CUNY Start is an intensive program offered as an alternative to traditional remedial classes. CUNY Start provides instruction in academic reading, writing, and math for college bound students who have not passed the CUNY Assessment Tests. The program, which includes integrated academic advisement, is completed in just one semester. By joining CUNY Start, you have the opportunity to complete all remedial needs, prepare for the challenge of college-level work, and save your limited financial aid dollars for credit-bearing courses. The cost of CUNY Start is just $75, and that includes books as well as study materials. For a quick introduction to CUNY Start, watch the video below.

All programs include weekly advisement and college success seminars.

Full-Time Math, Reading and Writing Program:

• 25 hours of Reading, Writing and Math instruction per week
• Mondays through Fridays: 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. or 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Part-Time Math Program:

• 12 hours of Math instruction per week
• Mondays through Thursdays: 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. OR 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Part-Time Reading/Writing Program:

• 12 hours of Reading/Writing instruction per week
• Monday through Thursday; 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. OR 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Sign up for a CUNY Start Information Session

Complete your CUNY Start Application

• Spend less time in remedial classes

• Improve your Reading, Writing and Math skills

• Have two opportunities to exit from remediation

• Save money with $75 tuition for the entire semester

• Learn in a supportive, student-centered environment

• Work with a CUNY Start Adviser to plan your academic future

• Build your college knowledge and skills

To join CUNY Start, you need to:

• Have a high school or high school equivalency diploma
• Be an admitted student at Queensborough Community College
• Have taken the CUNY Assessment Tests and have scores that indicate you need to take one or more remedial course:
  • Full-time Program: You need to take a remedial math course and a remedial reading and/or writing course
  • Part-time Math Program: You need to take a remedial math course
  • Part-Time Reading/Writing Program: You need to take a remedial reading and/or writing course
• Attend an Information Session, submit a short application, and participate in an interview with a CUNY Start staff member

Community College Research Center: Teaching Matters and So Does Curriculum: How CUNY Start Reshaped Instruction for Students Referred to Developmental Mathematics

CUNY Press Release: Study That Confirmed Excellence Of ‘CUNY Start’remediation Program Draws Highest Praise From U.S. Department Of Education

Inside Higher Ed: CUNY’s Intensive Remedial Ed Semester Showing Success

Freshta Mayar is studying Business Administration at Queensborough Community College and wants to open her own business someday.