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.
Spring 2026 Dates & Deadlines
| 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.
Test-Optional Policy
The University at Buffalo has adopted a test-optional policy. This means that standardized test scores are not needed for admission or scholarship consideration. Applicants who opt not to submit their test scores will not be at a disadvantage.
We encourage applicants to request that their applications be reviewed without test scores unless they believe that their scores provide a more accurate representation of their academic abilities compared to their high school records.
If it is determined that submitted test scores do not accurately reflect a student’s potential, the scores will not be considered in the admission review process.
SAT Code: 2925
ACT Code: 2978
If submitting scores, SAT or ACT standardized test scores must be submitted directly from the testing agency.
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.