 Academics at Fredonia |
SUNY Fredonia has received 6,663 applications from prospective freshmen, surpassing its previous record of 6,623 set last year. In addition, it has seen an even more impressive rise in applications — and deposits — from college-bound transfer and minority students.
The university has reached its fall semester freshman class of target of 1,125 students. Applications in select undergraduate programs are still being accepted, although students are encouraged to contact the admissions office immediately to inquire. Graduate student applications are accepted through the first week of August.
“We are definitely in the home stretch with our freshman class, and we encourage those students who have been accepted and hope to attend this fall to reserve their spots with deposits right away,” Admissions Director Christopher Dearth said. “Orientation and registration programs begin in late June.”
SUNY Fredonia has also received a five percent increase in applications from students seeking to transfer to the university, Mr. Dearth confirmed, with more than 1,400 applications received to date, and more than half of those who have been accepted already placing deposits – the highest transfer yield Fredonia has ever experienced.
“Many more transfer students – whether they are wrapping up a community college experience or coming to us from another four-year institution — are recognizing the academic pedigree and exceptional affordability that SUNY Fredonia offers,” Dearth added. June 1 is the deadline for deposits from transfer students.
Similarly, the campus has seen a greater number of minority students applying for freshman and transfer enrollment, as well as an increase in minority deposits.
“We saw a nearly 12 percent jump in applications from freshman minority students and a 17 percent rise from minority transfer students from a year ago,” Dearth confirmed. “Both of these statistics are also records for our campus, which is especially satisfying because we have made a concerted effort to reach out to these students and show them the unique opportunities which SUNY Fredonia can provide them.” Minority deposits are growing at an even higher rate, with a 20 percent increase from admitted freshman and a 48 leap from minority transfers.
With applications increasing every year, the popularity of Fredonia continues to climb. The campus hosted 10 percent more visitors this year, with more than 10,000 students and parents attending open houses, Saturday visits and daily information sessions, also a new record for the campus.
“Our campus leaders always provide potential students and their families with an outstanding, welcoming experience when they visit,” President Dennis L. Hefner said. “And the results speak volumes, as 80 percent of students who attended our Accepted Student Reception held earlier this semester have chosen to attend SUNY Fredonia this fall.”
“Fredonia was recently named as a favorite choice by 30 Western New York guidance counselors, and we’ve been featured in some influential surveys, often listed as the first choice among college-bound students. High-achieving students continue to target Fredonia,” Dearth added. “It’s a snowball effect that comes from guidance counselors learning about our programs and reputation. New majors in Sport Management, Journalism and Music Business have also made a difference.”
At roughly 5,700 students, SUNY Fredonia is the third-largest university in Western New York, although the administration prides itself on the fact that few people come away from its campus with a large-school feeling. Fredonia is home to a world-renowned School of Music, one of the most respected colleges of Education in the country, and over 100 degree programs in the liberal arts, natural and social sciences, communication, mathematics and business. SUNY Fredonia also features cutting-edge programs in the emerging fields of communication disorders, technology and service. SUNY Fredonia earned the 14th spot among Top Public Universities in the North in the 2009 edition of “America's Best Colleges,” published by U.S. News & World Report. The university has continually been among this survey’s selective rankings since 1989.
The Admissions Office offers campus tours and information sessions daily to interested students and their families. To learn more, call (800) 252-1212 or visit www.fredonia.edu/admissions.
