have a clear flow of ideas; Transitions should be smooth from one paragraph to another.  Should have topic sentences and a concluding sentence, summing up the paragraph while relating back to the essay topic.  DO NOT use traditional transitions too much, i.e. for example, in conclusion, one reason is, another reason…
  • DO NOT be repetitive
  • Must summarize the introduction WITHOUT repeating the same sentences/phrases used in the introduction
  • Must answer the essay prompt question again
  • Must NOT let the reader realize that this is an essay and that this is the end of it without saying it outright, i.e. DO NOT use the phrase: in conclusion
  • Concluding sentence must clearly indicate that this is the end of the essay without saying it outright, i.e. All in all Christmas is my favorite holiday and I cannot wait for next Christmas to come quickly enough.  

hunter college high school essay prompts

  • Describe a problem you’ve solved or a problem you’d like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma – anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.
  • Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
  • Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
  • Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.
  • Tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it.
  • Describe a time when you made a meaningful contribution to others in which the greater good was your focus. Discuss the challenges and rewards of making your contribution.
  • Has there been a time when you’ve had a long-cherished or accepted belief challenged? How did you respond? How did the challenge affect your beliefs?
  • What is the hardest part of being a teenager now? What’s the best part? What advice would you give a younger sibling or friend (assuming they would listen to you)?
  • Submit an essay on a topic of your choice.
  • Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences.
  • Your moment has arrived. Share with us the moments or experiences that have led you to take a test to Hunter High School.
  • Great art evokes a sense of wonder. It nourishes the mind and spirit. Is there a particular song, poem, speech, or novel from which you have drawn insight or inspiration?
  • When you choose Hunter High School, you will join a new community of people who have different backgrounds, experiences, and stories. What is it about your background, your experiences, or your story, that will enrich Hunter’s community?
  • Jesuit education considers the liberal arts a pathway to intellectual growth and character formation. What beliefs and values inform your decisions and actions today, and how will Hunter High School assist you in becoming a person who thinks and acts for the common good?
  • Creativity is found in many forms including artistic avenues, intellectual pursuits, social interactions, innovative solutions, et cetera. Tell us how you express your creativity.
  • Describe a problem, possibly related to your area of study, which you would like to solve. Explain its importance to you and what actions you would take to solve this issue.

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