Next Steps for Accepted Students - SUNY Cortland
Source: http://www2.cortland.edu/admissions/undergraduate/accepted-students
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:19
Next Steps for Accepted Students - SUNY Cortland
Skip to main content
Next Steps
A checklist for future Red Dragons
Congratulations to all #CortlandBound Red Dragons! This page includes step-by-step information for students who will begin their studies in Fall 2026.
Please continue to log in to myRedDragon regularly to check your Cortland email and stay on top of key dates mentioned on this page
.
Step 1: Create your myRedDragon account
SUNY Cortland’
s official
online access system is known as myRedDragon
. This resource can be used to check email, view confidential academic or financial aid information and perform many other important tasks.
Detailed instructions on how to set up your myRedDragon account are included in your acceptance folder.
Accessing student email
: Incoming students should gain access to their SUNY Cortland email the second week of April for students enrolling in fall or the second week of November for students enrolling in the spring.
Step 2: Submit your admission deposit
Accepted students must submit an admission deposit to secure their spot in
SUNY Cortland
’s
entering class as well as a residence hall room for the upcoming semester.
Students accepted for the fall semester should plan to submit their deposit by May 1. Requests for an extension of the deposit deadline can be made by
email
. Students accepted after April 1 or those who will start in the spring semester must submit their deposit within 30 days of the date on their acceptance letter. The deposit fee is waived for students who are accepted into the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) but students must confirm their attendance by logging in to myRedDragon. Questions can be directed to
[email protected]
.
Deposits are not refundable beyond the deposit due date and they can be paid by mail or online.
To pay your deposit online
, log in to your
myRedDragon
account and select the Admissions tab at the top of the page. You will see a link in the middle of the page to submit your deposit. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express are accepted
Step 3: Learn more about campus
Students can learn more or
register online
for current visit opportunities.
Save the date for
Accepted Student Open House
, which is scheduled to take place Saturday, April 11.
Several online resources
also are available.
Step 4: Apply for financial aid
The
FAFSA
process considers students for need-based federal and college-based grants, Work-Study and loans. Students who file their FAFSA by Feb. 1 (or Dec. 1 for spring semester enrollees) receive priority for campus-based federal funding.
SUNY Cortland’s FAFSA code is 002843.
We encourage you to consult with our
Financial Aid Office
about opportunities for funding support and for assistance with the financial aid process.
Step 5: Research scholarship opportunities
SUNY Cortland awards merit-based scholarships to incoming first-year and transfer students. All merit scholarship recipients are notified of their awards their acceptance letters.
Accepted students also can apply for a wide range of endowed scholarships funded by the Cortland College Foundation, the SUNY Cortland Alumni Association and other groups. Many list class year, academic major or grade point average requirements.
The scholarship portal opens Dec. 15 and the deadline to apply is March 1.
More information can be found on
the SUNY Cortland Scholarships page
.
Step 6: Browse extracurricular opportunities
Red Dragons appreciate many ways to stay busy on campus.
More than 90
student clubs and organizations
welcome new members. These groups are rooted in culture, academic interests, performance, social causes, Greek life — almost anything you could imagine.
Our
Undergraduate Research Council
offers opportunities for students to do original, scholarly research under the guidance of respected professors from any discipline. Student researchers present at professional conferences and they author peer-reviewed research papers.
The International Programs Office oversees more than
40 credit-bearing study abroad programs
that range in length from 10 days to an academic year. As a SUNY Cortland student, you also have access to
more than 1,000 study abroad programs
offered throughout the SUNY system.
And approximately 2,500 people per day pass through our state-of-the-art
Student Life Center
, which houses an active
Campus Recreation
program. Students can enjoy an array of fitness and recreation opportunities, more than 60 intramural and sport clubs and unlimited
outdoor pursuits
opportunities.
Step 7: Make preparations for campus housing
Housing assignments are based on the date a room deposit is received, the date the online housing preference form is submitted and any
special-interest housing
indicated on the online housing preference form.
For more information, refer to the
New Students housing
page.
