Undergraduate Admissions

Applying for Admission & Application Deadlines

Prospective first-year and transfer students should apply to SUNY Poly on-line via the SUNY Application or The Common Application. The SUNY Campus Code for SUNY Poly is 048. SUNY Poly admits students into the following bachelor degree programs:

      • Accounting
      • Applied Computing
      • Applied Mathematics
      • Biology
      • Business Administration
      • Civil Engineering
      • Civil Engineering Technology
      • Community and Behavioral Health
      • Communications and Media Design (Accelerated BS/MS Option)
      • Computer Engineering Technology
      • Computer Science (Accelerated BS/MS Option)
      • Electrical and Computer Engineering
      • Electrical Engineering Technology
      • Finance
      • Health Information Management
      • Information Systems
      • Interactive Media and Game Design
      • Interdisciplinary Studies*
      • Mechanical Engineering
      • Mechanical Engineering Technology
      • Network and Computer Security
      • Nursing* (Accelerated BS/MS Option)
      • Psychology
      • Sociology

*Available to transfers only

Requirements for Admission

Admission to SUNY Poly is competitive. Admission decisions are weighted heavily on previous academic and college admission test performance; however, SUNY Poly practices a holistic admissions approach. We acknowledge that a student’s success in college is dependent on many factors, and we incorporate personal essays, letters of recommendation and other supplemental information into our decision-making process.

SUNY Poly will consider candidates for admission who do not otherwise meet the general admission criteria, but possess or have exhibited special talents (academic, athletics, technology, leadership, etc.). Upon request, students may have their special talent reviewed by the admissions staff, faculty and athletic coaches. Special talent candidates must present formal evidence of their special talent and may be asked to interview with the Special Talent Admissions Committee prior to receiving a final admission decision. SUNY Poly participates in Early Action and in the Equal Opportunity Program (EOP).

If admitted, the decision is provisional; students admitted with self-reported academic transcripts and test scores must present final transcripts and have test scores officially submitted for credential evaluation and diploma verification prior to matriculation. Students admitted with official transcripts must also submit final official documentation of coursework in progress for diploma verification. Failure to meet this requirement will jeopardize financial aid awards and matriculation standing.

SUNY Poly reserves the right to rescind an admission decision if academic progress was not maintained by the student as evident in final transcripts, or information is conflicting with original self-reported information.

Application Criteria and Required Documentation

First-Year Applicants

You are considered a first-year student if you have never attended college after high school graduation. If you have taken college courses BEFORE high school graduation – regardless of the number of credit hours – you are still considered a first-year student.

  • Official high school transcript(s)
  • SAT or ACT scores Optional (College Board School Code: 0755, ACT Code: 2953) *
  • Two to three letters of recommendation (or form allowing for individual comments) from a school-based counselor or teacher.

*SUNY Poly is SAT/ACT test-optional. SUNY Poly uses a holistic, full-file application review process for both admission and merit-based scholarship consideration. Upon application submission, applicants will be asked if they would like their test scores to be considered for admission.

Transfer Applicants

You are considered an undergraduate transfer student at SUNY Poly if you completed any college credit after high school graduation. If you earned college credit before high school graduation – regardless of the number of credit hours – you are considered a freshman/first-year student.

  • All official college or university transcript(s)
  • An official high school transcript is required for applicants that have completed less than 30 credits

The following additional items may be requested upon further review:

  • SUNY Poly Supplemental Application: will be added to application checklist if needed.

**All enrolling transfer students, per federal mandate, must submit a high school transcript to the Admissions Office as part of the final enrollment process. However, this transcript will only be used as an evaluative tool in the review process if you have completed 30 or fewer college credit hours at the time of application; otherwise, decisions are made solely on the basis of your college record.

How to Send Your Transcripts

Official transcripts from all colleges previously attended, along with a high school transcript showing graduation verification, and all necessary application materials can be sent the following ways:

Mail to:
SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Undergraduate Admissions Office
100 Seymour Road
Utica, NY 13502

Electronic request can be sent to: admissions@sunypoly.edu

Questions? Contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office at (315) 792-7208 or Email at admissions@sunypoly.edu.

