SUNY New Paltz | Graduate Recruitment

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Graduate Admissions Overview & FAQs

Graduate Admissions Advising

The Office of Graduate Admissions at SUNY New Paltz is committed to helping students navigate the path to graduate study with confidence. We provide individualized guidance on selecting the right program for you, completing the application, and understanding requirements, deadlines, and admission cycles. Prospective students can meet with our staff in person or online to ask questions and receive personalized support. In addition, we also offer monthly Graduate Admissions Workshops to share valuable information about programs and the application process. Program specific information sessions and apply now events are offered throughout the year and can be found on our events page. You may also schedule an online admissions advisement meeting. Our goal is to make applying to graduate school as clear and accessible as possible, ensuring every student feels supported from inquiry to enrollment.

Applying to a graduate program

How do I start an application to a graduate program at SUNY New Paltz?

All applications should be submitted and completed online
https://admissions.newpaltz.edu/portal/gr_app_landing_page.

Where do I find application deadlines?

A graduate program may have a specific deadline to review completed applications. Review the graduate catalog program page, you will find any specified deadline information under the admission requirements tab. If there is no deadline posted, your program may be on a rolling admissions cycle. Graduate applications for all programs open on August 1 each year for all upcoming terms—spring, summer, and fall of the following year. Feel free to contact the office of Graduate Admissions for application and admission deadlines.

New applications may be started and submitted during these periods, unless the program has closed applications. Check specific admission deadlines in our graduate catalog.

Spring Admissions: August 1 – January 1

Summer Admissions: August 1- June 15 (summer classes start in May, June and July)

Fall Admissions: August 1- July 31

The Application Process

Step 1: Choose your Program of Interest

Review our program offerings through our webpage, https://www.newpaltz.edu/graduate/. Click on the program details for an overview of the program and departmental contact information. Select your program. Keep in mind the degree, title and major code, requirements and any deadlines to make sure you are applying to the correct program. Review the admission requirements for the program you intend to apply to before you create an application. If you need assistance in determining which program path is best for you, please reach out to Graduate Admissions for assistance. Schedule an appointment using this link.

Step 2: Start your application

You will need to create an account using an email address and password. Once you create an account, you may apply to as many programs of interest using this log in. You will also need it to access your applicant portal once you submit your application.

Step 3: Complete and submit your application

Application requirements and deadlines vary by program. Review our Graduate Catalog or Program Details link on the department site for this information. It is important to click the submit box at the end of your application for the system to create your application portal and checklist items required according to your selected program. You will be able to upload checklist items and request recommendations in your applicant portal, not your application.

Step 4: Pay your $60 application fee

A non-refundable $60 application fee is required for each application you submit.

In general, we do not grant application fee waivers. If you have a financial hardship, we may review your request for the fee waiver if you qualify under the following circumstances:

You must be a U.S. citizen or current permanent resident to be eligible for the graduate admissions application fee waiver. There are two ways in which you may qualify for an application fee waiver:

You can demonstrate financial need.
You are a current participant in certain programs that qualify for a fee waiver.

Financial Need

Financial need is determined by the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) number listed on your Student Aid Report (SAR), or by the Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) on your tax return; annual family income cannot exceed the maximum AGI listed in the Family Income Guidelines chart.

Required Documentation to Demonstrate Financial Need

A statement of need from a financial aid officer at the college or university that you are currently attending. This statement must include your Estimated Family Contribution (EFC), the financial aid officer’s signature, and your signature verifying that the information reported is correct.
Photocopy of your current Student Aid Report (SAR). The SAR is generated from the information that you provide on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form and includes your EFC. Do not submit a copy of your FAFSA.
A copy of your most recent Federal Income Tax return. Provide either your Form1040, if listed as an independent, or a copy of your parent’s or guardian’s current Federal Tax Return, if listed as a dependent.
All documents must be submitted with your request for an application fee waiver to the Director of Graduate Admission by email at gradadmissions@newpaltz.edu.

Step 5: Upload checklist items to your applicant portal

(EXCEPTION: Unofficial transcripts can ONLY be uploaded in the Academic History section of your application before you submit).

Be sure to upload all additional materials to your online application before the submission deadline. Applications that are missing materials are considered incomplete. Please apply as early as possible to be sure you are considered for scholarships, assistantships and fellowships available.

