SUNY Plattsburgh Admissions Readies Itself for Free Apps Weeks Oct. 19-Nov. 2

The State University of New York is once again launching its Free Apps Weeks program, giving prospective students fee-free applications for up to five of the 64 SUNY campuses, Oct. 19 through Nov. 2.

This two-week window gives new and transfer students the chance to save up to $250 in fees by using the ApplySUNY application or the Common App. No special codes are needed, but applications must be made during the fee-free period. SUNY also offers ongoing fee waivers that can apply to those students in foster care, with military connections, and students from low-income backgrounds, among other qualifiers.

Troy Joseph, director of admissions at SUNY Plattsburgh, said he views Free Apps Weeks as more than just a savings on college applications.

“It’s an access initiative. It really gives students the opportunity to not only apply to SUNY Plattsburgh but to others they might not have been able to afford to do,” he said.

Powerful Initiative

What began as a single week in 2022 has “evolved into a really powerful initiative,” Joseph said.

“Students and their families have a focused window in the application process. In terms of SUNY Plattsburgh, it has really increased our applications,” he said. “Since the program began in 2022, we’ve seen applications rise over 114 percent during that same period prior to the program.

“In that first year, SUNY and the campuses didn’t know what to expect,” Joseph said. “The volume of applications has increased exponentially every year since. So now, we’re very proactive; we know that after those two weeks we’re hyper-focused to process applications. The bulk of our first-year applications are coming in from those two weeks.”

That’s not a coincidence. Joseph said that high school counselors, perspective students and their families wait for that window to open before submitting their applications.

“Saving up to $250 is a good incentive to apply to multiple SUNY schools,” he said. “And while we might not be a student’s first choice, it gets us into the conversation. We’re able to communicate with the student, their family, their caregivers and explain our value props.”

Building Relationships

Admissions counselors are then able to begin building a relationship with the applicants as they explore why they should choose SUNY Plattsburgh and how they can see themselves here versus the other alternatives, Joseph said.

“We’re removing any financial barrier, which helps those students be exposed to more than they would have been otherwise,” he said. “Whereas prior to 2022 they may have only been able to afford one or two apps, now they’re able to embrace the process and explore other programs they’re interested in.”

Another reason students wait for Free App Weeks is that it’s a hard-and-fast deadline. After Nov. 2, prospective students pay the non-refundable $50 for each school they apply to in the SUNY system.

“We do not have the ability to waive application fees,” Joseph said. “So students have to be prepared and get their completed applications in.”

For more information on Free Apps Weeks or SUNY Plattsburgh admissions, call the Office of Admissions at 518-564-2040 or email [email protected].

— Story, File Photo by Associate Director of Communications Gerianne Downs