Frequently Asked Questions About Freshman Admissions

The SAT or ACT is required for freshman applicants. You can take the tests as many times as you want because we will consider only your best scores. We recommend a 1000-plus combined score on the SAT (Critical Reading and Math sections only) or a 22-plus on the ACT. Our mean SAT score for incoming freshman is 1070. The mean ACT score is 22. Although the SATs and ACTs are important indicators of your academic ability they are not the only indicators. At Plattsburgh we look at your high school program and your unweighted, recalculated average as well.

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Simply call Admissions at (518) 564-2040 or (888) 673-0012 to arrange an interview and tour. If yopu missed it, you can also take our virtual tour .

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Successful applicants typically possess a solid "B" (85%) or better high school average college-preparatory program. We also require that students have 5 combined math and/or science units. We recommend a SAT score of at least 1000 or a 22-plus ACT score. Some majors may require the completion of specific courses (eg. Nursing requires the successful completion of Chemistry).

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At Plattsburgh we look at each application individually. If there has been an event that has impacted your educational success we want to know about it. You should contact the Admissions Office to discuss your situation as early as possible.

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We encourage students to submit letters of recommendation with their Supplemental Application. Letters of recommendation can explain your achievement in high school beyond your transcript. It is to your advantage to have supporting letters from a teacher, a guidance counselor, and perhaps an employer or community leader.

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For best consideration you should apply to Plattsburgh by December of your senior year. Admission is on a rolling basis, which means that students are accepted continuously from mid-January until admissions closes over the summer. However, the earlier you apply, the earlier you get your decision. Applying early also means we have more time to get important information from you, increasing your options for special consideration or a specific program.

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There are several ways to apply to Plattsburgh State. You can complete the application in the SUNY Viewbook, available in your guidance office, or you can request an application from our office at (888) 673-0012. You can also apply on-line .

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If we receive your completed application by mid-December, you should hear from us by mid-January. If we need additional information, such as your mid-term grades, we will send you a request card.

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Interviews, like letters of recommendation, are not required but are strongly encouraged. A campus visit gives you the opportunity to explore the campus and ask questions. If you choose a personal interview, we will be able to discuss your individual admissions issues. To schedule an appointment, simply call us at (888) 673-0012 or (518) 564-2040. We offer tours and personal interviews Monday-Friday. We also offer Saturday Group Information Sessions and Fall and Spring campus-wide Open Houses. For more information go to www.plattsburgh.edu/admissions/visit.php .

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Yes, Freshmen may bring cars to campus their first semester. Transportation is also available to students without cars. The Student Association runs a shuttle bus from the college to various spots throughout Plattsburgh-malls, grocery stores and banks. The college sponsors chartered buses to Montreal and weekend ski trips in the winter so those students without cars do not miss out on the action! The Student Association also sponsors vacation buses to NYC during semester breaks.

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That's up to you! We CAN tell you that you will be able to get all the courses you need to graduate in the normal four-year period.

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Going away to college for the first time can be a scary thing, indeed. But the more you get involved, the less homesick you'll be! And getting involved is easy to do at Plattsburgh State. You'll also be glad to know that all dorm rooms come equipped with a phone, so Mom and Dad are only a phone call away. If you're still feeling homesick, you can speak with your R.A. and the other students on your floor. More than likely, they've experienced the same feelings and can offer you advice. And that first break-over Columbus Day-is right around the corner!

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Plattsburgh State is generally seen as a welcoming, non-intimidating place. The small-city environment is friendly but active, and the campus is situated in the middle of it all. A significant number of Plattsburgh State students are from northern New York-raised in small towns just like yours!

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Although Plattsburgh has no subway, mass transit system or skyline dotted with skyscrapers, we do have more than enough "action" to keep city dwellers occupied. In fact, our second-largest student population consistently comes from metro NYC-that is, from Long Island and the counties surrounding New York City. But if you have an irresistible urge to ride a subway or go clubbing in the big city, you can just hop on the bus to nearby Montreal.