The Pinnacle Scholars Program

The Pinnacle Scholars Program is an invitation-only program for undergraduate students who want to push the boundaries of their education even further. Students are identified and selected for this highly competitive program during the undergraduate admissions process and are notified through their acceptance letters. Invited students then have the option to confirm or decline acceptance into the program.

Pinnacle Scholars gain unique and extremely valuable hands-on exploration and application of their knowledge through advanced research and international experiences. Among their many benefits, these opportunities give Pinnacle Scholars a distinction in the job market and/or advancement to competitive graduate and doctoral studies.

Pinnacle Scholars receive the following benefits:

  • An annual cultural passport for museum memberships and cultural events (e.g. Broadway and Off-Broadway plays, opera, symphony, art exhibits). This passport allows Scholars to experience the special cultural opportunities available only in the New York City Metropolitan area.
  • The opportunity to enroll in special honors and research seminars that provide support and guidance for research activities.
  • Individualized mentoring and advisement.
  • The option to participate in the Accelerated Master’s Program, which provides the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s and master’s degree sequentially.
  • Access to a stipend of up to $5,000 for three undergraduate summers to support participation in one of the following:
  • Research opportunities guided by a faculty advisor
  • An international experience (e.g. study, service, internship or research abroad, approved by the Office of International Programs)

Pinnacle Scholars may remain in the program for up to eight academic semesters provided they maintain a 3.2 grade point average (GPA) and make satisfactory academic progress toward the degree. The cumulative GPA will be reviewed annually.