Information for High School Students

Admission to SUNY-ESF is competitive, but our admissions 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.

Successful freshman applicants should present strong high school academic credentials. A college preparatory curriculum is expected. Three units each of college preparatory mathematics and science are required, four years are highly recommended. Art, architectural or technical drawing courses are highly recommended for applicants to Landscape Architecture. Advanced course work at the honors or college level is highly recommended. SUNY-ESF requires students to submit either SAT I or ACT (or both) scores. Submission of scores for either the SAT I or ACT (or both) is required for high school applicants. The highest scores for each section from all test dates will be considered. SUNY-ESF will accept SAT I or ACT scores posted on your official high school transcript. However, if your high school does not include SAT I or ACT scores on your transcript, you must request official scores be sent directly from the testing agency. In addition, freshman applicants are encouraged to participate in either an Open House program or a College Information Session to improve their understanding of the College and its academic programs.

Students completing college level course work prior to high school graduation are considered as freshman applicants.

High school students may apply for either Early Action or Regular Freshman Admission consideration for freshman entry or Guaranteed Transfer admission for future entry as a sophomore or junior. Please review the information on each pathway outlined below to decide which one is right for you.

Early Action Admission

Outstanding high school seniors who have selected SUNY-ESF as a top choice may apply for Early Action Admission, a non-binding early application/early notification program for fall entry freshmen. Early Action Admission 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 application, make sure you indicate that you wish to be considered under Early Action Admission. If you have already submitted your application and would now like to be considered for Early Action Admission, e-mail your request to esfinfo@esf.edu or call us at (315) 470-6600.

Please pay close attention to application codes and deadlines.

Regular Freshman Admission

Most high school students apply to SUNY-ESF under Regular Freshman Admission. Once required credentials are received, the Admissions Committee begins review of the application. Therefore, it is important to forward all your credentials soon after you have filed your application. Notifications are released beginning around March 1 and students must reply with their intention to enroll by May 1.

Please pay close attention to application codes and deadlines.

Guaranteed Transfer

The College also recognizes that some students wish to spend a portion of their first two years of college at another institution, and will transfer to SUNY-ESF in either their sophomore or junior year. And, high school applicants who are not academically prepared for freshman entry may benefit by attending another college in preparation for future transfer to SUNY-ESF.

To facilitate this process and reduce difficulties associated with transferring, SUNY-ESF has established the Guaranteed Transfer (GT) option and has formalized transfer articulation relationships with a number of colleges in New York and surrounding states. Through our agreements with these Cooperative Colleges we have developed transfer articulation guidelines listing equivalent courses for SUNY-ESF lower division degree requirements and have identified academic advisors at each campus to assist students in course selection and scheduling. SUNY-ESF Admissions staff members, who also provide academic advising to students preparing to transfer, make regular visits to the Cooperative College campuses.

Under this option, students may apply for admission during their senior year of high school for transfer to SUNY-ESF for a future entry date. Guaranteed Transfer applicants must use the SUNY Application process. On the SUNY Application you will use the upcoming fall semester of entry and on the SUNY-ESF Supplemental Application you must enter your expected future semester of entry to indicate your interest in being considered for admission under Guaranteed Transfer. 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 GT program must satisfactorily complete coursework equivalent to the requirements for their intended program of study with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.50 (A=4.000). Courses completed with less than a ‘C’ grade will not transfer for credit and may impact the student’s status under the Guarantee Transfer option. GT students are encouraged to enroll at one of the Cooperative Colleges with which ESF has transfer agreements. However, they may attend a college that is not a member of the Cooperative College group and should consult the SUNY-ESF Admissions Office for proper course scheduling and advising.

Please pay close attention to application codes and deadlines.

Educational Opportunity Program

The State University of New York's Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) provides access, academic support, and financial aid to students who show promise for mastering college-level work, but who may otherwise not be admitted. Offered primarily to full-time students who are New York State residents, EOP accepts students who qualify, academically and economically, for the program. You must use the SUNY Application process to apply for EOP. More information about this program can be found at the SUNY EOP website.

• Note 1: You must use the SUNY Application to apply for EOP.
• Note 2: You cannot apply for both EOP and Early Decision/Early Action programs.

College Credit Earned in High School or by Examination

College level course work equivalent to the SUNY-ESF program of study requirements can be transferred to the College, but grades and grade points cannot be transferred. Credit will be awarded only for those courses completed with a grade of "C" or higher. SUNY-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 (IB) Program. Learn more:

• Important Information on Transfer Credit

Deferred Admission

Students accepted to SUNY-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.