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.

Be Honest

When you apply to the University at Buffalo, you must be honest at all times. Be sure that all documents and information that you submit with your application are correct and accurate. You are responsible for everything that is submitted with your application, even if someone else helps you to complete it. Withholding or omitting information and documents or giving false information may make you ineligible for admission, subject to dismissal and/or be ineligible for transfer credit.

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. These scores do not guarantee admission. 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 and IELTS Indicator

 6.0

PTE Academic

PTE Academic Online

 50

ACT (English AND reading sections)

 18
SAT I ERWS
 500
CAEL 70
CanTEST 4.5
Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE)

 

185
Cambridge English Advanced (CAE)
 185
IB Higher Level English A Literature 4
IB Higher Level English A Language and Literature 4
AS Level or A Level English
or English Language Subject
 C
Duolingo English Test (DET) 
 105
  • UB accepts the TOEFL MyBest score. Official MyBest scores must be sent directly from ETS to UB (UB's institutional TOEFL code is 2925). Self-reported MyBest scores cannot be used. 
  • Scores must be less than two years old at the time of admission; older scores will not be accepted.
  • Official scores must be sent directly to UB from the testing agency.
  • Photocopies and scanned documents may be submitted for initial review.

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 these 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.

We encourage you to collect and scan all the necessary documents as early in the application process as possible, even before you apply.

  • Copy of your most recent high school transcript, exam result certificate or assessment form.
  • English Language Proficiency test scores
  • SAT/ACT scores (optional)
  • Personal essay
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Supplemental requirements for special majors (if applicable)