CUNY Medgar Evers College admits 83.4% of applicants, meaning roughly 5 in 6 applicants receive admission offers. This places the institution in the Open Access category, providing broad educational opportunity to students from diverse academic backgrounds. The peer median admission rate of 84.6% indicates that CUNY Medgar Evers College maintains similar accessibility to other public institutions serving comparable student populations. This level of accessibility means that students who meet basic academic requirements and demonstrate college readiness can expect favorable admission prospects. The open access approach aligns with the institution's mission to serve first-generation and lower-income students who may benefit from educational opportunity regardless of traditional academic metrics. Students considering CUNY Medgar Evers College should focus on demonstrating college readiness and commitment to academic success rather than competing for limited admission slots. The broad access model means that students can approach their application with confidence while focusing on academic preparation and program fit rather than admission anxiety.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at CUNY Medgar Evers College typically score between 780 and 1000 on the SAT, with a median of 980. The middle 50% of enrolled students fall within this range, though students with scores outside this band are regularly admitted. SAT Math scores range from 380 to 450, while SAT Verbal scores span 400 to 550, indicating stronger performance in verbal reasoning relative to mathematical skills. The institution's SAT performance ranks at the 85th percentile nationally, demonstrating well above average academic preparation among enrolled students despite the open access admission policy. Compared to peer institutions with a median SAT of 1090, CUNY Medgar Evers College enrolls students with test scores 110 points lower, reflecting the institution's commitment to serving students from diverse academic backgrounds. This 110-point difference positions the college as accessible to students who may not qualify for more selective institutions while still maintaining meaningful academic standards. Students scoring below 780 should expect to be at a competitive disadvantage but are not automatically excluded from consideration. If your scores fall within the 780-1000 range, you are academically competitive for admission and should focus on other application components.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
CUNY Medgar Evers College enrolls a highly diverse student body that reflects its urban Brooklyn location and commitment to educational access. The institution serves 56.8% Pell-eligible students, indicating substantial enrollment of students from lower-income families who qualify for federal need-based aid. First-generation college students comprise 50.3% of enrollment, meaning that half the student body represents families where parents did not complete four-year degrees. Transfer students account for 36.9% of enrollment, demonstrating the institution's role in providing pathways for students beginning at community colleges or other institutions. This composition indicates that CUNY Medgar Evers College prioritizes students who may face additional challenges in accessing higher education, including financial constraints and limited family experience with college systems. The substantial transfer population suggests strong articulation agreements and support systems for students transitioning from other institutions. Students from lower-income families should note that nearly 60% of their peers share similar economic backgrounds, creating a supportive environment for students navigating college financing challenges. First-generation students will find that they represent the majority rather than a small minority, with institutional support systems designed for their specific needs.
Given CUNY Medgar Evers College's 83.4% acceptance rate, most academically prepared students can expect admission. However, students seeking different options should consider the alternatives below for enhanced outcomes or different geographic locations.
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Student success rates at CUNY Medgar Evers College reflect the challenges inherent in serving diverse and often under-prepared student populations. The retention rate of 52.2% means that roughly half of first-year students return for their sophomore year, compared to a peer median of 73.2%. This 21 percentage point gap indicates that students face significant challenges during their first year that prevent continued enrollment. The six-year completion rate of 22.3% compares to a peer median of 49.3%, representing a substantial 27 percentage point difference in degree attainment. Pell-eligible students graduate at a rate of 19.4%, creating a 2.9 percentage point gap compared to the overall completion rate, which is relatively small among institutions serving high percentages of low-income students. The modest Pell gap suggests that once enrolled, lower-income students receive adequate support for degree completion relative to their peers. Students who gain admission should expect to encounter significant academic and financial challenges that require substantial personal commitment and utilization of institutional support services. Prospective students should view these completion rates as indicators of the academic environment and support systems they will experience, planning accordingly for potential obstacles in their educational journey.
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