Sample video tours
Alger Hall
(high-rise residence hall with singles, doubles and suites; primarily for returning students and transfer students)
Fitzgerald Hall
(
corridor-style residence hall primarily for first-year students)
Glass Tower Hall
(
quad-style residence hall primarily for returning students)
Fall 2026 Timeline
April 8, 2026
Housing Preference Form instructions for myRedDragon sent
May 1, 2026
Admission deposit due
July 10, 2026
Housing Preference Form
due
Aug. 1, 2026
Hall assignment and roommate information available on myRedDragon
Starting approximately Aug. 27, 2026
Move-in starts for first-year students who have attended Orientation. Please consult the
Residence Life and Housing page
for the most current information.
Step 9: Complete your health forms
Complete health forms online through the Student Health Portal, which is accessed by logging in to myRedDragon. Instructions and requirements can be found on Student Health Service’s
new student page
.
In addition to completing the online forms, students must also submit an official paper copy of their immunization records to Student Health Service. This may be a copy of a prior school
’
s records or those from a primary care provider’s office. Completed records are due as soon as possible. Please note that COVID-19 vaccination information also must be sent to Student Health Service.
Students starting in the fall semester must submit their health forms and immunization records by July 1. Spring semester attendees must complete them by Dec. 1.
For more information, visit the
Student Health Service website
or contact the office, located in Van Hoesen Hall, Room B-26, at 607-753-4811. The office fax number is 607-753-2486.
Step 10: Attend Orientation and register for classes
Advisement and Transition
coordinates Orientation for all new students. These sessions are designed to introduce the services and programs that are vital to a smooth and successful transition to life at SUNY Cortland.
Orientation for students starting in the fall semester occurs in June and July, and all sessions will take place on weekdays. You must register in advance.
During Orientation, you will meet with a faculty advisor, complete the registration process and receive your course schedule. If you are a transfer student or a first-year student who has earned college credits, you also will receive information about your transfer credit evaluation. You must attend a scheduled program in order to register for classes.
Please consult the
Orientation
webpage for the latest updates.
Step 11: Submit final high school transcripts
All final high school and college transcripts should be sent to SUNY Cortland, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 2000, Cortland, NY 13045.
Final transcripts should clearly identify your date of graduation, if applicable.
Step 12: Transfer college credit
Credit from Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and outside college coursework is awarded following the receipt of an official AP or other proficiency transcript. AP scores must be sent directly from the College Board to SUNY Cortland.
To see how test scores or college coursework transfers to SUNY Cortland, consult our
Transfer Equivalency Chart
.
Step 13: Order textbooks and supplies
The Campus Store
sells everything our students need, from Red Dragon merchandise to residence hall essentials. Learn more about
purchasing textbooks
and other course materials.
Learn more about
technology considerations
.
Step 14: Prepare for move-in
New student arrival for students starting in Fall 2026 is expected to begin Aug. 27. Detailed move-in instructions are finalized in early August. Please visit
the
Residence Life and Housing new student page
for the most current information.
Step 15: Pick up your SUNY Cortland ID card
A
SUNY Cortland ID card
is used in many ways – to purchase meals, print or make copies, use laundry facilities and provide access to the residence hall in which a student lives. Students can submit an ID photo online. Instructions on how to submit a photo will be emailed to your Cortland email in the first week of July.
SUNY Cortland ID cards may be picked up at Neubig Hall on move-in day. Students should remember to bring another form of ID when they pick it up.
Step 16: Participate in Welcome Week activities
Many special programs are offered during the first several weeks of school students to familiarize themselves with campus opportunities and meet new friends. Welcome Week activities are finalized in January for the spring semester and August for the fall semester.
Step 17: Start your successful academic career
New students should make note of the complete
Academic Calendar
, which includes important dates and events throughout the year. Fall 2026 classes begin Monday, Aug. 31.
#RedDragonStrong campus resources
SUNY Cortland offers many programs and resources to ensure academic success.
Academic Convocation
First Year Seminar (COR 101)
Non-Traditional Student Services
Multicultural Life and Diversity Office
Residence Life and Housing
Personal Safety Programs
The Learning Center
Student Conduct Office
Campus Safety Report
Contact us
Undergraduate Admissions
Miller Building, First Floor
P.O. Box 2000
Cortland, NY 13045
Email Admissions
Phone: 607-753-4711
Cookie Consent
We use cookies and similar technologies to improve your website experience and help us understand how you navigate our website. By using this site, you agree to our
Privacy Policy
.