Fall Admissions Deadlines

First-Year Applicants

Early Action Admissions

    • November 15– Application Submission Deadline
    • December 1– Application Completion Deadline
    • December 15– Admission Decisions Sent
    • May 1– Deposit Deadline

Regular Admissions

    • January 15– Admission Decisions Begin
    • May 1– Deposit Deadline

Transfer Applicants

    • December 15 – Admission Decisions Begin

Spring Admission Deadlines

Transfer Applicants

    • October 1 – Admissions Decisions Begin
    • December 15 – Application Deadline

Accelerated BS/MS Admission Criteria

Accelerated BS/MS Program in Communications and Media Design and Information Design and Technology

At any time prior to their senior year, CMD students can apply to enter the new accelerated BS/MS program. The joint BS/MS program is a well-integrated program that permits students to complete both a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Media Design, and a master’s degree in Information Design and Technology in a reduced time frame with a reduced total number of total credits. Discover the admission requirements for the BS/MS Communications and Media Design program.

BS/MS Degree Requirements

Completion of the joint BS/MS program requires:

    • A minimum of 145 credit hours, including a minimum of 33 semester hours of graduate study.
    • All specific requirements for both the BS and the MS degrees must be met. Students in the joint program may apply up to six credits of graduate coursework to both the undergraduate and graduate degrees simultaneously.
    • The double-counted coursework will be chosen from the Core and Elective Courses in the graduate program, and up to 6 of these credits may be applied to the undergraduate track electives.
    • The intent of this program option is to allow well-prepared students to finish both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in a reduced time frame.
    • The graduate program is completely online, so students can choose to leave the area after completing the CID requirements and continue taking courses for the MS degree.

Accelerated Computer Science BS/MS

Admission to the BS/MS program may be achieved, and enrollment maintained, in one of the following ways:

  • As an entering freshman; continued enrollment in the joint program requires achievement of grades of B or better in CS 108, CS 240, CS 249, MAT 115 (or MAT 413), and a mathematics elective (calculus, linear algebra, or statistics).
  • Students must have an overall GPA of at least 3.0 at the end of the semester in which the first 60 credits have been completed.
  • Upon initial transfer to SUNY Poly; students must have earned grades of B or better in CS 108, CS 240, CS 249, MAT 115 (or MAT 413), and in a mathematics elective (or in their transfer equivalents), and must have a transfer GPA of at least 3.0.
  • Subsequent to initial enrollment at SUNY Poly; students must receive grades of B or better in those courses (or their transfer equivalents) listed in A) and B) above, have an overall GPA of at least 3.0 for all courses taken at SUNY Poly, and have a GPA of at least 3.2 for courses in their major. Students entering the joint BS/MS program must not have completed more than 94 credit hours toward their Bachelor’s degree, and must be able to complete all requirements for the Bachelor’s degree within the first 124 semester hours earned.

Accelerated Nursing BS/MS (for Professional Registered Nurses)

This program offers qualified registered nurses the opportunity to earn both the BS and MS in Nursing within a shortened time frame. The curriculum combines elements of the BS program with the MS program and streamlines the BS program by substituting specific undergraduate courses with select graduate courses. Full-time study is preferred to proceed through the program at an accelerated pace. Students have the option of selecting from two graduate specialty areas of concentration: Nursing Education or Family Nurse Practitioner. With successful completion of the educational program, the graduate will be eligible to seek advanced practice certification. The RN to BS/MS student will receive both BS and MS degrees upon program completion.

In addition, students requesting admission to the Accelerated RN to BS/MS Program must meet the following requirements:

  • Hold an associate’s degree with a major in nursing from an accredited program, with a minimum 3.2 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) for the last 30 hours of undergraduate course work.
  • Hold a clear and unencumbered license as a Registered Professional Nurse in New York State.
  • Have completed the equivalent of one year of work experience in nursing and must submit an employment verification form that must reflect your most recent 2000 hours of work experience as a registered nurse; use separate forms for each employer needed to reach the total of 2000 hours.
  • Submit two (2) reference report forms from professional nurses; one (1) must come from faculty with whom the applicant had studied, and (1) from recent employers or any other individual who can provide evidence of the applicant’s past and potential contributions to the profession.
  • Provide a completed writing sample. In this document you must discuss in writing precisely the applicant’s reasons for seeking admission to the BS/MS program, identifying professional experiences to date have prepared you for graduate study at SUNY Poly and for your intended professional role upon completion of the program. You must also describe your plans to alter your professional and/or personal obligations to have the time needed for study including the required clinical experiences. In addition, identify one significant contemporary issue/problem in the United States health care system and explore how members of your intended advanced practice role can help address the issue or solve the problem.
  • Participate in a personal interview with a member of the nursing faculty.
  • Submit a professional experience form which details any of your professional research, certification, leadership, or work-related activities.

