Freshman Admission Requirements at SUNY Plattsburgh

Here are the top factors that SUNY Plattsburgh considers in a freshman applicant, in relative order of importance.

• Strength of high school program - We are looking for a solid, college-preparatory background. In New York State high schools, that means Regents coursework (note: the Regents diploma is not mandatory but preferred).
   
• Good grades - Successful applicants have an academic average of "B " or better. Students with good courses, but "C+ " grades may be considered as "borderline," and therefore will need to have significant supporting factors in their profiles.
   
• Good standardized test scores - We recommend a combined SAT score of 1000 or better, or an ACT composite of 22 or better.
   
• Essay - All applicants are required to submit an untimed essay of at least 250 word essay or an untimed graded paper of at least 250 words. Applicants applying through the Common Application will submit the letter during the application process. Applicants applying through the SUNY Application will need to complete the SUNY Common Supplement, which includes the essay.
   
• One letter of recommendation - All applicants are required to submit a recommendation from a school-based counselor and/or teacher. 

How Can I Prepare for My Major?

Most accepted students are admitted directly into their program of choice. Admissions decisions are influenced by both the content and the quality of your high school record.

Programs requiring three units of high school Math (including Math 11, Sequential Math 3 or Intermediate Algebra, or Math A and B) are:

• Accounting
• Business
• Computer Science
• Economics
• Engineering 3+2
• Entrepreneurship
• Finance
• Global Supply Chain Management
• Fitness and Wellness Leadership
• Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management
• Information Technology
• International Business
• Management
• Management Information Systems
• Marketing
• Nursing
• Nutrition

• All science and Mathematics majors

Programs requiring three units of high school Science (including general or earth science, biology, and chemistry) are:

• Biochemistry
• Cytotechnology
• Fitness and Wellness Leadership
• Medical Technology
• Nursing
• Nutrition

• All other science majors

Programs requiring three sequential units of high school Foreign Language are:

• Nursing

The Admission Review Process

The admission review takes into account the student's entire profile. Therefore, applicants may increase their chances for admission or for scholarship eligibility by submitting supplemental information .

Supplemental factors include:

• Class rank
• Letters of support (above and beyond the one teacher/counselor recommendation required)
• Leadership and community service activities
• Personal information
• Special talent
• Students are encouraged to identify ethnicity and documented learning disabilities in their initial application.

Students who have a General Educational Development (GED) diploma are required to submit their GED test results along with their high school transcript and SAT or ACT scores.

Students applying to the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) must submit both academic and financial information (see the Undergraduate Application for details).