Freshman Admission
Admission to ESF is competitive, but our admission process is a personal one. Your interests, abilities and goals are important to us in providing the best information and guidance we can as you explore your college options.
All applicants to SUNY ESF must file the State University of New York (SUNY) common application form to initiate the admissions process. This form may be filed online, the preferred method, or by paper through the SUNY Application Services Center. Additionally, all applicants must file the SUNY ESF Supplemental Application form and credentials appropriate for the application pathway they have chosen. The Supplemental Application includes an essay question, an activities list, and other important admission information.
Successful freshman applicants should present strong academic credentials from high school. Three units each of college preparatory mathematics and science are required, four years are preferred. ESF requires students to submit either SAT or ACT scores. ESF will accept SAT or ACT scores from your official high school transcript. However, if your high school does not include SAT or ACT scores on your transcript, then you must request official scores be sent directly from the testing agency.
In addition, freshman applicants are encouraged to participate in either a fall open house program or a College information session to improve their understanding of the College and its academic programs.
Freshmen applicants not offered admission directly out of high school may be offered Guaranteed Transfer Admission. These applicants are offered a guarantee of admission to ESF for either their sophomore or junior year of college after successfully completing the appropriate coursework at a college of the student's choice.
The following dates should be kept in mind when filing an application to ESF for
Regular (Rolling) Freshman Admission:
| SUNY application filing date: | January 15* |
| Supporting credentials to ESF: | Within 30 days of filing SUNY application |
| Notification by: | As credentials are received and reviewed |
*Applications received after this date will be considered on a space available basis.
Early Action
Outstanding high school seniors who have selected ESF as a top choice may apply for Early Action, a non-binding early application/early notification program for fall entry freshmen. Early Action allows students to apply to as many institutions as they wish and, if admitted, make their final college choice no later than May 1.
When completing the SUNY application, check the 'Early Action' box on your SUNY-ESF campus choice section. Complete the SUNY-ESF Supplemental Application and check the 'Early Action' box in item #20. If you have already submitted your application and would now like to be considered for 'Early Action', e-mail your request to esfinfo@esf.edu or call us at (800) 777-7373.
The following deadlines should be kept in mind when filing an application for Early Action:
| SUNY application deadline | November 15 |
| Supporting credentials to ESF | December 1 |
| Notification by | January 1 |
Admission to The Ranger School (Associate Degree Programs)
The SUNY-ESF Ranger School does not enroll freshmen. Students complete their first year requirements at ESF's Syracuse campus or the college of their choice and then transfer to The Ranger School for their sophomore year.
Candidates may apply for acceptance into the A.A.S. degree programs in forest technology or land surveying technology in one of three ways:
- Apply to ESF's Syracuse campus for Forest Resources Management (Forestry) directly out of high school to prepare for transfer to The Ranger School.
- Apply under the Guaranteed Transfer Admission option (described below) for sophomore entry.
- Enroll in a Forest Technology Pre-ESF program at one of our cooperative colleges and apply as a transfer student during your freshman year.
For further information, contact the SUNY-ESF Ranger School or use the ESF Office of Undergraduate Admissions Information Request Form.
Guaranteed Transfer Admission
The College also recognizes that some students have made arrangements to spend a portion of their first two years of college at another institution, and will transfer to ESF in either their sophomore or junior year. To facilitate this process and reduce difficulties associated with transferring, ESF has established a Guaranteed Transfer Admission (GTA) option.
Under this option, students may apply for admission during their senior year of high school for transfer to ESF in either their sophomore or junior year. If admitted through the GTA program, students are guaranteed admission to ESF for either their sophomore or junior year. Guaranteed transfer applicants follow the same application process as outlined on this page and detailed on our How to Apply page. Special attention must be given to entering the proper semester of entry on the application for admission. Successful applicants for this option must present a strong high school academic background including at least three years each of college preparatory mathematics and science.
Students admitted through the GTA program are encouraged to enroll at a Cooperative College and must satisfactorily complete coursework appropriate to their intended course of study with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.30 (A=4.000). Students may attend a college that is not a member of the Cooperative College group but should consult the Admissions Office for proper course scheduling and advising.
College Credit by Examination
ESF will grant appropriate college credit based on test scores achieved through participation in the College Entrance Examination Board's Advanced Placement (AP) program, College Level Examination Program (CLEP) or the International Baccalaureate Program.
Deferred Admission
Students accepted to ESF who wish to defer their enrollment for one or two semesters beyond their original entry date must make this request in writing directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Those students will receive written notification if their request has been approved.