TRANSCRIPTS

Transcripts: Applicants are required to submit all transcripts from every college and university attended. Enter each school in the Academic History section of your application to populate in the checklist. A delay in processing your application will occur if courses are listed on your bachelor’s transcript from another institution you have not provided a transcript for. Admitted students are required to send official transcripts. Official transcripts are defined as transcripts received directly from the institution electronically or by sealed envelope through the mail. Official transcripts must be received by mid semester of the start term. IMPORTANT NOTE: Applicant can only upload their unofficial transcripts before submitting the application. Official transcripts are required once your applicant portal is created. SUNY New Paltz students should upload their a copy of their transcript in the academic history section. To access your transcripts, go to my.newpaltz.edu>Academic>Unofficial Transcript.
International Students: Some departments may require you to obtain a transcript evaluation from a third-party company. If your checklist requires a NACES evaluation, you will need to request a course-by-course evaluation with GPA/Degree equivalency. We accept all www.NACES.org member evaluations. Review our international admissions requirements and deadlines, international admissions requirements. Indian applicants will need to provide official transcripts and Provisional Certificate or Degree Certificate by the start of the semester.

Transcripts can be mailed to:

Office of Graduate Admissions
SUNY New Paltz
100 Hawk Drive, Hopfer Admissions Center
New Paltz, NY 12561

Or emailed to: admissions@newpaltz.edu
Note: SUNY New Paltz students and alumni do not need to submit an official transcript from SUNY New Paltz.

GRADUATE ADMISSION ESSAY

If your program has a specific essay prompt, you will see the prompt in your applicant portal.

A graduate admissions essay should provide your name, be typed, double-spaced, and between 400-500 words. Since your essay provides us with a sample of your writing, it should reflect authenticity, organization, writing style and mechanics. You may want to address the following:

How has your previous experience contributed to your decision to enter the program?
How will graduate study assist you in achieving your future career and educational aspirations?
What has inspired you to pursue a graduate degree- different career pathway?
What are your goals in the program? Professionally?

e.g.,The CAS School Leadership program has specific essay guidelines as follows: You are requested to provide a coherent essay reflecting on any of the following standards: An essay that addresses the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders. Write an essay that speaks to your experience and how your experience translates in the standards. The essay should be typed, double spaced and between 4-6 pages. Each standard is not required to be covered. Choose standards that are most meaningful to you.

DIGITAL PORTFOLIO INSTRUCTIONS (If applicable)

When uploading your portfolio, include a minimum of 20 images, the majority of which must be in the major field to which application is made.

Please note that we require a minimum of 12 individual pieces; additional detail photographs and installation documentation can be included. You may either upload videos or include external links to videos as part of your portfolio. Each work sample must be labeled with the title of work, medium, size, and date. Images can be labeled and ordered as they are uploaded. For good image quality and fast upload, we recommend jpeg images no larger than 1280 x 1280 pixels @ 72 ppi.

Each image should document a finished work, or present a detail or alternate view of a finished work. Please do not submit composite images that include explanatory text, preparatory drawings and comparisons with other pieces. Our online portfolio includes a label section and we encourage you to provide more details and context about your work there and in your artist statement.

VERIFICATION OF EMPLOYMENT (CAS School Leadership Programs)

Request a letter from your Human Resources office on official school district letterhead to include your full name, and dates of employment. If you have less than three years at your current institution, you may request this from your former school in addition. Once received you can upload this letter to your applicant portal.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

Choose professors, supervisors, managers that know you well and can attest to your intellect, abilities, and strengths. Personal recommendations will not be considered. You will need to provide contact information for your references in the Graduate Application portal, which is created after you submit your application.

After submitting your application, your checklist will show the number of references that are required. The hyperlinks in the checklist will bring you to the recommendations page where you will enter contact information for your recommenders.
Each recommender will be sent an email with instructions for submitting your recommendation letter. You can re-send reminder emails from the recommendation page of your portal, if necessary.
FERPA Rights: Choosing to waive your right to see the report allows your recommender to give their most honest opinion about you without worrying that you will see what they said. Choosing not to waive your right to view the report could sway how your recommender talks about you and could potentially compromise their recommendation.

CERTIFICATIONS

Initial Certification for Teachers: Documentation of pending status through a scanned copy of your certificate or screenshot of your TEACH Account showing your name, upcoming testing documentation or if pending status, upload a word document stating you are currently in process applying for initial NY State Teacher Certification through your undergraduate program. Once you receive certification, provide the copy to your academic advisor and the Office of Graduate Admissions for your file.

Professional certification: A copy of your certificate or license is sufficient. If you are conditionally admitted based on evidence of certification, submit the copy to your academic advisor and the Office of Graduate Admissions by mid-point in your first semester, if possible or by the time you meet degree requirements for graduation.

Employer Verification: Request a currently dated verification letter from your Human Resources office on letterhead with your full name, dates of employment and position.

TEST SCORES

We accept electronic submissions of official test scores directly from the vendor. Check your online application portal to see which test scores are required, if applicable. It may take a few weeks for the testing agency to process your order and deliver your scores to SUNY New Paltz. International students submitting IELTS scores: Please provide a TRF number to help expedite the process of locating your IELTS score to your application. This can be sent to gradadmissions@newpaltz.edu.

