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At many universities, the personal touch is a thing of the past. At ESF, our small size and focus mean that we provide every applicant with personalized attention. Throughout your application process, you'll interact with admissions counselors who will be available to answer your questions and assist you through the process.

Two application options

Students may apply to ESF using either The Common Application OR ApplySUNY application.

You must use the ApplySUNY application if...

• you have earned or will earn an A.A. or A.S. at a SUNY or CUNY college and you wish to receive the SUNY transfer application fee waiver, or
• you are applying for the "3+3" BS/Doctor of Physical Therapy program with Upstate Medical University.

Step 2: Pay the Application Fee

A $50 non-refundable application fee or completed fee waiver must be submitted, as directed by the application process you have chosen to use, before your application will be reviewed by the ESF Admissions Committee.

If you have applied using a fee waiver and have questions or believe you qualify for a fee waiver, please consult the SUNY Recruitment Response Center by calling 1-800-342-3811. Please note: Until your application fee has been received or your fee waiver processed, your application will not be released to the ESF Admissions Office.

Step 3: Establish your Applicant Portal

Once your application has been received and processed by ESF (usually 1-3 business days), you will receive an email prompting you to create your ESF Applicant Portal. If you do not receive this message, please check your spam or promotional folders. The email will be entitled "Application to ESF".

Step 4: Complete Application Checklist

As outlined on your applicant portal, you will need to submit the items on your checklist. This will include:

• Official Transcripts- Electronic transcript submission should be sent to esfinfo@esf.edu
• SAT or ACT scores (see below for information on the SUNY ‘Test Optional’ policy)
• ESF Supplemental Questions
• ESF Essay
• Consent to Electronic Notification

Until these items are complete, your application will not be reviewed. You will want to continue to check your applicant portal for updates to your application.

SAT Code: 2530

ACT Code: 2948

Step 5: Should you submit your SAT or ACT scores?

SUNY has temporarily suspended SAT and ACT testing requirements for admission to bachelor’s degree-granting campuses for the spring 2021, fall 2021, and spring 2022 terms. You can now choose to have your scores considered at each SUNY college to which you apply.

Here are things to keep in mind when making your decision about whether to ask colleges to consider your SAT or ACT scores.

Test scores are helpful when they accurately represent your ability. SUNY colleges will only consider your test scores if you indicate that you want them to. So, if you believe your scores are an accurate representation of your ability, they can be evaluated along with all other materials in your application file. Whether you opt to have your test scores considered or not, SUNY colleges will conduct a holistic evaluation of your application. Unsure about what to do? Consult your school counselor or advisor about how to best represent yourself.

You will need to indicate your preference when you apply. In order to change your preference after submitting your application, you will have to directly contact the campus to which you have applied.

Step 6: Apply for Financial Aid

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have the results sent to ESF. Our FAFSA Code is 002851. The recommended filing date is March 1.

• NOTE: International students are not eligible for financial aid.

Already Have a Degree?

If you already have a bachelor’s or graduate degree, you are advised to explore ESF graduate study options.

Graduate Programs

To pursue a second undergraduate degree, contact the ESF Admissions Office.