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Freshman FAQ
Admissions questions

Whatever your questions about SUNY Oswego, you'll likely find the answer below, or by visiting one of the links mentioned on this page.

When can I visit SUNY Oswego?
How will Oswego use the SAT or the ACT writing exam component?
If I took the SAT twice, which scores do you consider?
How important are SAT scores? What tests are required?What is your cut-off point?
What do you look at when evaluating an application?
When are applications available?
How much does it cost to attend Oswego?
Is financial aid available?
What merit scholarships does Oswego offer?
Is a separate application required for presidential or merit scholarship consideration?

When can I visit SUNY Oswego?
SUNY Oswego offers year-round campus visits.  Register for a visit online at our  visit page or by calling the Office of Admissions at 315.312.2250 during regular business hours. During a visit, you'll have the opportunity to take a student-guided campus tour and meet with an admissions counselor. Or you could attend one of our many group admissions programs.  To see the list of dates and programs, check our visit page.  
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How will Oswego use the SAT or the ACT writing exam component?
Oswego uses the current SAT Math and Critical Reading (formerly Verbal), as well as the ACT Composite as one of the several variables (high school courses, level of specific courses, grades, rank and supplemental information, among others) to predict college success.  Because both the SAT and the ACT Writing sections were recently revised (March 2005), we do not have a history to indicate how well the writing section variable will help predict college success at SUNY Oswego.  We will not use the writing scores in the admissions selection process for fall 2009.  Over the coming years we will study the predictive value of the SAT writing component to determine its future use at Oswego.  
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If I took the SAT twice, which scores do you consider?
We look at the highest score from each section (even from different dates) to determine your SAT score. Along with the SAT, we also encourage prospective students to consider the ACT. For admissions and scholarship purposes we will consider the highest relative score from either the SAT or the ACT.
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How important are SAT scores? What tests are required? What is your cut-off point?
Either the SAT or the ACT is required for admission and will be used as part of the evaluation process. We have no firm cut-off score, and there is no number that ensures your acceptance. SAT scores are just one source of information about you, not the only one.  
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What do you look at when evaluating an application?
Our admissions process is selective. Everything counts! We look closely at your high school record to see whether you have taken the most challenging courses. We also consider your SAT or ACT scores as well as supplemental information (personal essay, letters of recommendation and resume).  
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When are applications available?
They are available in August of the year before you wish to attend, either from your high school or college guidance office or on the Web. For more information, visit our application page.
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How much does it cost to attend Oswego?
As of 2008-2009, tuition for New York state residents is $4,350 per year with additional room, board and fee charges of approximately $11,519 annually. Additional expenses such as books and personal spending money are not included in these charges. Annual tuition for out-of-state residents is $10,610. For more information, visit our costs and financial aid page.  
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Is financial aid available?
Because we're part of the SUNY system, tuition is very affordable. Even so, nearly 70 percent of our students benefit from the over $65 million in financial aid which can include grants, loans and part-time employment we award annually to our student body. In addition, over $2.5 million in merit scholarships, including prestigious Presidential Scholarships, are available for outstanding freshman students. For more information, see our financial aid section.
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What merit scholarships does Oswego offer?
Oswego offers more than $2.5 million in presidential and merit scholarships for entering freshman and transfer students. These scholarships include:
* $17,600 Presidential Scholarships ($4,400 per year, renewable for up to four years);
* $5,000 Deans' Scholarships ($1,250 per year, renewable for up to four years);
* $2,000 Merit Scholarships ($500 per year, renewable for up to four years);
* $1,000 Transfer Merit Scholarships; (non-renewable)
* $25,560 Residential scholarships for qualified out-of-state U.S. residents (includes double room occupancy charges, approximately $6,390 annually, for up to four years);
* $24,400 International Student Undergraduate Scholarship; international students only ($6,100 annually for up to four years).
For more information, visit our merit scholarship page.  
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Is a separate application required for presidential or merit scholarship consideration?
Students are automatically considered for scholarships by completing the application for admission. No special scholarship application is required.  
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 Last Updated: 7/22/08