POTSDAM -- SUNY Potsdam has seen a spike in applications for admission, with a marked increase in the number of prospective students applying to the college.

Applications are at a three-year high for SUNY Potsdam, with an 11.5 percent increase in the number of freshman undergraduate applications and a 2.6 percent increase in transfer applications, according to a recent SUNY report. Graduate applications are also slightly up this fall, coming off a strong year for enrollment.

"We are so proud that SUNY Potsdam has maintained strong application numbers for the past three years running, including a marked increase this fall," President Dr. Kristin G. Esterberg said. "What better time than our bicentennial year for students and families to come see all SUNY Potsdam has to offer? With 200 years of educational excellence behind us, we look forward to welcoming our next class of students as we enter our third century."

The positive growth in applications puts SUNY Potsdam in the top tier for student interest among all comprehensive colleges in the SUNY system. In the comprehensive sector, applications are down overall, having decreased by 15.1 percent on average.

SUNY Potsdam has recently added several new programs, including new undergraduate majors in exercise science, international studies, and graphic design and new media (with both a BA and a competitive BFA track to choose from). In addition, the college added a new Master of Science degree program in community health last year, and now offers a certificate of advanced study in inclusive and special education.

The undergraduate and graduate admissions teams at SUNY Potsdam focus on an individual approach to recruiting students, getting to know applicants, making personal connections and providing them with the information they need, when they need it.

SUNY Potsdam will host two open house events. Decision Day will be held on Saturday, March 19, and is only open to accepted high school seniors and transfer students. On Saturday, April 23, the college will offer a Decision Day and Junior Preview Day. This open house will be open to accepted high school seniors, transfer students and prospective high school juniors. During open houses, students and families can experience campus tours, meetings with faculty and administrators, special interest sessions and lunch. To register for an open house, visit www.potsdam.edu/about/visit/OpenHouse.cfm.

Transfer Visit Days will be offered on Monday, March 21 and on Monday, April 18. Prospective transfer students will be able to tour campus, meet professors, sit in on a class and have lunch on campus. To register, visit www.potsdam.edu/about/visit/transfervisitdays.cfm.

Prospective students who can't make an open house event are encouraged to schedule an individual campus visit, with a comprehensive tour of campus and an interview with an admissions counselor. To schedule an individual campus visit, contact the Office of Admissions by calling 267-2180, or emailing visit@potsdam.edu.

To visit or schedule a virtual information session to learn about the master's degree programs offered at SUNY Potsdam, contact the Center for Graduate Studies, at 267-2165 or visit www.potsdam.edu/current/GradStudies/visit.cfm.