For the fourth consecutive year, various SUNY institutions have opened their admission applications, enabling prospective students to apply to up to five SUNY colleges at no cost. As a result of this initiative, SUNY Cortland has received over 14,000 applications this year.
The Free Admission Weeks 2025 started on Oct. 20 and ended on Nov.3. During those days, prospective students who wanted to apply to different SUNY campuses, were able to do so through ApplySUNY website or the Common App, at no cost at all. This initiative provided a new opportunity for students to apply to up to five schools in general, increasing their opportunities to start their college years and set the path to a successful future career.
“Free Application Week is a great initiative by SUNY and Governor Kathy Hochul to make college education in New York more accessible,” explained the Director of Admissions and Enrollment Planning at SUNY Cortland, Jose Feliciano ’98 M.S., Ed. ’01. “Without the barrier of an application fee, more students from all backgrounds can now consider Cortland and start the path to join our Red Dragon family.”
Paige Crittela, the Senior Admissions Advisor and Campus Visit Coordinator at SUNY Cortland explained that with this initiative, SUNY Cortland’s application pool throughout the years has significantly increased, and that last year alone, the university received 18,000 applications total overall.
“SUNY Free Application Week encourages more students to explore the amazing campus community and programs that SUNY Cortland has to offer,” said Justin Wainwright ‘23, SUNY Cortland Admissions Advisor and Alum. “As an Admissions Advisor and alumni, it’s been exciting to see students take advantage of this opportunity to start their journey with us and picture themselves as future Red Dragons.”
The Admissions Office cannot determine if prospective students first apply to SUNY Cortland because of interest or waived fees. However, the steps taken after applying, such as touring the campus and engaging with the Cortland community, play a crucial role in their final decision to choose Cortland.
“By taking a tour of Cortland, prospective students gain a glimpse of Cortland’s version of the SUNY experience,” said Joshua Osae, a Tour Guide senior majoring in Exercise Science. “The tours provide the ability for current students to share unique insights and advise prospective families on the next steps in the college search process.”
Giovanna Valeriano, a senior majoring in Speech and Hearing Science and a Tour Guide, added to that by sharing her own experience.
“When I was a senior in high school, I toured SUNY Cortland three different times before deciding to commit,” said Valeriano. “Campus tours are the perfect way for prospective students to truly picture themselves as part of the Cortland community as well.”
Another way of discovering what SUNY Cortland has to offer is by attending Open Houses. The last one happened on Nov. 11 and, where over 817 prospective students registered to attend the event. The next Open House will be held in April and will serve as a welcome home for all accepted students.
“There’s a little bit of pressure sometimes, but a good pressure,” Crittela admitted. “We’re consistently hearing from parents and students who tell us Cortland is their top choice. That makes the work exciting. This is such an important step in their lives, and our goal is to make families feel welcomed, supported, and at ease throughout the process.”