Top 10 Colleges in New York

Are you looking for the best colleges to apply to? Then I would recommend that you visit the East Coast! A destination that is becoming popular for both local and international students is the stunning state of New York.

Don't know where to start searching for colleges in New York? Lucky for you we will be going over the top 10 best colleges in New York!

When reading please keep in mind that this is a general overview for each university. That being said, it is your task to select the university that best fits your college and career goals based on the information given.

Overview

Before we continue discussing the best colleges to attend in New York. Bear in mind that for each school we will go over the elements of each incredible school. Thereby we will follow this formatting…

• General Summary of the School
• Requirements of the School

In addition, to the "Requirements of the School" section, we have added the link to each university's Common Data Set. The Common Data Set allows you to compare yourself with past applicants in terms of classes, honors, experience, etc. The Common Data Set also lets you see a summary of the national universities. With an inside look at campus life through data collected on student organizations, financial aid, etc.

If you want ways to organize all your activities, courses, honors, and more I would suggest using Kollegio. Kollegio AI helps you keep track of your high school activities through its smart AI feature, allowing you free college guidance through your application journey.

With formatting out of the way let us continue forwards towards finding your dream university in New York!

1) Columbia University

General Summary:

Columbia University was created in 1754 with the name King's College. It is also one of the oldest institutions in New York. Columbia University is located in the heart of New York City in Manhattan. Columbia is an Ivy League school that is nationally ranked as a "Top 20 School" in the United States.

When reviewing academics, the school has 350 undergraduate and graduate programs. The most renowned programs are in business, law, medicine, journalism, and the arts. If you are interested in schools that focus on research this school should be under your radar!

The percentage for international students vs. local students in Undergrad is…

• International: 24%
• Local: 76%

The percentage for international students vs. local students in Graduate is...

• International: 43%
• Local: 57%

Requirements:

This school is very competitive; it has an acceptance rate of 4%. As such the university looks for these requirements of students as listed in the bullet points below

• GPA Average: 3.9-4.0 or at least be at the top of your class
• SAT Score Range: 1490-1560 (Superscoring allowed)
• ACT Score Range: 34-35 (Superscoring allowed)

Explore this link for more information on the Common Data Set for Columbia University.

2) Cornell University

General Summary:

Cornell, just like Columbia, is an Ivy League School. The school was created in 1865 in Ithaca, New York. Following the mission to provide education to "any person" in any field of study. That being said, the University has over 80 undergraduate majors and 100 graduate fields of study.

If you are interested in programs like engineering, hospitality, agriculture, and veterinary medicine this is the college for you! Additionally, Cornel advises that your goals must be academic excellence, innovative research, and public engagement.

The percentage for international students vs. local students in Undergrad is...

• International: 21%
• Local: 79%

The percentage for international students vs. local students in Graduate is...

• International: 47%
• Local: 53%

Requirements:

This school is very competitive; it has an acceptance rate of 8%. As such the university looks for these requirements of students as listed in the bullet points below

• GPA Average: Not Required
• SAT Score Range: 1470-1510 (Superscoring allowed)
• ACT Score Range: 33-35 (Superscoring allowed)

Explore this link for more information on the Common Data Set for Cornell University.

3) New York University

General Summary:

New York University also known as NYU is also classified with the title of the "Highest Research Activity". The university was created in 1831 in Manhattan. The mission of NYU is to provide education to the "sons and daughters of the whole people".

Overall in academics, the school contains over 230 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Being most well known for programs in law, business, medicine, arts, and humanities. If you are a student who is looking for opportunities in the career and jobs then this university may be for you! NYU offers opportunities for internships, networking, and cultural exploration.

The percentage for international students vs. local students in Undergrad is...

• International: 26%
• Local: 74%

The percentage for international students vs. local students in Graduate is...

• International: 51%
• Local: 49%

Requirements:

This school is very competitive; it has an acceptance rate of 8%. As such the university looks for these requirements of students as listed in the bullet points below

• GPA Average: 3.8
• SAT Score Range: 1470-1510 (Superscoring allowed)
• ACT Score Range: 33-35 (Superscoring allowed)

Explore this link for more information on the Common Data Set for NYU.

4) Hamilton College

General Summary:

As the name implies Hamilton College is named after Alexander Hamilton! Hamilton College is a liberal arts school that was created in 1793. In the United States, Hamilton College is a top liberal arts school. Sources like US News, Forbes, etc. confirm the standing.

Academic wise there are 45 majors located within the school. The school also pulls on people who are interested in majors like writing, critical thinking, and oral communication. If those sound like majors that might interest you then perhaps this is your school.

The percentage for international students vs. local students in Undergrad is...

• International: 14%
• Local: 86%

The percentage for international students vs. local students in Graduate is...

• International: 30%
• Local: 70%

Requirements:

This school is very competitive; it has an acceptance rate of 12%. As such the university looks for these requirements of students as listed in the bullet points below

• GPA Average: Not Required
• SAT Score Range: 1420-1540 (Superscoring allowed)
• ACT Score Range: 33-34 (Superscoring allowed)

Explore this link for more information on the Common Data Set for Hamilton College.

5) University of Rochester

General Summary:

The University of Rochester is located in Rochester, New York. The university is a highly acclaimed private school that was created in 1850. Guided by the mission to foster inquiry, discovery, and education.

There are about 200+ undergraduate and graduate degree programs. With the top-ranked programs being engineering, business, medicine, and optics. If you have a strong pursuit in STEM then this might be the college for you. In addition, expect to be presented with loads of research opportunities when applying for this college.

The percentage for international students vs. local students in Undergrad is...

• International: 24%
• Local: 76%

The percentage for international students vs. local students in Graduate is...

