Special Admissions Programs

Full Opportunity Program

The Full Opportunity Program is a Fredonia-based program for students who fall slightly shy of our traditional admissions criteria. In selecting students for the program, Admissions looks holistically at each applicant to determine his or her potential for success. Admissions decisions are based on a student’s ability to be academically successful in a rigorous college setting.

FOP is a vibrant support program designed to assist students in navigating their way through the college experience. Flexible, individualized and compassionate support from professional staff and peer mentors provides guidance for students as they develop a strong foundation for success.

Because we are committed to your success, the Full Opportunity Program offers a wide range of programs and services to help you have the most fulfilling experience during your time at Fredonia. Students will have the opportunity to take advantage of:

• Individual tutoring
• Academic advising
• Guided study sessions
• Enroll in ENGL 100 (Craft of Writing) first semester
• FOP Mentoring for Success Program.

For more information about the Full Opportunity Program support services, interested persons should refer to the Full Opportunity Program www.fredonia.edu/fop.

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

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.

1. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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 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.