Academic Test	Request
GRE	Use Institution Code 2541
GMAT	Select State University of New York (SUNY New Paltz)
TOEFL	Use Institution Code 2541
IELTS	Select State University of New York (SUNY New Paltz)
PTE	Select State University of New York (SUNY New Paltz)
Duolingo	Select State University of New York (SUNY New Paltz)

Step 6: Admission Decision

Once your application is complete and all required materials have been received, it will move forward for review by the academic department. You can log in to your applicant portal at any time to check the status of your application and view where it is in the review process.

When an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email notification prompting you to log in to your applicant portal to view your decision letter. If you are admitted, you will receive additional emails outlining your next steps.

Review timelines vary by program. While we understand you are eager to receive a decision, some departments begin reviewing applications as they are completed, while others wait until after the application deadline has passed before beginning the review process. As a result, it may take several weeks for a decision to be made.

To ensure you receive important updates, add @newpaltz.edu email addresses to your contacts or safe sender list, and be sure to check your spam or junk folder regularly.

International Student Acceptance

Once you have been accepted your application will be reviewed by our Center for International Programs. We cannot issue your Certificate of Visa Eligibility until this review is complete. Official transcripts/evaluation is required for your application file after your visa is approved.

To be eligible for an I-20 or DS-2019 you will need to provide the following items in addition to the academic documents. These should be uploaded electronically along with your other application materials:

Financial form. Download the financial form for your program of study and follow the instructions carefully. You and the person(s) who will be paying your tuition should sign this form.
Bank statement. To apply for your student visa, you need to provide bank statements showing you and your sponsor(s) have enough money to pay your first year’s total costs. Learn more about cost of attendance for international students.
Current U.S. immigration documents. If you are already in the United States on a visa, we will need copies of your current immigration documents. These may include:

I-20
Visa
Receipt/approval notice from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Any legal documents pertaining to your immigration status.

If your application is in proper order, the Center for International Programs will begin to prepare your Certificate of Visa Eligibility. Any questions regarding your visa or documents required, please contact the Center for International Programs at intl@newpaltz.edu.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS

Applications are reviewed only after all required application materials have been received. It is the applicant's responsibility to monitor their applicant portal and submit all required documents by the applicable deadline.

If all required materials are not received by the program's deadline, your application may be closed for the requested term. Applicants who still wish to be considered for a future term will need to submit a new application. At your request, any checklist items already received may be moved over to the new application.

You can monitor the status of your application and any outstanding checklist items by logging into your applicant portal. If you have questions about what is required, please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions before the application deadline.

Additionally, Graduate Admissions will close incomplete applications at the end of the cycle. You will need to create a new application for a new start term. Transcripts submitted will automatically be moved over to your new application. If there are other materials you'd like moved over, they can be moved over administratively by request to gradadmissions@newpaltz.edu.

NON-DEGREE (Non-Matriculated) GRADUATE STUDENT REGISTRATION

Students wishing to enroll as non-matriculated (non-degree) graduate students during the fall or spring semester may register only on or after the date specified in the academic calendar. Registration for summer and winter sessions opens according to the published registration schedule.

Non-matriculated graduate students may complete a maximum of 9 graduate credits.

If you later apply and are admitted to a graduate degree program, any coursework completed while enrolled as a non-matriculated student is considered transfer credit. In accordance with SUNY New Paltz policy, no more than 9 graduate credits completed in non-matriculated status may be transferred toward your graduate degree, subject to program approval.

Please note that course enrollment is subject to availability and is always at the discretion of the Academic Department.

*Non-matriculated students are not eligible for federal financial aid.

There is a $25 non-refundable application fee for non-matriculated students. Click here to complete the Non-Matriculated application. Click here for more detailed information.

WITHDRAW APPLICATION OR DECLINE ADMISSION

If you no longer wish to be considered for admission or have decided to enroll at another institution, we ask that you notify the Office of Graduate Admissions as soon as possible.

Applicants may withdraw their application at any time before an admission decision is made. Admitted students who choose not to enroll should decline their offer of admission by notifying the Office of Graduate Admissions via email. This allows us to update our records and communicate more effectively with applicants on our waitlists, where applicable.

DEFERRAL POLICY FOR ADMITTED STUDENTS

Graduate program acceptance and matriculation is for the semester indicated in the student’s acceptance letter. Students who do not enroll in the semester for which they are accepted forfeit their place in the program. Students who seek to defer admission should contact their departmental advisor for their policy on deferrals before the start of the semester. If the policy applies, student should pay their enrollment deposit and complete the request for deferral form found in their applicant portal for approval. If approved, the deferral will reinstate your acceptance for the term noted on the deferral form. However, granting this request remains at the discretion of the program. After one academic year, it will be necessary to reapply.

Graduate Admissions

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