You want to know how to apply, right?
Of course you do. :)
First, it's a good idea to read through the following guidelines on preparation before you click the apply button. Following them will increase your competitiveness for the program as well as your chances of getting into grad school.
How to Prepare
In general, preparation will depend on what year of your undergraduate career you're in. Basically, you should plan so that you apply for the program during your junior year and enter the Pipeline Program the summer before your senior year. Additionally, keep in mind this info is just as applicable to preparing to apply to grad school.
Freshman - It's too early to apply for the Pipeline Program but this isn't necessarily a bad thing. This gives you plenty of time to build a strong research and academic foundation. The important thing is to explore your options and find an academic discipline/major you're interested in and passionate about and do well in your core and elective courses. Research experience is the foundation of a great grad school application so participate in undergraduate research opportunities - there's usually an undergraduate research office on your particular CUNY campus so seek them out as soon as you can. This will allow you to also begin finding a faculty mentor (you will need a faculty mentor for the duration of the Pipeline Program). Writing is a crucial part of research so register for writing-intensive courses.
Sophomore - We do accept sophomores but you will need to be diligent in accomplishing the tasks listed above for freshmen. It is important that you maintain a high GPA and continue your undergraduate research activities.
Junior - Juniors make up the majority of our applicants and have followed the above steps. If you haven't participated in a research activity, it's more difficult to be admitted to the Pipeline Program and subsequent graduate programs. A high GPA is also very important.
Senior - Seniors are usually not admitted. On occasion a senior may be planning to take an additional year of study. If this is the case your application will be considered, but you will need to be enrolled (at least part-time) during your entire time in the Pipeline Program.
How to Apply
Read through the program requirements and what is to be submitted with your application before you start the online app. Applications for the 2024-2025 academic year are currently being accepted (we will continue to accept applications until the cohort is full).
2 essays (you will copy and paste the text into the online application). Essay prompts can be previewed here. There is no minimum or maximum word limit, but 1 page per prompt is ample.
CV or resumé (also copy and pasted into online app)
Contact info for your faculty mentor (entered in the online app). If you don't have one yet, that's ok. Just enter "NA" in the field.
2. Documents to be submitted via email to eod@gc.cuny.edu).
At least 2 letters of recommendation (one from your faculty mentor if you have one).
Writing sample (can be a recent class paper or other project).