Special Admissions Programs

SUNY Potsdam will offer early admission to exceptionally qualified high school juniors and seniors in a program referred to as College Unlimited at SUNY Potsdam (CUSP).

• Students applying for early admission must possess a "B" average or above in their course work and 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 also send a letter approving any course work taken at SUNY Potsdam.
• Early admission candidates seeking federal financial aid will need to have a letter signed by the high school principal stating that course work will not be counted toward the high school diploma.

Note: This is not an Early Decision or Early Action Policy. Please contact the Admissions Office at (315) 267-2180 for more information.

If filing the SUNY Application, do not close the website after you hitting “submit.” You will also need to complete the SUNY Potsdam Supplemental Application, with an essay requirement.

The Bridges Program at SUNY Potsdam is a special admissions pathway for students who show strong potential, even if their high school record falls slightly below our standard admissions requirements. The program supports students for their first two years of college, providing financial support, holistic advising, tutoring, and other personalized resources to help them succeed.

All Bridges students are required to attend a mandatory summer program before their first semester. During this week-long program, students:

• Build connections and form a supportive community of peers,
• Participate in interactive workshops designed to strengthen academic and personal skills,
• Learn to navigate campus resources, including advising, tutoring, and student services,
• Receive guidance from their Bridges advisor, who provides the steps and tools needed to succeed academically and personally,
• Gain a head start on college life and develop confidence for the year ahead.

Bridges applicants typically have high school averages between 77 and 83 and demonstrate their potential through their transcript, personal essay, letter of recommendation, and senior-year grades.

For questions or more information, please contact us at bridges@potsdam.edu or call (315) 267-2019. We’re excited to welcome you to the Bridges community! View the Bridges website to learn more.

The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) provides academic support and financial aid to students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels who show promise for mastering college-level work, but who may otherwise not be accepted.

EOP students must qualify both academically and financially. Students from historically disadvantaged backgrounds are given priority.

To learn more about eligibility, services, scholarships, and resources, visit the SUNY Potsdam Educational Opportunity Program page.

SUNY Potsdam and the New York National Guard join forces to now offer a mutually beneficial recruitment program that allows prospective Students/Soldiers the ability to enlist in the New York Army National Guard and be guaranteed admission into SUNY Potsdam upon completion of their Initial Entry Training.

This is the answer to that familiar question for high school students, military or college? Our answer is why not Both? Now you can join the National Guard and receive guaranteed admission to SUNY Potsdam. Learn More about the Guaranteed National Guard Admission Program

Visiting Student is a non-degree seeking status at SUNY Potsdam. 

Contact the Registrar's Office at nonmatric@potsdam.edu or (315) 267-2450 for information on becoming a visiting undergraduate or graduate student.

To learn about Non-Matriculated options and to access the application, visit the Visiting/Non-Matriculated Enrollment webpage.