Early Admissions

Getting A Head Start

SUNY Schenectady offers an early admission program for students who have completed their junior year of high school and meet our early admission criteria. Accepted students can attend their first year at the College while simultaneously fulfilling high school graduation requirements.

The College has established an Early Admission Program in accordance with State Education Department guidelines to provide selected high school seniors a meaningful experience with opportunities most suited to individual needs and capabilities.

Two options are available following the junior year in high school:

1. The student enrolls full time at SUNY Schenectady before completing formal course work for the diploma at the high school level. An admissions application should be filed along with appropriate recommendations from selected high school personnel.
2. The student retains high school status and has the option of starting at SUNY Schenectady either during the summer session following the junior year in high school, or in September of the senior year. The student will take high school courses concurrently while enrolled as a part-time student at SUNY Schenectady.

All Early Admissions applicants must satisfy the following requirements:

1. Successful completion of the 11th grade;
2. Evidence of a level of academic achievement that promises successful completion of college work. A student being considered for admission to an Associate in Applied Science curriculum must satisfy at least one of the following two criteria:
3. Recommendation from a high school guidance counselor or principal;
4. Completion of an interview involving a parent, student and admissions officer, the purpose of which is to explain the responsibilities and implications of the Early Admissions Program.
5. All students who are admitted as early admission students must take SUNY Schenectady’s placement exam.

The following statements pertain to full-time Early Admissions students:

1. The students will be classified as a matriculated Freshmen.
2. The students must arrange for their SUNY Schenectady transcripts to be sent to the high school last attended so that these grades can be made a part of their permanent record. Successful completion of the freshman year should entitle students to a high school diploma. If they desire that the diploma be granted by their own high school, they must obtain approval prior to their high school graduation, since this decision lies with the local boards of education.
3. The College reserves the right to restrict students to fewer than five courses concurrently, if it is deemed to be in their best interest.
4. Students may take up to five courses at a time, counting those taken concurrently in college and high school.

Financial Aid

Since Early Admissions students are considered to be in college and high school at the same time, Federal regulations state that they are NOT eligible for any form of Federal financial aid (grants or loans).

We are here to help answer any questions you may have. Contact the Admissions Office directly at 518-381-1366 or at admissions@sunysccc.edu.