Undergraduate Admissions

Admission Statement

The Admissions process at SUNY Potsdam is highly individualized. Each application is thoroughly evaluated to discover the wide variety of skills and talent each student has. Our test optional admissions process allows applications to be judged using a holistic approach that includes criteria such as grade-point average, rigor of the high school curriculum, class rank, and SAT or ACT scores (only if submitted by student). Personal essays and letters of recommendation are required.

SUNY Potsdam operates on a rolling admission policy whereby applications are reviewed as soon as all required credentials have been received. Students are then informed of a decision immediately upon completion of application review.

Admissions Procedures

The State University of New York Application Guidebook (available at www.suny.edu/attend/) contains information which provides direction for filling out forms and the submission of transcripts of previous academic records.

Prospective students are encouraged to visit the campus and community. This is the best way for students to judge the match between themselves and the College. Appointments should be made in advance so that arrangements may be made to talk with an admissions counselor, tour the campus, attend classes and meet with a professor.

Visits are regularly scheduled by appointment Monday through Friday and on select Saturdays. The Office of Admissions can be reached at (315) 267-2180, toll free at 1-877-POTSDAM (877) 768-7326, or visit@potsdam.edu.

Requirements for Undergraduate Admission

Transcripts

Requirements for all Applicants: official transcripts must be submitted directly to the Office of Admissions from the records office of EACH high school or college a student has attended. Student, fax or unofficial copies are not acceptable. International transcripts must be accompanied by official translation from the issuing institution. Official transcripts and scores are those sent directly to the Office of Admissions from the issuing institution.

Sealed copies of high school transcripts delivered by the student are acceptable. The school counselor or principal’s signature must appear over the envelope seal. Note: prior to matriculation, all deposited first-year students must submit a final high school transcript that includes their graduation date.

Test Scores

Our test-optional admissions process allows students to decide if they want to submit SAT or ACT scores with their application. Official English language proficiency test scores are required for all Non-Native English speaking international applicants and must be submitted directly to the Office of Admissions from the issuing agency.

Minimum score (as indicated) on one of the following English language proficiency tests:

• Paper version of Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 550
• Computerized version of TOEFL: 213
• Internet Based TOEFL score of 79
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6
• Eiken/STEP Test in Practical English: Grade 1
• Duolingo: 100
• International Test of English Proficiency (ITEP): 3.5

Range of Requirements for Regular Freshman Admission

The following college preparatory courses are recommended: four years of English, three years of mathematics, four years of social sciences, three years of science, three years of foreign language and one year of fine or performing arts.

The Director of Admissions has the flexibility to make discretionary admission decisions on borderline cases. These decisions will be shared with and monitored by the Faculty Senate Admissions Committee.

Admissions requirements are established for the purpose of consistency.  The most competitive applicants have completed or are completing a rigorous high school curriculum.  The average high school GPA for entering first-time college students is 88.

Admission to The Crane School

In addition to meeting the standard academic admission requirements of the College, applicants to The Crane School of Music must successfully complete a performance audition. The performance audition is designed to give candidates an opportunity to demonstrate their readiness to achieve performance requirements on a primary instrument during their College career. The audition is 15-20 minutes in length per medium and is administered by qualified faculty. Candidates for the Performance major (B.M.) are expected to have a broad performance capability. Please refer to the Crane website for specific audition requirements by performance medium. In addition, all candidates for admission to The Crane School of Music are encouraged to submit recommendation forms from their private music instructor(s), high school music teachers and others on the forms available on the Crane website. Audition results for The Crane School of Music are communicated to each applicant by letter and to the Office of Admissions within 2-3 weeks of the audition.

The Bachelor of Music degree programs feature more comprehensive study in music than the Bachelor of Arts degree program. All programs include study on the primary instrument with the amount of study varying by major. The only program which leads to certification to teach music in the public schools is the Music Education (B.M.) degree.

Music candidates are expected to indicate a choice of degree program, major, and track in certain majors, from among the following options prior to the audition:

Students admitted to The Crane School of Music majoring in Music Education will automatically be placed into the following tracks based on their applied studio:

Students interested in following a different track (with the exception of those moving to the General Music Track) will be required to audition and be accepted on an appropriate secondary performance medium. Please contact the Crane Office of Admissions for more information.

