Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does the AOP application process differ from that of general applicants?

2. How do I apply for admission through AOP?

3. What are the minimal academic standards for AOP admission?

4. Are the application process and admission requirements for EOP and TOP different?

5. After being admitted, are AOP students subject to different requirements than general admit students?

6. Are AOP students academically successful?

7. Can AOP students participate in extra-curricular activities?

8. Does Geneseo provide financial aid? How do I apply for financial aid?

9. I must earn money for college; am I required to attend an AOP summer program in July or August?

10. Where is SUNY Geneseo located?

1. Does the AOP application process differ from that of general applicants?

A. All AOP applicants must complete a SUNY application in order to become a candidate for admission. In order to apply for admission through the state’s Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), the applicant must read and respond to EOP related eligibility questions when completing the SUNY and FAFSA application. TOP applicants should review answers to questions 2 and 4 on this page to determine eligibility for TOP.

B. Although AOP applicants may not satisfy all of the academic standard required for general admission, their potential for academic success at Geneseo will be established through a more in depth examination of their academic history. Supporting and/or verifying documentation will include: a counselor or teacher recommendation; standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, or GED) if applicable: a high school transcript; and a personal essay which discusses high school performance, personal background and general goals. In some cases, an on-campus (or site) interview and/or TOEFL scores will be required.

2. How do I apply for admission through AOP?

After completing the SUNY Application, an applicant will be considered through one of Geneseo’s Access Opportunity Programs if:

Educational Opportunity Program

A. The EOP applicant respond to the EOP eligibility related questions on both the SUNY as well as the FAFSA applications;

Transitional Opportunity Program

A. The applicant appears to satisfy the TOP eligibility requirements stated in questions 3 and 4 on this page and is referred to the AOP Office by the Director of Admission for review;

B. The applicant is uncertain about his/her qualifications for general admission and submits a personal request for a TOP evaluation to Geneseo’s Director of Admission.

All AOP Applicants

EOP applicants should contact the Access Opportunity Programs Office (585) 245-5725 if an “AOP Part II” is not received approximately three (3) weeks after submitting the application to SUNY’s Application Processing Center.

Applicants whose credentials have been referred for consideration for the Transitional Opportunity Program (TOP) will be also sent an “AOP Part II”. Please note that the Part II application used by the Office of Admissions cannot be used to substitute for the AOP Part II application.  All applicants are also required to provide additional information specific to AOP, (e.g. an AOP essay, as well as counselor and teacher recommendation (if not already submitted). All requested materials should be returned directly to the AOP Office.

3. What are the minimal academic standards for AOP admission?

A. Freshman: A high school GPA between 80 and 89 for EOP OR 80 and higher for TOP; a combined score of 900 or above on the Critical Reading and Math sections of the SAT, or a minimum score of 20 on the ACT; a score of 2,750 or higher on GED examination. GED recipients are required to provide composite SAT or ACT scores and high school transcripts through their date of separation from high school. All applicants must be high school graduates or GED recipients.

B. Transfer: Ordinarily, a transfer applicant is expected to have completed two full-time semesters at another college and have earned a cumulative grade point average of 2.4 or above to be a serious candidate for admission.

4. Are the application process and admission requirements for EOP and TOP different?

Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)

A. Applicants must check and complete question related to EOP eligibility as outlined on of the SUNY Application and satisfy New York State’s EOP economic guidelines as specified  on the website located here;

B. EOP Transfer Applicant must have been previously enrolled as a participant of EOP, HEOP, SEEK, College Discovery (CD) or designated a Full Opportunity Program (FOP) student at a New York State college/university that does not sponsor one of the above programs.

Transitional Opportunity Program (TOP)

A. Must belong to any under-represented racial group specified in US census designations; OR

B. Must be a recent immigrant of any race who has lived less than six (6) years in the United States but is seeking permanent resident status. Must be classified as an eligible non citizen and have been assigned an Alien Registration Number. Must have scored at least five hundred twenty-five (525) or better on TOEFL and /or have earned a score or 400 or better on the verbal section of the SAT; OR

C. Twenty-five (25) years of age or older of any race who is willing to enroll full-time (twelve or more credit hours) during first two semesters of attendance at SUNY Geneseo; OR

D. An EOP applicant of any race without previous college experience (never officially matriculated) whose household income for the calendar year prior to the academic year of planned entry doesn't exceed current New York State EOP Economic Guidelines by more than 25%. The applicant must provide household income verification (ordinarily the Federal Tax Form 1040) plus complete and return a SUNY Geneseo Educational Opportunity Program Information Form (EOPIF) and submit a copy of their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). All items must be submitted directly to the Office of Access Opportunity Programs (AOP) for review; OR

E. An applicant of any race who resides in the same household with a family member (parent or sibling) who was an EOP, HEOP, SEEK or College Discovery participant during the applicants high school career. The family member's participation must be verified using Geneseo's opportunity program verification form.

