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, 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, and we also offer 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.   

Step 1: Select 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. If you are unsure of which program you should apply to, reach out to the office of Graduate Admissions for assistance. 

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: Submit your application

Application requirements and deadlines vary by program. Review our Graduate Catalog or Program Details link for the specific program on the Graduate Admissions webpage for this information.  

It is especially important to click the submit box at the end of your application for the system to create your application portal and generate checklist items required according to your selected program. You will be able to upload checklist items, pay the application fee, 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: 

  1. You can demonstrate financial need. 

  1. 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: Complete your application

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.

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

Step 6:  Decision 

Only completed applications move forward for review and a decision.  You may log into your portal for application updates and status at any time.  Some Graduate programs vary when they start the review process for their cohorts.  Depending on when a completed application is submitted, it may take a few weeks for a decision to be processed.  Once a decision is released, you will be notified by email to log into your portal for information about your admission status.  You will receive next step emails thereafter. 

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: Applicants can only upload their unofficial transcripts before submitting the application. Official transcripts are required once your applicant portal is created.

  • International Students: If your degree was earned in a foreign country, you will be required to obtain a transcript evaluation from a third-party company (NACES member). 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.  

Transcripts can be sent to: 

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

          Electronically: gradadmissions@newpaltz.edu 

Note: SUNY New Paltz students and alumni do not need to submit an official transcript from SUNY New Paltz. Graduate Admissions processors will upload it for you. 

Official 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. Keep in mind, it may take a few weeks for the testing agency to process your order and deliver your scores to SUNY New Paltz.  Our institution code is 2541. 

International students submitting IELTS scores: Please provide a TRF number to help expedite the process of verifying your IELTS score for your application. This can be sent to gradadmissions@newpaltz.edu.  

Essays 

If your program has a specific essay prompt, you will see the prompt in your applicant portal.  If there is no prompt, your essay should be about 500 words, typed and saved as a pdf document and should reflect what prompted you to pursue a graduate program, what inspires you and your goals in the program and beyond. 

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. You should 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 meaningful to you.  

Letters of Recommendation 

Some graduate programs have specific guidelines for recommendations.  You should review the admission requirements for your selected program before selecting your references. Choose academic references such as professors, and professional references such as supervisors, or managers that know you well and can attest to your intellect, abilities, and strengths. Personal recommendations will not be considered. References are submitted directly by your recommender electronically.  You will submit contact information for your references in the Graduate Application portal, which is created after you submit your application. Be sure to submit the organization email address for your reference and not their personal email address.   

  • After submitting your application, your checklist will list the number of references that are required. The hyperlinks in the checklist will bring you to the recommender contact page where you will enter contact information for your recommenders. 

  • Each recommender will be sent an email with instructions for submitting your recommendation. You can re-send reminder emails from the recommendation page of your portal if necessary. 

  • FERPA Rights: Choosing to waive your right to review 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. 

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, position and dates of employment.  If you have less than three years at your current institution, you may also request this from your former institution to add to your application portfolio. Once received you can upload this letter to your applicant portal. 

Step 6: Admission Decision 

You must have a completed application for your application to move forward for review. You may log into your portal for application updates and status at any time. Once a decision is released, you will be notified by email to log into your portal for information about your admission status. You will receive next step emails thereafter. 

Application Status

Any updates to your application or admission status will be in your portal.  You can check the status of your application by logging into your applicant portal.  You should add ”@newpaltz.edu” to your email address book or contact list and check your spam/junk folder for important notifications. 

Departments vary when they start their review process.  We know you are eager for a decision and will review your application as soon as possible. Some of our competitive programs only start the review process when the application deadline has passed.  If you have questions or concerns about the status of your application, reach out to the Office of Graduate Admissions.   

Frequently Asked Questions 

Where can I find information about the graduate programs you offer? 

You can find information on our website, https://www.newpaltz.edu/graduate/

How do I apply to a graduate program at your school? 

Our online application system allows you to manage your application process.  Click the Apply Now link you see on our graduate admissions webpage or copy and paste the following URL into your browser, https://admissions.newpaltz.edu/portal/gr_app_landing_page. 

I am an international student, where do I find more information about requirements? 

International students can find more information about deadlines, English language requirements, I-20 tuition amounts and scholarship information on our International Graduate Admissions page.   

Where do I find application deadlines? 

A graduate program may have a specific deadline to review completed applications.  Review the graduate catalog page admission requirements tab for any specified deadlines.  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. 

 New applications may be started and submitted during these periods, unless a specific program has its own deadline. 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     

*International student application deadline for Spring (January) Admission is November 15 and for Fall (August) admission May 15. 

Who can I contact to find out more information about a graduate program and how to apply? 

Contact the office of Graduate Admissions for assistance.  Schedule a meeting with an admissions counselor or send us an email at gradadmissions@newpaltz.edu.  If you prefer to reach out by phone, call us at (845) 257-3200 and ask to speak to a Graduate Admissions Counselor. 

Links to Tutorials and Other FAQs 

International Admissions 

You are an international applicant if a visa is required for you to reside and study in the United States. 

If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who currently lives and studies outside the U.S., you are considered a domestic applicant with foreign credentials. 

In addition to the other application requirements, international students must have: 

  • The equivalent of a 4-year U.S. bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. 

Official Transcripts

International students should be prepared to submit a translation and evaluation of their transcript. We accept translations and evaluations by members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (www.naces.org), including, but not limited to, the World Education Services or Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. Indian applicants are required to submit individual mark sheets of their academic course work. We do not accept consolidated reports.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

Prospective international students for whom English is not the native language, and any applicant whose undergraduate degree is from a country outside of the United States, are required to demonstrate English Language Proficiency. Review the chart below for methods of demonstrating language proficiency. NOTE: Students earning degrees outside of the United States may apply for an English Language Proficiency (ELP) waiver if their entire degree program was conducted in English.

Demonstrating Language Proficiency

Contact the Center for International Programs via e-mail (international@newpaltz.edu ) for information financial documentation, the I-20 process, international student orientation, housing, advisement, and registration. You may also visit our website at https://www.newpaltz.edu/admissions/international/.

International Student Acceptance

If you are offered admission, 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:

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