Submitting the Application
The State University of New York at Fredonia accepts the SUNY application and is a proud member of the Common Application. If you are a resident of New York State you may obtain a copy of the SUNY application form from any high school guidance office or SUNY campus. As a transfer student or out-of-state resident, please contact the Office of Admissions at (800) 252-1212 or (716) 673-3251 or email admissions@fredonia.edu to make your request for an application. We encourage you to apply online at http://www.fredonia.edu/admissions/applying.asp.
If you choose, you can mail your completed SUNY application to the Application Services Center (ASC) in Albany in the envelope included with the application packet. (Freshman applicants turn applications in at the guidance office.) ASC processes your application and forwards it to Fredonia for review. Your request for admission will be reviewed individually by our Admissions Committee. While there is no stated application deadline, we recommend that you submit your request for admission as soon as possible, as there are a limited number of openings in some academic programs. Consider November 1 for the spring semester and March 1 for the fall semester as recommended deadlines. Students applying through the Common Application should submit their application and supporting materials directly to the Office of Admissions, Fenner House, 178 Central Avenue, Fredonia, NY 14063. All applicants are required to submit at least one letter of reference.
Campus Visit
A campus visit is extremely important. It is your opportunity to learn more about the university from those directly involved in the educational process at Fredonia.
You are invited to visit the campus to discuss your application with an admissions counselor, meet with a faculty member in your chosen field of study, and tour the facilities. We offer small group information sessions and campus tours weekdays while classes are in session. There are a number of special visitation programs throughout the academic year, including holiday open house programs on Columbus Day, Veterans Day and Presidents Day. Saturday visits are available to meet the needs of prospective students who are unable to visit the campus when classes are in session. You may visit during the summer as well. Request information about specific dates and times for arranging an appointment by writing the Office of Admissions, calling (716) 673-3251, dialing toll-free at (800) 252-1212, accessing our website at http://www.fredonia.edu/admissions/visiting.asp or email admissions@fredonia.edu.
We schedule an open house for accepted students during the spring semester. At this program, members of the university faculty, administration, and student body discuss our curricular options, financial aid, social and cultural activities, the residence halls, and student support services.
The campus is situated in the village of Fredonia at Exit 59 of the New York State Thruway (Interstate 90), 40 miles from Buffalo, N.Y. The Southern Tier Expressway (Rt. 17/86) provides an alternate route to the campus. Use the Greater Buffalo International Airport if you are traveling by air. Several buses operate daily between Buffalo and Fredonia. Amtrak provides rail service to the area. Check with your local travel agent to determine the best connections for you.
Decision Process
We offer you the opportunity to declare your major program of study when you enroll at Fredonia. Approximately three-quarters of all new freshmen select a specific academic major, although the decision to choose your program of study is optional. You must select a major by the end of your sophomore year. Since some programs are highly specialized and require careful academic planning, you may wish to discuss declaring your major with an admissions counselor. Transfer students who have accumulated 45 credit hours must declare a specific major. You will be notified by mail of an official decision after the Office of Admissions receives all required credentials. All acceptances are conditional upon receipt of a high school or college transcript indicating successful completion of courses in progress, submission of your medical history, and evidence of appropriate immunization. You must submit an advance deposit to reserve your place in the entering class.
Advance deposits secure a place in the class and room in a residence hall for a specific semester and are not transferable to another semester. Requests for refunds must be made in writing to the Director of Admissions prior to May 1 (for fall enrollment) and November 1 (for spring enrollment), or 30 days after acceptance, whichever is later.
Early Decision: The Early Decision option provides you with an opportunity to identify Fredonia as your university of choice. This admissions program permits you to tell us of your interest in pursuing your studies here. Universities participating in an early decision program anticipate that those candidates who are accepted through Early Decision will submit an admission deposit and withdraw all other university applications. Early Decision allows you to finalize your university plans early in your senior year of high school. To be eligible the Admissions Office must receive your application and all supporting credentials by November 1. By December 1 the Admissions Office notify all early decision applicants and begin to review all other requests for admission.