5. After being admitted, are AOP students subject to different requirements than general admit students?

AOP students are ordinarily not placed into any courses that are not open to all Geneseo students. However, AOP students are expected to adhere to certain guidelines designed to insure a successful and rewarding academic experience at Geneseo. Academic support services (counseling, tutoring and student developmental workshops, etc.) are provided at no cost to AOP students throughout their undergraduate career at Geneseo.

A. AOP freshman must agree to limit their first semester course load to a maximum of four (4) academic courses. In consultation with their AOP counselor, they may increase their course load after their first semester.

B. All AOP students are expected (and in some cases, required), to maintain a continuous relationship with their AOP counselor throughout their academic career at Geneseo.

C. Academic performance will be closely monitored through use of academic progress reports during the first four semesters of study.

D. AOP freshman are required to participate in several AOP sponsored student development workshops during their first semester of study.

E. Selection of first-semester courses will be determined in part on the basis of high school academic credentials and placement tests taken during the summer program.

F. During their first year of study, participation in financial aid and time management advisement, and adherence to specific AOP contract obligations is expected/required of all AOP admits.

6. Are AOP students academically successful?

Over the past ten years, the graduation rate for Geneseo’s AOP students has consistently matched or exceeded the mean graduation rate for all US Colleges/Universities, and graduate degrees have been earned at many of the nation’s most prestigious college/universities in business, medicine, law, education, social sciences and natural sciences. Many AOP students broaden their educational experience by participation in study abroad programs in Africa, Asia, Europe, Central America, etc.

7. Can AOP students participate in extra-curricular activities?

AOP students are active in all phases of college life. In addition to serving in leadership positions in many student organizations, AOP students participate as athletes, artists, and performers (plays and musicals). They also serve as tutors and resident hall assistants (RAs).

8. Does Geneseo provide financial aid? How do I apply for financial aid?

If you are interested in financial aid, please do the following:

A. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To be brought right to their website click here

B. Compete the Express TAP Application (ETA)

All AOP applicants are encouraged to submit a copy of the above (completed) applications to the AOP Office for advisement purposes. Additionally, applicants who are resident aliens should submit a copy of their green cards (both sides) with their AOP Part II.

9. I must earn money for college; am I required to attend an AOP summer program in July or August?

Generally, all AOP freshmen with no college experience, will be expected to participate in Pre-freshmen residential summer program during the months of July and/or August at an approximately cost in the range of $275 - $375 per week for room and board. Participation costs for EOP students will be minimal since the State's Educational Opportunity Program will share costs. In addition to being tested and receiving instruction in specific subject areas, pre-freshmen will be introduced to the college through their AOP counselor and various information sessions that covers topics such as career selection, college survival, time management, financial aid and core requirements. Their AOP Counselor will provide personal attention with academic, financial aid, and course selection/registration matters, as well as, with social, cultural and resident hall matters. Successful completion of the summer activity will confirm final admission for freshman.

Pre-freshmen are typically responsible for their own transportation to and from Geneseo. Personal automobiles use is not permitted during participation in the summer program.

10. Where is SUNY Geneseo located?

Geneseo is a village (pop. 7,000) located in the Genesee Valley of the Finger Lakes region in Western New York. The campus sits on a hillside overlooking the valley.

In many ways, Geneseo combines the best of two worlds; we’re close to major cities, Rochester and Buffalo, and yet enjoy the scenic beauty and recreational opportunities of the Finger Lakes region. Letchworth State Park, Conesus Lake, Bristol Valley and Swain ski areas are just some of the recreational areas within a few miles of the campus.

For more information, contact:

Director of Access Opportunity Programs (AOP)
Blake C-119
SUNY Geneseo
1 College Circle
Geneseo, N.Y. 14454
(585) 245-5725; Fax: (585) 245-5720

gantt@geneseo.edu -- Calvin J. Gantt, Director, AOP