Accelerated BS/MS Health Information Management and Health Informatics

The accelerated BS/MS in Health Information Management (BS) and Health Informatics (MS) is an exciting opportunity for high-achieving students to complete both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in a shorter amount of time with a reduced number of required credits. Ultimately, the students in our accelerated program save both time and money, setting them up for post-graduation success. Students accepted into the BS/MS program follow the same path to receiving their bachelor’s degree as their BS-only peers; they follow the same undergraduate degree requirements and receive their degree once these required are completed. The benefits of enrolling in the accelerated BS/MS program include higher earning potential, a cost savings, the opportunity to take graduate courses to fulfill undergraduate degree requirements (at the undergraduate course rate,) and the ability to complete the graduate degree requirements in as little as one year.

Interview/Visit

Although an interview is not required for admission, the best way to experience what it’s like to be a SUNY Polytechnic Institute student is to see it for yourself. Prospective and accepted students are encouraged to visit the campus and discuss their educational plans with a member of the admissions staff. Select Schedule a Visit to arrange your visit or interview.

Nontraditional Students

Nontraditional students frequently have different needs than traditional students.  Perhaps you are a veteran transitioning to academic life or maybe you are a working parent with a busy schedule; to learn how to get started on your degree contact us at admissions@sunypoly.edu. Applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Advanced Placement

Administered by the College Board, Advanced Placement (AP) credit may be awarded for courses taken in high school dependent upon the AP exam scores achieved. Students should send an official copy of their scores directly to the Admissions Office. AP credit cannot be used to fulfill SUNY Poly’s requirement for the satisfactory completion of one upper-division writing course. In addition, AP credits in biology, chemistry, environmental science or physics will only fulfill SUNY Poly’s requirement for the satisfactory completion of one laboratory course in the physical sciences when a score of 4 or 5 has been achieved on any of the four AP examinations. Refer to listing of AP examinations and acceptable scores. SUNY Poly College Board Code: 0755.

Declaration of Major

The campus allows first-year students to be admitted as undeclared majors. Students admitted in this manner must complete a Change of Program (pdf) form to declare their major no later than the beginning of their junior year or at the completion of 60 credit hours.

  • All transfer applicants must declare a major at the time of application.

New Student Advisement/Registration

All new degree students are required to receive advisement and register for classes. Specific instructions can be found in their Enrollment Checklist Portal.

International Student Admission 

In addition to the standard admission requirements pertaining to undergraduate study, international applicants must also submit the following materials for admission consideration:

Transcript Evaluation: International applicants may be required to have their transcripts evaluated by an approved credential evaluator to determine the credit equivalencies of previously completed coursework outside of the United States. The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services has an approved list of credential evaluators on their website.

Financial Documents: International applicants must submit the SUNY Poly FSA-4 (pdf) document along with a certified bank statement or affidavit of support. Please contact the International Admissions Office for the required minimum level of financial support that is required at the time of application.

Proof of English Proficiency: International applicants must demonstrate minimum levels of English proficiency through one of the following standardized exams:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
  • PTE Academic (PTE)
  • Duolingo English Test (DET)
  • iTEP

Minimum Acceptable Scores:

  • TOEFL: Internet based score of 79
  • IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0
  • PTE: Overall score of 53
  • DET: Total score of 105
  • iTEP: Overall score of 4.4

International student applications should reflect the student’s name exactly as it appears on their passport. SUNY Polytechnic Institute is authorized under Federal law to enroll non-immigrant students.

Cancellation Policy for English Proficiency Exams

For Applicants
If SUNY Poly receives notification of an invalid English proficiency score for an international applicant, the applicant should submit a new, valid, official test score.  Any application with a canceled score will be considered incomplete until SUNY Poly is in receipt of a new, valid, official test score or other acceptable proof of English proficiency.

For Accepted Students
If SUNY Poly receives notification of an invalid English proficiency score for an accepted applicant, the offer of admission will be withdrawn.  To gain admission, the applicant should submit a new, valid, official test score or other acceptable proof of English proficiency meeting SUNY Poly’s minimum requirements by the prescribed application deadlines.

For Enrolled Students
If SUNY Poly receives notification of an invalid English proficiency score for an international student who has already arrived in the United States or is currently enrolled, his/her records will be reviewed and it will be determined if the student should submit a new test score, if a new test score should be waived, or if the student should be removed from the program.

Students with Accessibility Needs

SUNY Poly does not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities in admissions or in access to programs. See Services for Students with Disabilities section.