Freshman Admission: The Admissions Committee considers a variety of criteria when reviewing applications, evaluating quality of academic preparation including depth and breadth of course work, academic achievement, and the results of your SAT or ACT. Our university is committed to a liberal arts education for all undergraduates, and preference is given to those applicants who present strong academic programs in English, social studies, mathematics, science and foreign languages. We ask that you send us the results of your SAT or ACT for review. Admission to college is a matter of meeting the competition among applicants, and a comprehensive, challenging university preparatory program combined with good achievement will help ensure that your application is competitive. The Admissions Committee also reviews supporting credentials including special talents, activities, essay, individual accomplishments, and recommendations. Appropriate faculty evaluates the results of a required audition if you seek admission into our music or B.F.A. theatre programs. As an applicant to our Department of Visual Arts and New Media you must present a portfolio for review.
Fredonia in 4
Graduation rates of our entering freshmen are among the highest in the nation. To ensure that our success continues, we have implemented Fredonia in 4, a program for first-time freshmen which stipulates that the university pledges to adhere to a commonly understood agreement to provide the necessary courses and academic advising which will guarantee that you finish your degree program in four years (with the exception of Music Therapy which will require a clinical internship of at least an additional six months).
SUNY Two-Year Transfer Applicants
SUNY Fredonia is committed to providing an opportunity for further study to SUNY two-year college graduates. We have established articulation agreements and joint admissions programs with many two-year schools. For further information, contact our Office of Admissions. If you are admitted to Fredonia and complete an Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree prior to transfer you will enter Fredonia with a minimum of 60 semester hours of transfer credit and junior standing.
Transfer Admission
SUNY Fredonia considers all requests for admission from transfer students in good standing at both two-and four-year colleges and universities, including SUNY and non-SUNY institutions. The admission review process focuses upon an evaluation of academic achievement, program of study, and the major program of study that you request. There are special audition requirements for music and B.F.A. theatre programs, as well as portfolio requirements for the Department of Visual Arts and New Media.
Admission to most of our certification programs in teacher education requires at least a 2.75 grade point average to be eligible for consideration. Admission to the Communication Disorders and Sciences Program requires a 3.0. The Communication Department requires a 2.75 for admission. The Mathematics Education program requires an overall grade point average of 2.5 with at least a C+ grade in any mathematics courses at the level of calculus or above.
We require an official transcript from each college you previously attended, and a high school transcript and SAT or ACT results if you have completed less than 30 credit hours when you apply. All transfers students must submit an official final high school transcript for verification purposes.
You may transfer up to 75 hours of college credit from your previous college(s). Your academic department chairperson or designee determines the distribution of specific courses in fulfillment of departmental requirements in your chosen field of study and provides information about which courses you will need to complete degree requirements in a timely manner. Our university consistently attains one of the highest graduation rates of transfer students in the SUNY system. An official review of transfer credit occurs when we receive your final transcript showing all course work completed. It is most helpful if this information arrives prior to our summer orientation and advising program for transfer students in June.
Fredonia awards transfer credit for academic courses successfully completed at a fully accredited college or university, reserving the right to determine what constitutes academic credit. Your grade point average does not transfer; only credit hours are awarded. You must fulfill all university and departmental requirements for the baccalaureate degree, including a residency requirement of 45 semester hours of credit at Fredonia. Visit our course equivalencies website at https://connect.fredonia.edu/yourconnection/FRD_TransArt.P_TransArt for detailed information on the transferability of specific classes. As a prospective transfer student we encourage you to visit the university to discuss transfer credit and graduation requirements with a departmental academic advisor or our admissions transfer counselor.