Students may choose to major in two (or more) majors within music, such as Music Education and Performance, contingent on approval via audition and/or Crane’s Degree Major Change Form. In most situations, courses that can count in both majors will count in both majors, but more detailed information can be found by using the “What if” feature in BearDeN.

See the Crane School of Music website for audition and admissions information.

Transfer Admission to The Crane School of Music

Transfer students who wish to be considered for financial aid in their first semester at The Crane School of Music and are receiving scholarships from another music program accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music must request a release from their current school. Please contact the Crane Admissions Office at (315) 267-2775 for the appropriate form.

Students applying for transfer to The Crane School of Music curricula are required to complete a performance audition. See the Crane School of Music website for audition and admissions information.

Music Course Transfer Credit for Music Majors

See the Crane Student Handbook.

Early Admission to Undergraduate Programs

SUNY Potsdam will offer early admission to well-qualified high school Juniors. Students applying for early admission must possess a “B” average or above in their coursework and have test scores indicating strong potential for college-level work. They should have 14 or more academic units from high school in the areas of social studies, English, foreign language, science and mathematics. In addition, applicants for early admission must demonstrate the necessary maturity to adjust to college life. This is accomplished through submission of at least two letters of recommendation (including one from the high school principal or school counselor and one from a teacher of an academic subject). The high school principal or school counselor must approve any coursework taken at SUNY Potsdam. Early admission candidates seeking federal financial aid assistance will need to have a letter signed by the high school principal stating that coursework will not be counted toward the high school diploma; students who are concurrently enrolled in high school and at SUNY Potsdam, or who are transferring SUNY Potsdam coursework toward the high school diploma are ineligible for Financial Aid.

Bridges Undergraduate Admission Program

Students who do not meet all the regular admission requirements may be offered admission through the Bridges Program. Bridges is a special admission program for first year students providing them with basic academic support services including: learning skills, academic advising, mentoring, supplemental instruction, and workshops.

To be considered for Bridges admission students must:

• Provide their most current transcript of senior grades;
• Have their application reviewed by the Admissions Committee;
• First semester restricted course load to 15 credits;
• Sign a one-year learning contract and participate in the Bridges academic enhancement and review process.

Bridges first-year college students entering SUNY Potsdam typically have high school averages that range from 77 to 81; have completed or are completing a rigorous high school curriculum; and may be required to submit SAT or ACT scores

Educational Opportunity Program Admission (First-Year Students)

The State University of New York’s Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) provides academic support and financial aid to undergraduate students who show promise of mastering college-level work but who may otherwise not be accepted. Students must qualify both academically and financially for the program. In selecting students for the program, SUNY Potsdam gives priority to applicants from historically disadvantaged backgrounds.

• To be considered for admission to EOP, a student must:
• Be a New York State resident (lived in NYS at least 12 consecutive months prior to applying);
• Have earned a New York State high school diploma or its equivalent;
• Be ineligible for admission under regular standards, but demonstrate the potential for completing a college program; and
• Meet the program’s economic guidelines.
• An interview may be required

Students entering as EOP first-year college students, at SUNY Potsdam, typically have high school averages that range from 77 to 84; have completed or are completing a rigorous high school curriculum; and may be required to submit SAT or ACT scores.

Educational Opportunity Program Admission (Transfer)

The State University of New York’s Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) provides academic support and financial aid to undergraduate transfer students in the EOP program. In order to  qualify for transfer EOP admission a student must have been accepted and participated in EOP, HEOP, SEEK or College Discovery at their previous college(s). If a student’s previous college did not have EOP or a similar program, they may be considered for transfer eligibility and should notify the Office of Admissions of their interest in EOP.

Students applying for transfer admission must:

• Be graduates of fully accredited high schools or private secondary schools (a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or Test Accessing Secondary Completion (TASC) satisfies this requirement);
• Have been a matriculated undergraduate college student subsequent to high school graduation or equivalency.
• Be in good academic standing and eligible to return to the most recently attended college or university.

Transfer Admission to Undergraduate Programs

A transfer student is a student who has attended another higher education institution as a matriculated student.

