I keep discovering great schools in New York City. First, I love CUNY where I earned my all degrees. But, not only that, by teaching and meeting people in NYC, I keep discovering great school including music, dance, and art schools. High schools and more. Hope I can share uniques schools here!
Many students dream of studying at the Ivy League. Some aim for graduate programs, while others want the full four-year experience—even if it means taking on debt. For business or IT majors, the investment often pays off quickly. But for arts and humanities students, it can feel riskier. Still, there’s real value in attending those schools.
If you’re determined to apply, one powerful way to strengthen your application is through music exams, especially the internationally recognized ABRSM. – check here Website
What Is the ABRSM ?
Piano proficiency exams exist in several countries:
NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) in the U.S.
RCM (Royal Conservatory of Music) in Canada
ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) in the U.K.
Among these, ABRSM is one of the most widely respected. Its certificates are accepted worldwide and look excellent on a college or Ivy League application.
Why? Because mastering piano requires daily practice, discipline, and the ability to understand complex structures. Passing ABRSM exams shows perseverance, analytical ability, and dedication—qualities universities value.
What Does the Exam Include?
The exam isn’t just about playing piano. It tests four areas:
Performance – 3–4 pieces from different styles (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Modern)
Aural skills & singing – listening and pitch recognition
Exam Levels Explained
ABRSM: Grades 1–8 (Grade 8 is the highest)
NYSSMA: Levels 1–6
RCM: Levels 1–10
By Grade 8 ABRSM, students are performing advanced works such as Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier Preludes or Beethoven’s sonata movements—just below conservatory entrance level.
How Long Does Preparation Take?
Beginner levels: about 6 months to 1 year per grade
Intermediate to advanced (Grade 6+): 1–1.5 years per grade
Success depends largely on practice time and consistency
For ABRSM, students must also pass Grade 5 Music Theory before progressing to Grade 6 and beyond.
The Challenge of Higher Levels
Grade 6–8 repertoire: Clementi sonatinas, Chopin mazurkas or nocturnes
Singing tests: Singing back short melodies by ear, sight-singing, or singing bass lines while playing melodies
Aural tests: Identifying styles (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Modern) and describing musical features
These advanced skills build strong musical and intellectual foundations, making ABRSM an excellent long-term challenge.
At What Age Should You Start?
Ages 6–7: starting from Grade 2 is common
Transfer students with experience: often begin around Grade 3
Skipping levels is possible up to Grade 4, but not recommended for higher grades (6–8 require solid preparation).
Why ABRSM Looks Great on a Resume
Completing ABRSM exams shows:
Commitment and persistence
Intellectual growth through theory and analysis
International recognition of skills
This makes ABRSM valuable not only for Ivy League admission essays and resumes, but also for applications to other top universities—or even future job resumes.
Final Thoughts
The ABRSM piano exam is much more than a music test. It’s proof of discipline, resilience, and intellectual ability—qualities Ivy League admissions officers respect.
Whether your child reaches Grade 2 or pushes all the way to Grade 8, the growth along the way is remarkable. If you’re aiming for competitive universities, consider adding ABRSM achievements to your application portfolio.
The City University of New York (CUNY) operates several community colleges that play a vital role in the American education system. These institutions offer affordable, accessible education while serving as a stepping stone to four-year universities.
Liberal Arts Education at Community Colleges
At community colleges, students study liberal arts, which include general education courses like English, mathematics, natural sciences, and social sciences. These foundational courses are essential for university-level study and help students develop a broad academic perspective.
Transferring to a Four-Year University
Many students complete two years of liberal arts education at a community college and then transfer to a four-year college or university. This pathway is especially effective for saving on tuition, as community colleges tend to be significantly more affordable than universities. After transferring, students can focus on their major or specialized field.
Cost Comparison
There is a significant difference in tuition fees between two-year and four-year institutions. For example, in the CUNY system, New York City residents or permanent residents pay lower tuition compared to out-of-state or international students. Attending a community college first is a practical way to reduce the total cost of a U.S. college education.
Important Notes for International Students
International students may be required to take ESL (English as a Second Language) classes to meet language proficiency requirements. These courses help prepare students for college-level academic work but may incur additional costs.
Educational Quality
The quality of liberal arts education at two-year community colleges is on par with that of four-year universities. Both offer strong academic environments where students can gain essential knowledge and skills needed for future degrees and careers.
Conclusion
CUNY’s community colleges are an excellent option for students looking to save on tuition without compromising the quality of their education. They provide a solid liberal arts foundation and a smooth transition into more advanced fields of study.
What Is the CUNY Proficiency Requirement? A Guide for International Students
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
If you are planning to study at the City University of New York (CUNY), you may have heard about the CUNY proficiency requirement. Understanding this requirement is important because your placement in English and mathematics can affect which courses you are able to take and how efficiently you can progress toward graduation.
This is particularly important for international students, who may be academically strong but unfamiliar with the English-language academic system in the United States.