Readmission

Readmission is required if a student was previously matriculated but has been out for at least three consecutive semesters of study at SUNY Poly.  It is also required for students who withdraw from all courses and then wish to enroll for the following semester.

Students seeking readmission to SUNY Poly must file a Readmission Application (online form) to the Registrar’s Office along with a $30 readmission fee.

Readmission Application Deadlines:

  • Fall:  August 1
  • Spring:  December 15

Non-Degree Study

Students may register for coursework at SUNY Poly without being formally admitted to the college, on a non-degree basis. Seats for non-degree students are limited for some courses. Students enrolling in non-degree study must meet minimum academic criteria and have completed the necessary pre-requisites for the coursework to be taken. A non-matriculated application must be filed along with submission of academic transcripts. The application for non-degree study and fee information is accessible via the SUNY Poly website at: sunypoly.edu/non-degree. Contact the Registrar’s Office for deadline dates and fee information.

Distance Learning

The college offers selected courses in distance learning through the SUNY Learning Network (SLN). SUNY Poly continues to offer new courses through this medium each semester. On-line course offerings vary each semester and students should contact the Registrar’s Office for a current listing of courses. Currently undergraduate Health Information Management coursework and programs in Accounting (M.S.), Nursing Education (M.S.), and Technology Management (M.B.A.) are offered on-line. Select arts and science and nursing courses are also available. Online course work is available to both degree and non-degree students in undergraduate areas. Online graduate course work within the Department of Business Management is limited to matriculated students unless special permission is obtained.

Part-Time Studies

Part-time students seeking matriculation into a degree program must be formally accepted by the Admissions Office at SUNY Poly. Refer to section on admissions in this catalog.

Part-time degree students register in the same manner as full-time students during both advance registration and formal registration which are scheduled prior to the beginning of each term. Please consult the academic calendar in the catalog for options and registration dates.

Students with questions about part-time degree study can visit or call the Admissions Office.

Financial Aid for Part-Time Attendance

Matriculated part-time students may qualify for the following types of financial aid:

  • Pell Grant
  • Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant
  • Federal Nursing Loan
  • Perkins Loan (formerly National Direct Student Loan)
  • Federal Direct Loans
  • College Work Study Program
  • Aid for Part-Time Study

Refer to the financial aid information section of this catalog for details.

Graduate Study

SUNY Poly offers graduate degree programs in:

PROGRAM DEGREE
Accounting (Fully Online Program) M.S.
Advanced Technology (Fully Online Program) M.S.
Computational Mathematical Modeling C.A.S.
Computer Science M.S.
Cybersecurity: Network & Computer Security (Fully Online Program) M.S.
Data Analysis (Fully Online Program) C.A.S.
Data Science and Analytics (Hybrid Program with a significant number of online courses) M.S.
Family Nurse Practitioner (Hybrid Program with a significant number of online courses) M.S., Adv. Cert (Post-Master’s)
Forensic Accounting and Valuation (Fully Online Program) C.A.S.
Health Informatics (Fully Online Program) M.S.
Information Design and Technology (Fully Online Program) M.S.
Nursing Education (Fully Online Program) M.S., Adv. Cert (Post-Master’s)
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Fully Online Program) The DNP does have two residency programs in Utica, NY. Classes are online, but the DNP program only, there is a Utica Campus commitment. D.N.P., Adv. Cert (Post-Master’s)
Technology Management (Fully Online Program) M.B.A.

How to Apply

Prospective graduate students should submit the Application for Graduate Admission by July 1 for fall admission or December 1 for spring admission. Graduate Nursing Programs have early application deadlines of February 1st for Family Nurse Practitioner, and April 1st, for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Programs. Degree requirements and admissions procedures vary by program and are detailed in the SUNY Poly Graduate Catalog. Contact the Graduate Admissions Office with questions at graduate@sunypoly.edu or 315-792-7347.

Non-Degree Graduate Study

Students may apply to take graduate courses without formal admission to the degree program, on a space available bases by filing a Non-Matriculated Application. Generally, a maximum of six credit hours is allowed for non-degree study. In some instances, students may choose to continue taking coursework above the six-hour total if permitted, but may not take more than 12 hours before matriculating in their degree program. The maximum number of non-matriculated credits permitted varies from program to program. Graduate coursework taken while in non-degree status may be applicable to the degree program upon formal admission, however, there is no guarantee of credit applicability or admission by completing coursework in non-degree status.