Potsdam Moves Admissions Away From Formula

The State University of New York at Potsdam on Tuesday joined a growing number of colleges ending requirements that all applicants submit SAT or ACT scores, but the announcement was also part of a broader shift in admissions policy. Potsdam has evaluated applicants on a formula based only on test scores and high school grades. Under the new approach, the university will look at a broad range of factors -- including recommendations, essays, the rigor of courses taken -- in addition to grades and (for those who want to submit them) test scores. A statement from Tom Nesbitt, director of admissions, said: “Our research has shown that high school students who have taken a rigorous curriculum, regardless of test scores, have been some of our most successful at SUNY Potsdam."