Apply as a First-Year Student
Choose Your Application
Complete and submit only one of the applications below. A $50 non-refundable fee is required.
Select “Buffalo, University at.”
Select “SUNY University at Buffalo."
After You Apply
We will send you an email with a unique link to your Applicant Status Page, where you can monitor your application status. You are strongly encouraged to check this page regularly for updates about your application.
| Application | Date |
|---|---|
| Recommended application submission date | October 1 Students can continue to submit an application for consideration until capacity is reached. |
| Enrollment/Tuition Deposit deadline | December 1 or 10 days after acceptance, whichever is later. |
| Housing Deposit deadline | December 1 |
| Classes begin | January See UB Academic Calendar |
Fall 2026 Dates & Deadlines
Application | Date |
|---|---|
| Application opens | August 1 |
| Recommended ACT test date for fall admission | September/October |
| Recommended SAT test date for fall admission | October/November |
| Office of Admissions begins to acknowledge receipt of fall applications | Mid-October |
| Early Action | November 1 |
| Honors College Priority Consideration | December 15 |
| Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens | October |
| Housing Application opens | January 22 |
| Regular Decision application completion deadline | February 1 Students can continue to submit an application for consideration until capacity is reached. |
| UB FAFSA priority filing date | March 1 However, you should file as early as possible to be considered for the best financial aid package. |
| Enrollment/Tuition Deposit deadline | May 1 or 10 days after acceptance, whichever is later. |
| Housing Deposit deadline | May 8 |
| Classes begin | August See UB Academic Calendar. |
We take great care in reviewing each application as we look to welcome the next class of exceptional students who will enrich and shape our vibrant community.
Admission to UB is based on a holistic review of each student. We consider both academic and non-academic factors, including your high school GPA and the overall strength of your academic coursework. We’re looking to get a full picture of your accomplishments and potential, both in and out of the classroom.
High School Transcripts
UB requires your high school transcript or completion of your Self-reported Transcript and Academic Record System (STARS). To complete your STARS, follow the link in your UB Applicant Status Page.
Our applicants have completed rigorous coursework in high school. Most students have taken high school courses in basic academic knowledge areas. The following courses are not required for admission, but are suggested as adequate preparation for university-level coursework:
- Four years of English (with a substantial writing component)
- Four years of social studies
- Three years of college-preparatory science
- Three years of a second language
- At least three years of college-preparatory mathematics
Some students who haven’t completed such a program still qualify for admission; however, it might be necessary to take additional courses to strengthen your knowledge in one or more of those areas after you enter the university.
When applying, you should indicate your intended major on the application form. If you apply via the Common Application you are encouraged to select a second-choice major. In general, the admissions consideration process is the same for most majors, including for exploratory students.
An audition is required for admission to the Department of Music and the Department of Theatre and Dance. Intended theatre majors with professional experience are also required to audition.
English proficiency tests are required to ensure that language skills don’t prevent students from successfully completing university-level courses in the United States. In general, the English proficiency tests are required for applicants whose native language is not English and if any portion of their high school studies was completed in a non-English speaking country. Additionally, students who speak English as a second language and have SAT critical reading scores below 440 are encouraged to take an English proficiency test. Transfer applicants whose native language is not English may also be required to submit English proficiency test results.
Below are the minimum scores to be eligible for consideration for admission to UB's undergraduate programs.
| TEST | MINIMUM SCORES |
|---|---|
| TOEFL (IBT) (including MyBest scores) | 70 or 4 |
| 6.0 | |
| Duolingo English Test (DET) | 105 |
| 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 |
Early Action Option
The deadline for Early Action applications is November 1. Early Action plans are nonbinding; candidates will receive an early response to their application, but they do not have to commit to the university until the enrollment/tuition deposit deadline of May 1.
Application FAQ
The STARS record is an optional opportunity for first-year applicants to self-report high school transcript information. Applicants can complete their STARS record after applying to UB through their UB Applicant Status Page (login information will be sent shortly after we receive the application). Please note: Even if you complete your STARS record, you are still required to send a final official transcript to UB after your commitment to enroll following high school graduation. To complete the STAR, you will need a copy of your unofficial or official transcript. You will need to enter all courses and grades for which you attempted high school credit, as well as current or upcoming 12th grade courses. Since accuracy is crucial, you should never enter courses or grades from memory. Always refer to an unofficial or official transcript when self-reporting your academic record.
UB strongly recommends the submission of at least one letter of recommendation from a school counselor, teacher, community member or employer. You may choose to submit up to three letters.
Admission to UB is based on a holistic review of each student. We consider both academic and non-academic factors, including your high school GPA and the overall strength of your academic coursework. We’re looking to get a full picture of your accomplishments and potential, both in and out of the classroom.
UB does not require SAT and ACT test scores for admissions and scholarship consideration. Students can share their scores as part of their application if they choose by selecting this option on their application. If submitting scores, SAT or ACT standardized test scores must be submitted directly from the testing agency. UB’s SAT code is 2925. The ACT code is 2978.
Students using the Coalition for College and Common Applications may apply to the University Honors College within the Academics section of these applications. Students applying with the ApplySUNY application will need to complete the Honors College Supplemental Application once they submit their application and receive their UB Applicant Status Page login information. Transfer students and currently enrolled UB students will need to complete the University Honors College Application for Transfer Students and Current UB Students. Learn more about applying to the University Honors College.
We request mid-year grades from many applicants. It just means we want to learn more about you before we provide a decision.
By applying Early Action, candidates will receive both priority responses to their application and priority consideration for merit-based scholarships. The Early Action deadline is Nov. 1.
Early Action plans are nonbinding; candidates will receive a priority response to their application, but they do not have to commit to the university until the enrollment/tuition deposit deadline of May 1.
Yes, you may apply. Please submit your official examination results to be considered.
UB is proud to support those who served and offers specialized resources, dedicated support services and a strong campus community to ensure your success from day one. Learn more about applying to UB, applying for GI Benefits and certifying your enrollment. Application fee waivers for military connected students are available through SUNY.
Test Optional FAQ
All completed applications, including students who have selected to not have test scores considered, will be reviewed for merit scholarship consideration.
By selecting “No” to the question on your application asking if you want to have your test scores considered, your SAT/ACT scores will not be used during your admissions evaluation and decision.
For consideration of this option, please contact an admissions team member at 1-888-UB-ADMIT, 716-645-6900 or at ub-admissions@buffalo.edu to discuss your application.
For consideration of this option, please contact an admissions team member at 1-888-UB-ADMIT, 716-645-6900 or at ub-admissions@buffalo.edu to discuss your application.
Yes. Test scores are not required for an admission decision to the university. However, as a Division I student-athlete, you must meet all NCAA initial eligibility requirements. If you have additional questions, contact our Office of Athletics Compliance at ath-compliance@buffalo.edu or call 716-645-7978.