Skip to main content
Next Steps
A checklist for future Red Dragons
Congratulations to all #CortlandBound Red Dragons! This page includes step-by-step information for students who will begin their studies in Fall 2026.
Please continue to log in to myRedDragon regularly to check your Cortland email and stay on top of key dates mentioned on this page
.
Step 1: Create your myRedDragon account
SUNY Cortland’
s official
online access system is known as myRedDragon
. This resource can be used to check email, view confidential academic or financial aid information and perform many other important tasks.
Detailed instructions on how to set up your myRedDragon account are included in your acceptance folder.
Accessing student email
: Incoming students should gain access to their SUNY Cortland email the second week of April for students enrolling in fall or the second week of November for students enrolling in the spring.
Step 2: Submit your admission deposit
Accepted students must submit an admission deposit to secure their spot in
SUNY Cortland
’s
entering class as well as a residence hall room for the upcoming semester.
Students accepted for the fall semester should plan to submit their deposit by May 1. Requests for an extension of the deposit deadline can be made by
. Students accepted after April 1 or those who will start in the spring semester must submit their deposit within 30 days of the date on their acceptance letter. The deposit fee is waived for students who are accepted into the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) but students must confirm their attendance by logging in to myRedDragon. Questions can be directed to
[email protected]
.
Deposits are not refundable beyond the deposit due date and they can be paid by mail or online.
To pay your deposit online
, log in to your
myRedDragon
account and select the Admissions tab at the top of the page. You will see a link in the middle of the page to submit your deposit. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express are accepted
Step 3: Learn more about campus
Students can learn more or
register online
for current visit opportunities.
Save the date for
Accepted Student Open House
, which is scheduled to take place Saturday, April 11.
Several online resources
also are available.
Step 4: Apply for financial aid
The
FAFSA
process considers students for need-based federal and college-based grants, Work-Study and loans. Students who file their FAFSA by Feb. 1 (or Dec. 1 for spring semester enrollees) receive priority for campus-based federal funding.
SUNY Cortland’s FAFSA code is 002843.
We encourage you to consult with our
Financial Aid Office
about opportunities for funding support and for assistance with the financial aid process.
Step 5: Research scholarship opportunities
SUNY Cortland awards merit-based scholarships to incoming first-year and transfer students. All merit scholarship recipients are notified of their awards their acceptance letters.
Accepted students also can apply for a wide range of endowed scholarships funded by the Cortland College Foundation, the SUNY Cortland Alumni Association and other groups. Many list class year, academic major or grade point average requirements.
The scholarship portal opens Dec. 15 and the deadline to apply is March 1.
More information can be found on
the SUNY Cortland Scholarships page
.
Step 6: Browse extracurricular opportunities
Red Dragons appreciate many ways to stay busy on campus.
More than 90
student clubs and organizations
welcome new members. These groups are rooted in culture, academic interests, performance, social causes, Greek life — almost anything you could imagine.
Our
Undergraduate Research Council
offers opportunities for students to do original, scholarly research under the guidance of respected professors from any discipline. Student researchers present at professional conferences and they author peer-reviewed research papers.
The International Programs Office oversees more than
40 credit-bearing study abroad programs
that range in length from 10 days to an academic year. As a SUNY Cortland student, you also have access to
more than 1,000 study abroad programs
offered throughout the SUNY system.
And approximately 2,500 people per day pass through our state-of-the-art
Student Life Center
, which houses an active
Campus Recreation
program. Students can enjoy an array of fitness and recreation opportunities, more than 60 intramural and sport clubs and unlimited
outdoor pursuits
opportunities.
Step 7: Make preparations for campus housing
Housing assignments are based on the date a room deposit is received, the date the online housing preference form is submitted and any
special-interest housing
indicated on the online housing preference form.
For more information, refer to the
New Students housing
page.
