<p>Buffalo News
Updated: 03/23/09 08:43 AM
FOCUS:SUNY ENROLLMENT</p>
<p>Economy driving record number of applicants to SUNY schools
State schools see sharp increase in application rates, admission standards</p>
<p>With their relatively low costs and solid academic reputations, State University of New York campuses appear poised to enroll many students who in better times would have gone to more expensive private schools. </p>
<p>And since many of those students newly attracted to SUNY have high-flying academic credentials, state schools have been prompted to raise their admission standards. </p>
<p>SUNY received nearly 300,000 applications to its 64 state campuses this year, its largest number ever. </p>
<p>Applications are up nearly 12 percent at Alfred State College, 11 percent at Binghamton University, more than 8 percent at Buffalo State College, 7 percent at the University at Buffalo and as much as 5 percent at Geneseo and Fredonia state colleges. </p>
<p>There are nearly 12 applicants for every available 2009-10 slot at Geneseo State College, and the average SAT score of admitted freshmen is 1352 out of a possible 1600. </p>
<p>“Clearly, this is the best year in the college’s history,” said William Caren, associate vice president for enrollment services. “We’re dramatically more selective. Hundreds and hundreds who would have been admitted last year are on the waiting list this year.”</p>