First Year Students

Admission

In considering your application, we'll look at every thing you have achieved: your academic record, your co-curricular successes, motivation, creativity, and goals. (Skip to the fourth paragraph"Application Procedures," to apply now.)

Recommended Courses

A minimum of 16 high-school units are recommended; 4 English, 4 social studies, 3 natural sciences, 3 mathematics, and 2 foreign language. Specific course work is required for Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Nursing, and Forensic Science. For more details, send e-mail to rscadm@sage.edu or call our admission staff at (518) 244-2217 or 1-888-VERY-SAGE.

Early Action

One of the ways you can apply to Russell Sage is through our Early Action program. Typically, the students who choose to apply to Sage by the deadlines are those students who feel that Sage is one of their top choices. Sage has two options for Early Action For Early Action I, submit your application by December 1 of your senior year. You will hear abou.t your admission status by December 15. For Early Action II, submit your application by February 1 of your senior year. You will hear about your admission status by March 1. Students applying for Early Action should also make an appointment (Sage Sense) with the Office of Financial Aid to talk about financing your education.You can contact the Office of Financial Aid (518) 244-2201

Regular Decision

Students who do not submit their applications prior to February 1 will be notified of their admission decision on a rolling basis after March 1.

Home-Schooled Students

Russell Sage welcomes applications from home-schooled students. Please note the College uses the same criteria to evaluate home schooled applicants as we do for all others. At the same time, we also recognize that home schoolers' academic backgrounds are unique, and therefore, encourage applicants to assist us in gaining an understanding of their college preparation. We ask that home schoolers submit an evaluation of their curriculum and performance along with all other application materials (see below). An interview may be requested in some instances. We encourage you contact the office directly should have any questions or need further clarification. We are always happy to speak with you!

Upton Scholars

The Helen M. Upton Program provides adult women with special opportunities and support as they become Women of Influence at Russell Sage College. Designed for women 25 and older, the Upton Scholars Program was created to acknowledge the particular needs of students beyond the traditional undergraduate age group- and of women who may already be balancing work and family obligations. We understand your issues-and we want to pave the way to success. Please check back to this page for more information about this program!

Title IX Policy

Application Procedures for First Year Students

Please submit the following:

  • A completed application form -

  • If you are using the Common Application, please also submit the Common Application Supplement Form
  • A $30 non-refundable application fee
  • The Secondary School Report, along with an official transcript (and/or General Equivalency Scores) which includes courses currently in progress
  • Scores from either the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT I) of the College Entrance Examination Board or the American College Test (ACT). (Upton Scholars* need not submit score results if they graduated from high school more than five years ago.) SAT or ACT scores are not required for students who rank in the top 20% of their class in a college preparatory program with at least a "B+" grade point average. Please Note: Students who are applying to the accelerated Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy program any of the accelerated degree programs with Sage Graduate School, Rensselaer or Albany Law School must submit SAT or ACT scores.
  • One personal statement of approximately 300 words
  • One personal recommendation from a 11th- or 12-grade teacher (returning women may submit a letter of character reference)
  • One personal recommendation from a school counselor
  • For Theatre/Musical Theatre and Creative Arts In Therapy Students Only: Audition or Portfolio Review

Application Procedures for First Year Home-Schooled Students

  • A completed application form -

  • If you are using the Common Application, please also submit the Common Application Supplement Form.
  • A $30 non-refundable application fee
  • Scores from either the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT I) of the College Entrance Examination Board or the American College Test (ACT). Please Note: Students who are applying to the accelerated Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy program any of the accelerated degree programs with Sage Graduate School, Rensselaer or Albany Law School must submit SAT or ACT scores.
  • One personal statement of approximately 300 words
  • Two recommendations submitted by two teachers or educators (other than the parent)
  • A transcript from a reputable home school correspondence/umbrella program, OR
  • A detailed roster of academic coursework at the secondary level signed by the parent or instructor. The roster summary should include a curriculum list, bibliography, and the title of each course completed. The instructor should also complete the attached transcript evaluation [xls].
  • In some instances, a personal interview may be requested by the Office of Admission
  • For Theatre/Musical Theatre and Creative Arts In Therapy Students Only: Audition or Portfolio Review
  • Home-schooled students are required to submit a certification of graduation, diploma from their home-state, or completion letter from the superintendent of schools at the time of enrollment.

According to the New York State Dept of Education, If the student is beyond the age of compulsory education, and has completed a program of home instruction in compliance with Section 100.10 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, he/she can request that the superintendent of schools of the public school district of residence attest to this, in writing, on district letterhead. This can be shared with college admissions personnel. Please note, however, that the superintendent of schools may, but is under no obligation to, attest to this. Visit the NYSED site for more information.

Russell Sage College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, marital status, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation (preference) or handicap. The College is exempt from sex discrimination requirements with respect to admission under Tit