• International: 41%
• Local: 59%

Requirements:

This school is competitive with an acceptance rate of 36%. As such the university looks for these requirements of students as listed in the bullet points below

• GPA Average: Not Required
• SAT Score Range: 1390-1540 (Superscoring allowed)
• ACT Score Range: 31-34 (Superscoring allowed)

Explore this link for more information on the Common Data Set for the University of Rochester.

6) Colgate University

General Summary:

No not the toothpaste brand but the Hamilton, New York-based university. Colgate was created in 1819 with the mission to foster intellectual and personal growth. Colgate University is highly mentioned to be a top-rated liberal arts college nationally.

With 56 majors Colgate University focuses on top programs like business, economics, and international relations. Seems like a great place for people interested in politics! With the addition that Colgate values community service and civic engagement!

The percentage for international students vs. local students in Undergrad is...

• International: 17%
• Local: 83%

The percentage for international students vs. local students in Graduate is...

• International: 30%
• Local: 70%

Requirements:

This school is very competitive with an acceptance rate of 14%. As such the university looks for these requirements of students as listed in the bullet points below

• GPA Average: 3.86
• SAT Score Range: 1410-1530 (Superscoring allowed)
• ACT Score Range: 32-34 (Superscoring allowed)

Explore this link for more information on the Common Data Set for Colgate University.

7) Stony Brook University

General Summary:

Stony Brook University is a public research school that was created in 1957 in Long Island, New York. The school was raised with the mission to provide access to higher education for students. This is evident with the college's large campus that promotes diversity.

In terms of academics, this public research college has over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs. With top rankings in engineering, business, medicine, and marine science. With the strongest programs served under their STEM business and medicine programs.

The percentage for international students vs. local students in Undergrad is...

• International: 13%
• Local: 87%

The percentage for international students vs. local students in Graduate is...

• International: 34%
• Local: 66%

Requirements:

This school is a competitive public university with an acceptance rate of 49%. As such the university looks for these requirements of students as listed in the bullet points below

• GPA Average: 3.6
• SAT Score Range: 1320-1500 (Superscoring allowed)
• ACT Score Range: 28-34 (Superscoring allowed)

Explore this link for more information on the Common Data Set for Stony Brook University.

8) Syracuse University

General Summary:

Syracuse University was created in 1870 in Syracuse, New York this university longs for the mission to foster intellectual and personal growth. It is a private research university that commits to social responsibility and community engagement. Also, a fun fact Joe Biden is a notable alumni of the University!

The university offers 200+ programs for undergraduate and graduate degrees. Maintaining a strong suit in business, engineering, communications, and public affairs. Are you looking for opportunities in research and community involvement? This college may be for you.

The percentage for international students vs. local students in Undergrad is...

• International: 19%
• Local: 81%

The percentage for international students vs. local students in Graduate is...

• International: 43%
• Local: 57%

Requirements:

This school is competitive, with an acceptance rate of 42%. As such the university looks for these requirements of students as listed in the bullet points below

• GPA Average: 3.3
• SAT Score Range: 1260-1430 (Superscoring allowed)
• ACT Score Range: 28-32 (Superscoring allowed)

Explore this link for more information on the Common Data Set for Syracuse University.

9) Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

General Summary:

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute or RPI is one of the oldest technological universities created in 1824. It is located in Troy, New York. RPI is a private research university that as referred to by the name is very strong in STEM.

As the name suggests the strongest programs in RPI are engineering, computer science, business, and architecture. With over 145 programs dedicated to undergraduate and graduate students. Are you looking for a school that carries an innovative and entrepreneurial spirit? Then you would be an excellent fit at RPI!

The percentage for international students vs. local students in Undergrad is...

• International: 15%
• Local: 85%

The percentage for international students vs. local students in Graduate is...

• International: 51%
• Local: 49%

Requirements:

This school is moderately competitive with an acceptance rate of 59%. As such the university looks for these requirements of students as listed in the bullet points below

• GPA Average: 3.4
• SAT Score Range: 1360-1520 (Superscoring allowed)
• ACT Score Range: 30-34 (Superscoring allowed)

Explore this link for more information on the Common Data Set for RPI.

10) University at Buffalo

General Summary:

The University at Buffalo is referred to as BU. Located in Buffalo, New York, and created in 1846, BU is the largest public research university in New York.

Under academics, the university features 140+ undergraduate programs and 220+ graduate programs. The top-ranking programs within the school are business, engineering, law, medicine, and pharmacy. Meaning that students interested in healthcare could find a home in BU.

The percentage for international students vs. local students in Undergrad is...

• International: 16%
• Local: 84%

The percentage for international students vs. local students in Graduate is...

• International: 34%
• Local: 66%

Requirements:

This school is moderately competitive with an acceptance rate of 69%. As such the university looks for these requirements of students as listed in the bullet points below

• GPA Average: 3.2
• SAT Score Range: 1190-1380 (Superscoring allowed)
• ACT Score Range: 25-32 (Superscoring allowed)

Explore this link for more information on the Common Data Set for BU.

Lasting Thoughts

Overall, New York has a multitude of good universities as suggested by the "Top Ten" list. I highly encourage students (both local and international) to consider applying to the universities mentioned.

Additionally, keep an open mind while searching for universities in the United States. As a lot of surrounding areas have good universities too. For example, Pennsylvania, DC, and Boston. These locations will be expanded upon in future blogs.

Lastly, if you are looking for ways to improve your college application try out Kollegio. From making an account you will have access to a 24/7 AI program that will help you set up your application. One important use of AI is its suggestions that contribute improvements to make your application stronger.

By Sreisti Chowdhury