SUNY Potdam

Q:  What is the average GPA for a freshman applicant?

Q:  What is your minimum GPA requirement?

A:  In most cases, our minimum GPA requirement is an 80 on a 0-100 scale or a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.  However, students falling below these figures should speak with an Admissions Counselor before ruling out Potsdam.

 

Q:  When is your application deadline?

A:  SUNY Potsdam does not have an application deadline.  We accept students on a rolling basis.  Generally, the sooner you apply, the better.  We will accept qualified students until the day before classes start.

 

Q:  What courses do you recommend I take as a high school student?

A:  The following college preparatory courses are recommended:  4 years of English, 3 years of mathematics, 3 years of science, 4 years of social science, 4 years of foreign language and 1 year of fine or performing arts.

 

Q:  Do I have to take the SAT or the ACT?

A:  The majority of our applicants will NOT have to submit an SAT or ACT score.  If you would like to have your scores submitted as part of your application, you must request your scores be sent directly from the testing agency.  Also, you must submit an SAT or ACT score to be considered for our Mount Emmons Scholarship.  Minimum scores for scholarship consideration are a 1300 on the SAT or a 29 on the ACT.

Q:  How does Potsdam rank among other SUNY schools?

A:  Based on a recent survey of the SUNY comprehensive colleges (Brockport, Geneseo, Oswego, Plattsburgh, etc.), Potsdam ranks first for availability of instructors outside of class, concern for the student as an individual, course registration process and racial harmony on the campus.  We are also in the top three for cultural arts programs, student union/campus center, availability of courses and internships, personal counseling services and financial aid services.

 

Q:  Are there opportunities for students who fall slightly below the minimum admission requirements?

A:  If a student falls slightly below our minimum requirements, we may ask the individual to submit additional information.  The additional information, along with the initial application, will then be reviewed by our admissions committee.  If the committee believes the student will be successful at SUNY Potsdam, the individual will be granted admission.  Please refer to our Bridges and EOP Programs for additional information.

Q:  What do you look at when evaluating an application for admission?

A:  Each application is thoroughly evaluated to discover the wide variety of skills and talents sought in members of the freshman class.  Applications are judged on the basis of objective criteria, such as grade point average and rigor of high school coursework.   Applicants are also judged on their capacity to enrich college life in some fashion, be it through scholarship or through extracurricular activities.

 

Q:  What if I took the SAT twice?  How do you view the two sets of scores?

A:  We will add the highest Critical Reading score to the highest Math score, even if the scores are from different tests.

 

Q:  Where do I get the Supplemental Application, also known as Part 2?

A:  Most students are not required to complete the Supplemental Application, or Part 2, for SUNY Potsdam.  If we feel more information is required to make a fair admissions decision, we will mail a Supplemental Application to you with very specific instructions.

 

Q:  I am a parent.  Is child care available on campus?

A:  Child care is available on campus.  SUNY Potsdam Child Care Center, Inc., is an accredited program through the national Association for the Education of Young Children.  Part-time and full-time child care options are offered to accommodate student schedules.  Children of SUNY students are often eligible for reduced rates.  Please call 315.267.2391 for more information.