Students applying for transfer admission must:

• Be graduates of fully accredited high schools or private secondary schools (a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or Test Accessing Secondary Completion (TASC) satisfies this requirement);
• Have been a matriculated undergraduate college student subsequent to high school graduation or equivalency.
• Be in good academic standing and eligible to return to the most recently attended college or university.

A 2.25 grade point average is recommended for admission to most majors at SUNY Potsdam; a 3.0 is required for education majors. The average transfer student at SUNY Potsdam has a 3.0 grade point average.

Admission of Non-Traditional Students

SUNY Potsdam is committed to the ideals and goals of lifelong learning. In keeping with this philosophy, admission of non-traditional students is based more on current potential for successful completion of a college program than on high school records and test scores. Students who are 24+ years of age are considered non-traditional students.

Prospective students should possess a high school diploma (or equivalent) and the desire and motivation to pursue a college education. A supplemental application form is required to document life experiences. Students pursuing entry to the College with a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) will have a minimum 500 on each subtest. Although official high school and/or college transcripts are required, greater emphasis is placed on current potential.

Admission of International Students

SUNY Potsdam currently does not offer any English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) courses for non-native speakers; therefore, international applicants must be able to speak and write fluently in English. A proficiency in English will be critical to success as a SUNY Potsdam student. In addition to the requirements for transfer or regular admission, international students must provide:

• Autobiographical essay
• Certification of finances

Non-Native English speaking international students must also provide the following: Minimum score (as indicated) on one of the following English language proficiency tests:

• Paper version of Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 550
• Computerized version of TOEFL: 213
• Internet Based TOEFL score of 79
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6
• Eiken/STEP Test in Practical English: Grade 1
• Duolingo: 100
• English Proficiency Statement - completed by a director of courses in English (or duly designated representative) of a bi-national center or a professor of English at a school or university
• International Test of English Proficiency (ITEP): 3.5

Non-Matriculated Undergraduate Admission

Contact Information: Graduate and Continuing Education,

Raymond 206, (315) 267-2166, gradcon@potsdam.edu

Non-matriculated is a non-degree status at SUNY Potsdam. A maximum of 30 credit hours may be taken under a non-matriculated status, with no more than 15 credit hours per academic year and eight credit hours per semester. Non-matriculated students will be registered for courses (on a space available basis) one week prior to the start of the semester, unless indicated otherwise in the official Schedule of Classes. All of the documentation required for non-matriculated admission must be received in the Graduate and Continuing Education by the first day of the semester. Failure to do so may result in being dropped from the course(s). It is important to note that admission as a non-matriculated student does not imply automatic admission to SUNY Potsdam as a matriculated student. For more information regarding matriculated admission, contact the Admissions Office at (315) 267-2180.

Non-matriculated categories and admission requirements:

1. Current High School Student:
   1. Minimum of 80.0 grade point average in a Regents/college preparatory curriculum as indicated on an official high school transcript.
   2. A letter of recommendation from the high school principal or guidance counselor.
2. High School Graduate:
   1. A copy of the high school diploma or GED/TASC Certificate.
   2. Students who have been enrolled at other post-secondary institutions must provide an official transcript from the most recent college attended. Individuals who have been dismissed from their previous post-secondary institution may not enroll within one year of their dismissal.
3. College Graduate:
   1. An official transcript or copy of the college diploma for the highest degree earned
4. Currently Enrolled Student with another College or University:
   1. An official transcript through last semester attended. Students who have been dismissed or separated, and who are not eligible to return to the current college or university they are attending, do not qualify for admission as a non-matriculated student. Students must have both a current and overall minimum grade point average of 2.0 to be admitted.

Note: Employees of SUNY Potsdam, SUNY Canton, Clarkson or St. Lawrence University are required to complete the non-matriculated registration process.

5. Previously Enrolled Student with another College or University:
   1. An official transcript through the final semester attended. Students who have been dismissed or separated, and who are not eligible to return to the most recent college or university attended, do not qualify for admission as a non-matriculated student. Students must have both a current and overall minimum grade point average of 2.0 to be admitted.
6. Students registered under a non-matriculated status with SUNY Potsdam must maintain a 2.0 grade point average each semester and a cumulative 2.0 average to remain in good academic standing and to register for future courses. All registered students are required to complete online Student Health Services forms and must provide a copy of their immunization records. Failure to do so may result in dismissal from SUNY Potsdam.
7. Students interested in non-matriculated admission as a graduate student should contact the Center for Graduate Studies, located in Raymond Hall 204, (315) 267-2165 or graduate@potsdam.edu.

