What is the CUNY Proficiency Requirement? Graduation Requirements and Test Preparation for City University of New York (CUNY)
What is the CUNY Proficiency Requirement?
To earn graduation credits at the City University of New York (CUNY), students must meet the CUNY proficiency requirement. If this requirement is not met, graduation credits cannot be obtained. This is especially important for international students, as it directly impacts their ability to progress through their academic program. In this article, we’ll explain the details of the CUNY proficiency requirement and how to prepare for the test.
What is the CUNY Proficiency Requirement?
The CUNY proficiency test assesses a student’s writing ability, reading comprehension, and basic mathematical knowledge. Specifically, the following passing criteria apply:
- English: Score of 65 or higher
- Mathematics: Score of 60 or higher
Mathematics Requirement
The mathematics portion of the test includes basic arithmetic and geometry problems typically covered at the middle school level in Japan. It focuses on calculations, fractions, basic algebra, and shape recognition. If you review your middle school math textbook, you will be well-prepared for this section.
English Requirement
The English test assesses reading comprehension and writing ability. The test lasts for 90 minutes and requires students to read a passage and then write an essay summarizing their thoughts on the topic. The ability to comprehend academic texts and express one’s thoughts logically is the focus of this portion of the test.
What Happens if You Don’t Pass the CUNY Proficiency Test?
If you do not pass the CUNY proficiency requirement, additional courses will be required:
- English: You will need to take an ESL (English as a Second Language) course. This will help you improve your English skills, but the credits for this course will not count toward graduation.
- Mathematics: You will need to take middle school-level math courses, which, like the ESL courses, will not count toward graduation.
How to Prepare for the CUNY Proficiency Test
To pass the CUNY proficiency requirement, you will need to prepare in advance. Here are some preparation tips for each section of the test:
Preparing for the Mathematics Section
- Review a middle school math textbook and practice basic calculations, fractions, basic algebra, and geometry. Familiarize yourself with these topics to ensure you’re comfortable with the material.
Preparing for the English Section
- Read extensively to improve your English comprehension skills. You can use sources like the New York Times, academic journals, or other literature to expose yourself to complex texts.
- Practice summarizing what you read and writing essays based on those texts. Being able to extract key points and summarize them concisely is crucial for the essay portion of the test.
City University of New York (CUNY) Schools
CUNY includes several universities across New York City, each offering various academic programs. These schools provide numerous options for international students to choose from. Some of the main CUNY schools include:
- CUNY School of Professional Studies (focused on professional programs)
- City College of New York (offers diverse programs in engineering, arts, and more)
- John Jay College of Criminal Justice (specialized in criminal justice programs)
- Curry College of New York (known for its liberal arts programs)
Summary
The CUNY proficiency requirement is an essential step to gaining graduation credits at the City University of New York. To meet this requirement, students must pass the English and mathematics tests. Preparing in advance and ensuring you have the necessary skills is crucial, especially for international students. Meeting this requirement will help you progress smoothly through your academic journey at CUNY.
