A number of factors are considered with freshman applications, including: strength of high school program, strong grades and standardized test scores, an untimed essay, and one letter of recommendation.

Students who have graduated from a high school and have enrolled at a college or university are considered for admission to SUNY Plattsburgh as a transfer student. Factors for admission consideration include a student's cumulative grade point average and coursework completed to date.

SUNY Plattsburgh looks for those who were good students in their home country. International candidates must submit original documents or certified copies showing good academic achievement in high school, college, or university.

Admission to graduate study at SUNY Plattsburgh is based on the academic and personal qualifications of applicants. While each graduate program has its own requirements, all applicants must have a Baccalaureate Degree from an accredited institution and a grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.

As a student not currently enrolled in a degree program, non-matriculated students must follow a simple three-step process to register for courses.

Readmission to SUNY Plattsburgh is for students who have previously matriculated and wish to re-enter. To re-enroll, students must follow a simple three-step process.