First-Year/First-Time (Freshman) Admissions Criteria

The University at Buffalo welcomes first-year/first-time (freshman) applicants who are 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?

Academics English Language Standardized Tests Other Requirements

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.

TEST

MINIMUM SCORES

TOEFL (IBT) (including MyBest scores)

TOEFL Home Edition

 70
TOEFL Essentials 8.5
TOEFL (PBT) and TOEFL ITP Plus
 523

IELTS Academic

 6.0
Duolingo English Test (DET) 
 105

PTE Academic

PTE Academic Online

 50

ACT (English AND reading sections)

 18
SAT I ERWS
 500
International Baccalaureate (IB) English A: Language & Literature IB grade of 5 or letter grade equivalent (HL and/or SL)
Advanced Placement (AP) English Language & Composition Score of 4 on the exam AND/OR a grade of B in the class
British Curriculum (I)GCSE (O levels) English First Language Result of C 
British Curriculum GCE (AS/A levels) English Language and/or English Language & Literature Result of C 
  • 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 – 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:

1. Native Speaker

Applicants who meet all three criteria listed below may be exempted from the requirement of submitting an English proficiency test score. The applicant is:
  • 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.

2. 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. 

OR

  • Completed at least two terms (quarters or semesters) of a U.S. college English composition classes 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.

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)