Special Admissions Programs
Full Opportunity Program: Through the Full Opportunity Program an effort is made to identify and recruit students from under-represented groups, students with special talents in the fine and performing arts and athletics, those who have participated extensively in school and community affairs, or have strong personal recommendations. The Full Opportunity Program provides you with a chance to enhance your academic credentials with a description of your individual talents and accomplishments.
Acceptance into the program provides you with access to support services designed to help you make a successful transition from high school to college, and to help guide you toward successful completion of your academic and career goals.
If you wish to identify yourself as a special talent applicant, you should include a personal statement and resume as well as three letters of recommendation in addition to submitting the SUNY Common Supplemental Form.
Students accepted through the Full Opportunity Program are guided through their first year at Fredonia beginning with academic advising that takes place during Summer Orientation. In cooperation with the student’s academic advisor, the Full Opportunity Program Director has the responsibility for designing programming to meet the academic needs of the students in the program. Some of the services offered include: mentoring programs, free assigned tutoring, workshops by faculty members, electronic newsletters, and assistance with course selection.
Educational Development Program: Applicants who demonstrate potential for completing a degree program, meet financial and academic guidelines, and have historically experienced educational and economic disadvantages, may seek admission through the Educational Opportunity Program (called the Educational Development Program at Fredonia). To be eligible for consideration you must be a New York State resident and have earned a high school diploma or its equivalent.
To be considered “financially eligible,” you must meet the economic criteria established by the New York State Education Department. Check the current SUNY Application Guidebook for the updated economic criteria listed under Educational Opportunity Programs in the booklet.
You are required to submit appropriate financial aid applications and verification of family income to supplement your request for admission as an EDP student. We may request additional information from you, as needed. A SUNY EOP Information form mailed to you from the APC must be filed as part of the application process.
You do not need to prove that you meet the economic guidelines if you can show that:
- Your family receives payment through the New York State County Department of Social Services;
- You live with foster parents who do not provide support for college, and your natural parents provide no financial support to you, or;
- You are a ward of the state or county.
To be considered “educationally eligible” means you do not meet the usual Fredonia admissions standards. However, you must demonstrate academic potential, proper motivation, and a strong desire for a college education. You apply for our EDP program by checking “yes” when answering the EOP question on the SUNY application. Transfer applicants receive consideration if they have previously been enrolled in a similar EOP/HEOP/College Discovery/SEEK program.
If you attended a college that does not have a EOP-type program, then we attempt to determine whether you would have been deemed eligible for EOP at the time of your acceptance to the other college.
For more information about the Educational Development Program support services, interested persons should refer to the Educational Development Program.
Joint Admission: SUNY Fredonia has implemented joint admission agreements with several two-year colleges, both public and private. Joint admission program students request admission to Fredonia by applying to the admissions office at the two-year college and completing requirements for the associate degree.
You must meet all requirements as stated in our University Catalog and the joint admission agreements in order to continue with your studies at Fredonia. You may obtain information from our transfer counselor in the Office of Admissions at Fredonia or the two-year college.
- Time-Shortened Degree Program . Students enrolling at Fredonia may select from a variety of individually determined and contracted time-shortened degree options. Because some academic programs at the university are incompatible with the time-shortened degree, counseling from an academic or admissions counselor is advisable.
The following options are available:
- Early Admission . Accelerated high school juniors who wish to enroll as university freshmen without a high school diploma, may apply for early admission. We expect applicants to have completed four units of study in college preparatory mathematics and sciences and a sequence in foreign languages with above-average academic achievement and SAT or ACT scores. Your high school counselor must submit a recommendation in support of your request for early admission. Since Fredonia does not award you a high school diploma you must make arrangements to receive high school credit for your college course work in lieu of the courses you would have taken in your senior year.
- 3-1-3 Program . Local area high school juniors interested in beginning college during the senior year of high school may wish to explore this opportunity. 3-1-3 stands for three years of high school, one year cooperatively taught by an area high school and SUNY Fredonia, and three years at the university. As a 3-1-3 applicant you must present above-average test results on the PSAT, SAT or ACT, and a B high school average.
