Educational Opportunity Program

What is the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)?

EOP is a special admissions program that believes in students and their potential for success. We consider students whose high school performance levels are not considered acceptable through traditional admissions. EOP admission to SUNY Cortland is designed for motivated New York State residents who are economically disadvantaged but show the potential to obtain a college degree.

EOP students are enrolled in the same degree-granting programs as the traditionally admitted student. EOP students will be provided with individualized support including tutoring, as well as academic career and personal counseling, in order to ensure their academic success. In addition, EOP students receive financial aid to help with the cost of room, board, tuition, books and personal expenses.

Who is Eligible to be an EOP Student?

To be eligible for admissions to EOP you must be:

• A New York State resident for 12 months prior to enrollment;
• Ineligible for admission under traditional standards, but demonstrate potential for completing a college program; and
• In need of financial assistance within established income guidelines. Please refer to the SUNY Viewbook or the SUNY Web site for more information about the income guidelines.

In selecting students for the program, priority is given to applicants from historically disadvantaged backgrounds. If in the year prior to enrollment your family income falls within EOP guidelines due to unemployment, separation, divorce or death of a parent, etc., you may still not qualify for EOP if you are not from a historically disadvantaged background.

What Are The Benefits Of EOP?

EOP provides strong academic support and significant financial aid support, as well as personal contact with EOP Counselors. EOP students enroll in the same course work as traditionally admitted students. EOP students have additional resources at their disposal, such as:

• A pre-freshmen summer instructional program called the Summer Institute.
• Strong encouragement and support to integrate yourself into student leadership roles at the College. Such experience will augment your classroom knowledge and will better prepare you for leadership roles you will encounter during your life as professional in your community.
• A structured program throughout your college career, which includes counseling, and other support assistance—like information on internships and guidance on application for graduate school, employment, etc. We also have strong linkages to other parts of the College that can provide important information to assist you in making important decisions on your future.
• A tutoring component that can offer you free, unlimited tutoring in any course in which you enroll throughout your time at SUNY Cortland. The program’s tutoring support is in addition to any programs at the college that provide academic support to SUNY Cortland students in general.
• Counseling, educational techniques, and other programs to enhance retention and progress towards graduation.
• Financial assistance supplementing generally-available financial aid, which will help subsidize the cost of books, room and board, and other necessary items.

The Summer Institute

Enrollment in and successful completion of the Summer Institute (SI) is a requirement for all new, entering SUNY Cortland EOP freshmen. The SI generally lasts five weeks and during that time you will make the transition from your high school experience to becoming a SUNY Cortland freshman student.

You will live in a residence hall, eat in a dining facility and attend classes. Upper-level SUNY Cortland students will live on your residence hall, attend classes with you everyday and provide you tutoring (seven days a week) in courses you are taking during the SI. Spending several weeks at SUNY Cortland during the summer will closely approximate the daily independent living experience typical for a SUNY Cortland student.

Other than the cost of personal daily living expenses and traveling to the SI and returning home at the end of the SI, the Summer Institute will cost you nothing. EOP will pay for your lodging, food, books, and classes during the Summer Institute.

Directions For Applying To EOP

Freshmen Admissions

1. Be sure that your high school transcripts are mailed from your high school guidance office. Please send mid-year grades once they are available.
2. Submit testing scores form either the ACT or SAT exams.
3. Complete and return the SUNY Cortland Supplemental Application.
4. Complete a personal statement or essay.
5. Submit a letter of recommendation (two are preferred).
6. Complete the yellow Family Questionnaire which will be mailed once you have been identified as an EOP applicant.
7. Submit all financial documentation requested by the Family Questionnaire and the Financial Aid Office.

Only complete applications are considered for admission to the program. All financial documentation requests must be met or your application will be considered incomplete!

Transfer Admissions

You are eligible for EOP as a transfer student provided you have been enrolled in EOP, College Discovery, HEOP (Higher Education Opportunity Program), SEEK (Search for Education, Elevation and Knowledge) or a similar program at your previous college. If your previous college did not have an EOP or similar program, you may be considered for transfer eligibility and should notify the college to which you are transferring.

• Submit college transcripts from all colleges you have attended.
• Complete and return the EOP Verification Form. *Needs to be completed by the first college you attended.
• Submit an official copy of your final high school transcript.
• Submit a financial aid transcript from your current college.