First-Year/First-Time (Freshman) Admissions Criteria
The University at Buffalo welcomes first-year/first-time (freshman) applicants prepared to meet the rigorous academic demands of a top 40 public research university. Admission is based on a holistic review of your application using the following criteria.
What is required for first-year/first-time (freshman) admission?
First-year/first-time (freshman) admission to the University at Buffalo is based on a holistic review of your application that considers your academic marks, test scores, essay, and recommendations.
We are looking for students who excel academically, engage in extracurricular activities, and maintain a good school-life balance.
What do admissions counselors consider?
Students who are ready for academic success:
Admission to UB is selective and based, in part, on the quality of your academic record. You should feel confident applying to UB if you have an above-average academic record and have taken challenging courses in high school that prepare you to succeed at university. UB uses a 4.0 grading scale, and we expect applicants to have the equivalent of a 3.0 on that scale. That is the same as a grade of B or 83 on a 100-point scale.
Our admissions counselors are experts in the many education systems around the world. They know how to compare your country's grading scale to the one we use at UB.
English Proficiency Test Type & Minimum Scores
Below are the minimum scores to be eligible for consideration for admission to UB's undergraduate programs. If your scores are lower than those listed in the chart, you may still be considered for admission if you retake the English Language test and submit a passing score.
- Scores must be less than two years old at the time of admission.
- Self-reported scores may be submitted for initial review.
- Official scores must be sent directly to UB from the testing agency.
Use the following to send your scores to UB:
- TOEFL: 2925
- IELTS: University at Buffalo โ SUNY
- Duolingo: University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Undergraduate, New York, USA
Undergraduate English Language Proficiency Test Exemption
English proficiency can be demonstrated without a test in one of the following ways:
Native Speaker:
- A citizen of Australia, the Bahamas, Canada, Guam, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, New Zealand, Nigeria, Singapore, or the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland); and
- A native speaker of English; and
- Was educated entirely in English.
U.S. Post-Secondary Education
Transfer applicants currently enrolled in a U.S. college who have:
- Completed at least one term (quarter or semester) of a U.S. college English composition class with an earned grade of B or better and an overall college GPA of at least 3.0 (out of 4.0) and strong grades in classes that typically require significant reading and writing.
- Completed at least two terms (quarters or semesters) of a U.S. college English composition class with an earned grade of C or better in each class, and good grades in classes that typically require significant reading and writing.
ESL classes, remedial English classes, and foundation English classes (for example, non-credit intensive English classes/programs) are not recognized for this waiver.
Standardized Test
Test-Optional Admissions
UB is test optional and supports SUNY's decision to submit SAT and ACT scores optional. Students can share their scores as part of their application if they choose by selecting this option on their application.
Other Requirements
Personal Essay
This is an opportunity for us to learn more about you: documented evidence of exceptional creative talent, demonstrated leadership, community service, socio-economic environment, family unit, and special life circumstances are considered in a holistic admission process.
Recommendations
UB strongly recommends one letter of recommendation from a school counselor, teacher, community member, or employer.
First-Year/First-Time (Freshman) Applicant Documents Checklist
You will upload your documents electronically to your Applicant Status Portal. Please do not send documents through the mail.
Please note: Any document not written in English must be accompanied by an English translation
- Transcripts/mark sheets / result certificates
- English Language Proficiency test scores
- SAT/ACT scores (optional)
- Personal essay (optional)
- Letters of recommendation (optional)
- Supplemental requirements for special majors (if applicable)