In this article, I’ll explain what the CUNY proficiency requirement is, what the English and mathematics assessments involve, what may happen if you do not meet the required level, and how you can prepare.
What Is the CUNY Proficiency Requirement?
CUNY uses assessment and placement measures to determine whether students have the necessary skills in areas such as English and mathematics.
The exact assessment and requirements can vary depending on the student’s program, college, and current CUNY policies. Students should always check the requirements of their individual CUNY college for the most up-to-date information.
In general, students may need to demonstrate college-level proficiency in:
English reading and writing
Mathematics
Meeting the required level can help students begin college-level courses without taking additional developmental or corequisite support courses.
Mathematics Requirement
For students who have not studied mathematics recently, the mathematics assessment may require some preparation.
The assessment can include fundamental concepts such as:
Basic arithmetic
Fractions and decimals
Percentages
Basic algebra
Equations
Geometry
Problem-solving
Don’t assume that the test will be easy simply because the concepts are familiar. Mathematical questions can sometimes be challenging because of the way they are worded.
How Should You Prepare for the Math Test?
One of the simplest ways to prepare is to review a basic mathematics textbook and practice problems regularly.
Pay particular attention to:
Fractions
Negative numbers
Algebraic expressions
Equations
Ratios and percentages
Geometry
Word problems
I also recommend practicing mathematics questions in English. Understanding the mathematics itself is only part of the challenge; you also need to understand what the question is asking.
English Requirement
For many international students, the English portion can be more challenging than mathematics.
The assessment focuses on your ability to understand and communicate in academic English. Depending on the assessment being used, students may be evaluated on skills such as reading comprehension and writing.
Academic English is different from conversational English.
You may be able to communicate comfortably with friends, order food at a restaurant, or have everyday conversations in English and still find an academic reading or writing assessment difficult.
Reading Comprehension
College-level reading requires you to understand:
The main idea of a passage
Supporting details
The author’s argument
The meaning of words from context
Relationships between ideas
Information that is implied rather than directly stated
For this reason, reading English regularly is one of the best ways to prepare.
You don’t need to understand every single word. Instead, practice identifying the main point and important supporting information.
Writing Skills
Writing is another important skill for international students.
In college, you will often need to write essays, responses, research papers, and discussion posts. Your writing needs to be clear, organized, and logical.
A useful way to practice is to read an English article and then write a short summary in your own words.
For example:
Read a short article.
Identify the main argument.
Write down three important points.
Summarize the article in your own words.
Explain your own opinion about the topic.
This simple exercise can help you develop both reading comprehension and academic writing skills.
What Happens If You Don’t Meet the Required Level?
If you do not demonstrate the required level of proficiency, you may be required to take additional English or mathematics support courses before or alongside college-level coursework.
These courses are designed to help students develop the skills they need for college-level study.
One important point for students to understand is that developmental or remedial coursework may not count toward the credits required for graduation. This can potentially add time and expense to your degree.
For this reason, preparing for your placement or proficiency assessment before starting college can be very worthwhile.
How to Prepare for the CUNY Proficiency Requirement
If you are planning to attend CUNY, I recommend preparing before you take the assessment rather than waiting until the last minute.
1. Don’t underestimate academic English
Even if you can have everyday conversations in English, academic English can be very different. Start reading English-language articles several months before your assessment.
2. Practice writing regularly
You don’t need to write a long essay every day. Even writing one short paragraph a day can make a significant difference. Focus on organizing your ideas clearly rather than trying to use complicated vocabulary.
3. Review basic mathematics
If you haven’t studied mathematics for several years, review the fundamentals. Practice basic calculations, algebra, geometry, fractions, percentages, and word problems.
4. Practice solving problems in English
This is particularly important for mathematics. Try finding English-language math problems so that you become comfortable with words such as equation, fraction, percentage, angle, area, and average.
5. Check your college’s current requirements
CUNY consists of many different colleges and programs. Their assessment requirements can change.Before relying on information from a blog or another website, check the official CUNY website and your individual college for the most current requirements.
CUNY Colleges in New York City
CUNY is one of the largest public university systems in the United States and includes numerous senior colleges, community colleges, and graduate and professional programs throughout New York City.
Some well-known CUNY institutions include:
CUNY School of Professional Studies
The City College of New York
Baruch College
Brooklyn College
Hunter College
Queens College
John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Queensborough Community College
LaGuardia Community College
Each college offers different programs and academic resources, so prospective students should research the specific college and program they are interested in.
Final Thoughts
The CUNY proficiency and placement requirements are important for students who want to begin their college education successfully. For international students, the biggest challenge may not necessarily be the academic material itself. Sometimes, the real challenge is understanding academic English and expressing your ideas clearly in English.
The good news is that these skills can be improved with preparation. Start reading English regularly, practice writing your own summaries and opinions, and review basic mathematics before taking your assessment.
A little preparation before entering CUNY can make your transition to college much smoother—and may help you avoid taking additional courses that could delay your progress toward graduation.