Post-Bachelor’s Degree Admissions and Requirements

Matriculation for a Second Bachelor’s Degree

A student may be permitted to matriculate for a second bachelor’s degree either after completing the first bachelor’s degree at SUNY Potsdam or at another college. The second degree must be in a different program or in a discipline significantly different from the first degree.

If the student’s first degree was awarded by SUNY Potsdam, the student must apply to the Office of the Registrar for readmission for a second bachelor’s degree. Students also must complete a form specifying their educational goals and providing a detailed educational plan including all courses they will take each semester at the College. This plan must be signed by the chair of the department in which the second degree program is offered. The student must also meet the other general requirements below.

If the student’s first degree was not awarded by SUNY Potsdam, the student must apply to the Office of Admissions as a transfer student. The student must also meet the other general requirements below.

The general requirements for completion of a second bachelor’s degree include the following: 

1. The student must complete at least 30 academic credit hours at SUNY Potsdam above those required for the first bachelor’s degree. These 30 hours must be earned subsequent to admission for the second degree. A minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average is required for completion of the second degree program.
2. The student must complete all major and cognate requirements for the second degree. All departmental and College policies will apply during the pursuit of the second bachelor’s degree.
3. Courses taken to complete General Education requirements in the first degree will apply to the second degree as appropriate. If the General Education requirements for the two degrees are different, requirements for both degrees must be satisfied. General Education requirements for students pursuing post-completion study will be those in place at the time of admission for the second degree.
4. Of the additional hours of coursework for the second bachelor’s degree, at least 15 must be taken at the upper-division level in the major of the second degree program and in residence at SUNY Potsdam.
5. All baccalaureate-level coursework taken at SUNY Potsdam will appear on one transcript with a single cumulative grade point average.
   1. Note: Any exceptions to the requirements for completion of a second bachelor’s degree must be approved by the by the Provost or designee; exceptions are rarely granted, and only in extraordinary circumstances.

Post-Graduation Admission of Non-Degree Students

A student with a bachelor’s degree may also be permitted to enroll as a non-matriculated student to complete a minor, a second major, teacher certification requirements, or prerequisites for a graduate program. Students who have a bachelor’s degree may apply to the Division of Graduate and Continuing Education for admission as non-matriculated students for the following purposes:

1. Completion of an additional major or minor. Upon certification by the Office of the Registrar that the major or minor requirements have been fulfilled, a comment will be added to the non-matriculated transcript: “Completed all courses required for XXX major/minor.” Note that students in this category are not eligible for financial aid and are limited to registering for eight credits per semester unless they receive special permission from the Admissions Committee.
2. Completion of prerequisites for a graduate program into which they have been admitted. Students who can supply a letter from the SUNY Potsdam Center for Graduate Studies, or another institution with accredited graduate programs, verifying that they have been provisionally admitted to a graduate program pending only the completion of specific prerequisite courses, may register for the number of credits permitted for matriculated students and may be eligible for financial aid.
3. Completion of courses required for an alternate teacher certification process. Students who can supply documentation that the coursework would qualify them for certification may be eligible for financial aid.

Military Affiliated Students Policy Statement

The State University of New York at Potsdam has been a recognized “Friendly School” for Military Affiliated Students and welcomes their interest in the College and its academic programs.

• SUNY Potsdam refrains from any form of commission, bonus or other incentive payment to any individual or organization based directly or indirectly on securing enrollments or federal financial aid to any persons or entities engaged in any military affiliated student recruitment, admissions activities, or making decisions regarding the award of student financial assistance.
• SUNY Potsdam does not adhere to high-pressure recruitment tactics in its Admissions Recruitment program (such as 3 or more unsolicited contacts with military affiliated students, including contacts by phone, email, or in-person, or engage in same-day recruitment and registration) for the purpose of securing enrollments of military affiliated students.  All potential students have the right to “Opt-Out” at any time in the college recruitment process.