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.
First-year/first-time (freshman) and transfer status have strict definitions that are based on the facts of your educational background.
You are considered a first-year/first-time (freshman) if you have never studied or enrolled in any college/university or postsecondary studies after completing secondary school. You're considered a first-year/first-time (freshman) student even if you have advanced standing, for which you may receive university credits. This includes A Levels, International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP).
You are considered a transfer student if you have completed secondary school and you subsequently enrolled or studied one or more subjects in a college or university. If you engaged in any study in a college or university, you must apply as a transfer applicant.
If a minimum of one item in statement 1 and all of statement 2 is true, then you are a first-year/first-time (freshman) applicant. Otherwise, you are a transfer applicant.
STATEMENT 1 (A minimum of one item must be true.)
AND STATEMENT 2 (This statement must also be true.)
If both are true, you will apply as a first-year/first-time (freshman) applicant.
If any part is not true, you will apply as a transfer applicant.
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.
UB is test optional and supports SUNY's decision to make the submission of SAT and ACT test scores optional. Students can share their scores as part of their application if they choose by selecting this option on their application.
UB will consider your highest SAT or ACT score if you choose to submit test scores. For more information regarding test optional admission, please visit our test optional FAQ page.
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.