Sample video tours
Alger Hall
(high-rise residence hall with singles, doubles and suites; primarily for returning students and transfer students)
Fitzgerald Hall
(
corridor-style residence hall primarily for first-year students)
Glass Tower Hall
(
quad-style residence hall primarily for returning students)
Fall 2026 Timeline
April 8, 2026
Housing Preference Form instructions for myRedDragon sent
May 1, 2026
Admission deposit due
July 10, 2026
Housing Preference Form
due
Aug. 1, 2026
Hall assignment and roommate information available on myRedDragon
Starting approximately Aug. 27, 2026
Move-in starts for first-year students who have attended Orientation. Please consult the
Residence Life and Housing page
for the most current information.
Step 9: Complete your health forms
Complete health forms online through the Student Health Portal, which is accessed by logging in to myRedDragon. Instructions and requirements can be found on Student Health Service’s
new student page
.
In addition to completing the online forms, students must also submit an official paper copy of their immunization records to Student Health Service. This may be a copy of a prior school
’
s records or those from a primary care provider’s office. Completed records are due as soon as possible. Please note that COVID-19 vaccination information also must be sent to Student Health Service.
Students starting in the fall semester must submit their health forms and immunization records by July 1. Spring semester attendees must complete them by Dec. 1.
For more information, visit the
Student Health Service website
or contact the office, located in Van Hoesen Hall, Room B-26, at 607-753-4811. The office fax number is 607-753-2486.
Step 10: Attend Orientation and register for classes
Advisement and Transition
coordinates Orientation for all new students. These sessions are designed to introduce the services and programs that are vital to a smooth and successful transition to life at SUNY Cortland.
Orientation for students starting in the fall semester occurs in June and July, and all sessions will take place on weekdays. You must register in advance.
During Orientation, you will meet with a faculty advisor, complete the registration process and receive your course schedule. If you are a transfer student or a first-year student who has earned college credits, you also will receive information about your transfer credit evaluation. You must attend a scheduled program in order to register for classes.
Please consult the
Orientation
webpage for the latest updates.
Step 11: Submit final high school transcripts
All final high school and college transcripts should be sent to SUNY Cortland, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 2000, Cortland, NY 13045.
Final transcripts should clearly identify your date of graduation, if applicable.
Step 12: Transfer college credit
Credit from Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and outside college coursework is awarded following the receipt of an official AP or other proficiency transcript. AP scores must be sent directly from the College Board to SUNY Cortland.
To see how test scores or college coursework transfers to SUNY Cortland, consult our
Transfer Equivalency Chart
.
Step 13: Order textbooks and supplies
The Campus Store
sells everything our students need, from Red Dragon merchandise to residence hall essentials. Learn more about
purchasing textbooks
and other course materials.
Learn more about
technology considerations
.
Step 14: Prepare for move-in
New student arrival for students starting in Fall 2026 is expected to begin Aug. 27. Detailed move-in instructions are finalized in early August. Please visit
the
Residence Life and Housing new student page
for the most current information.
Step 15: Pick up your SUNY Cortland ID card
A
SUNY Cortland ID card
is used in many ways – to purchase meals, print or make copies, use laundry facilities and provide access to the residence hall in which a student lives. Students can submit an ID photo online. Instructions on how to submit a photo will be emailed to your Cortland email in the first week of July.
SUNY Cortland ID cards may be picked up at Neubig Hall on move-in day. Students should remember to bring another form of ID when they pick it up.
Step 16: Participate in Welcome Week activities
Many special programs are offered during the first several weeks of school students to familiarize themselves with campus opportunities and meet new friends. Welcome Week activities are finalized in January for the spring semester and August for the fall semester.
Step 17: Start your successful academic career
New students should make note of the complete
Academic Calendar
, which includes important dates and events throughout the year. Fall 2026 classes begin Monday, Aug. 31.
#RedDragonStrong campus resources
SUNY Cortland offers many programs and resources to ensure academic success.
Academic Convocation
First Year Seminar (COR 101)
Non-Traditional Student Services
Multicultural Life and Diversity Office
Residence Life and Housing
Personal Safety Programs
The Learning Center
Student Conduct Office
Campus Safety Report
Contact us
Undergraduate Admissions
Miller Building, First Floor
P.O. Box 2000
Cortland, NY 13045
Email Admissions
Phone: 607-753-4711
Cookie Consent
We use cookies and similar technologies to improve your website experience and help us understand how you navigate our website. By using this site, you agree to our
Privacy Policy
.