A counselor recommendation is required. Submit the SUNY application available in your high school guidance office and select curriculum code 0199. A conference with you and your high school counselor will develop your joint college and high school class schedule. For more information, interested persons should see 3-1-3 Program.
Advanced Standing Credit
Credit by Examination . The university welcomes the opportunity to allow you to complete graduation requirements at an accelerated rate by submitting the results of proficiency examinations for credit evaluation. The following website includes all credit by examination that are acceptable: http://www.fredonia.edu/admissions/advance_credit_list.asp#ap. Students may earn a maximum of 30 credits for course work earned through examination.
Advanced Placement . Submit the results of your Advanced Placement Examinations to the Office of Admissions. If you achieve a score of three, four, or five you will receive placement and/or credit in some programs. These examinations fulfill many requirements in the College Core Curriculum program (liberal arts core courses).
College-Level Examination Program . CLEP General Examinations substitute for some of the College Core Curriculum requirements. Subject Examinations substitute for specific course requirements. To determine which examinations are acceptable for credit, check with the Office of Admissions before scheduling one of the tests. We accept most, but not all, examinations for credit toward graduation. You must score at the fiftieth percentile in order to receive credit. Students who have earned more than 60 college credits may earn credit for CLEP Subject Exams but not General Exams.
College Course Work . A number of freshman applicants seek transfer credit for college courses successfully completed while enrolled in high school. Submit an official transcript from the college awarding credit indicating that you have successfully completed course work. While credit hours may be awarded toward graduation, your grades do not transfer to Fredonia as part of your Fredonia grade point average.
Military Service Experience . Credit for military service experience and education is evaluated on an individual basis according to the guidelines established by the American Council on Education. Forward official military (AARTS/SMART) transcripts and DD-214s to the Office of Admissions for evaluation.
International Baccalaureate Exams . College credit will be given for Higher Level (HL) exam scores of five or higher. In addition, some departments may offer university credit for an HL exam score of four. Students who have earned an IB Diploma may be awarded a maximum of 30 credits (including all course work completed through examination).
International Students
SUNY Fredonia welcomes applications from international students who enrich our learning environment with their pluralistic perspectives.
Early submission of applications is recommended and helps to ensure adequate time to acquire the F-1 student visa. International students should complete the on-line application (http://www.fredonia.edu/admissions/international.asp) and then submit original transcripts (translated in English), proof of English language proficiency (IBT, TOEFL, IELTS), and financial statement with proof of income, via regular mail. International student applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Interested persons can obtain additional information by emailing the director at international.education@fredonia.edu or by visiting http://www.fredonia.edu/internationaleducation.
Readmission / Reinstatement
Students who have withdrawn from the university and wish to return may obtain an application for readmission/reinstatement from the Office of Admissions or the Office of Student Affairs. Requests are reviewed by the appropriate Dean (readmission) or the Vice President for Student Affairs (reinstatement). Students who withdrew in good standing are generally eligible for reinstatement if space is available in the requested major. Individuals who were required to withdraw for academic reasons are not eligible for consideration until at least one academic semester has elapsed, and should present evidence of successful achievement at another college. The Dean’s office evaluates current academic achievement, potential for academic success, and work experience when reviewing applications for readmission.
Students with a cumulative quality point average of less than 2.00 who have been readmitted to the university may return with their original cumulative academic record or with a readmission petition.
Under the readmission petition, a new quality point average is established from the time of readmission to graduation. The total academic record achieved from the time of initial enrollment at SUNY Fredonia will be entered on the transcript, but no credit will be awarded for “D” grades earned prior to readmission. The cumulative quality point average will reflect only the average since readmission, and a minimum of 45 additional credit hours of graded work must be completed at SUNY Fredonia prior to graduation and after readmission.