University at Buffalo (UB)
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.
Admission to UB is selective and based, in part, on the quality of your academic record. You should feel confident applying to UB if you have an above-average academic record and have taken challenging courses in high school that prepare you to succeed at university. UB uses a 4.0 grading scale, and we expect applicants to have the equivalent of a 3.0 on that scale. That is the same as a grade of B, or 83 on a 100-point scale.
Our admissions counselors are experts in the many education systems around the world. They know how to compare your country's grading scale to the one we use at UB.
We will need to evaluate your academic performance in secondary school. We do this by reviewing your transcripts (mark sheets, grade sheets, report cards) or state exam results. Listed below by country of education are the specific documents you should include in your application.
In addition, before you can start your studies here, you will need to show that you have earned the equivalent of a U.S. high school diploma. Also included in the list are the credentials we recognize for each country and type of academic curriculum.
If you have already completed secondary school, we ask that you submit both your academic transcripts and proof of graduation with your application documents.
If you haven’t graduated yet, don’t worry. You can bring proof that you completed secondary school with you when you arrive on campus. In the meantime, you can submit copies of your transcripts.
Must be submitted with application
Must be submitted before enrollment
Any document not written in English must be accompanied by an English translation.
When applying, you should indicate your intended major on the application form. If you apply via the Common Application or Coalition Application, you are encouraged to select a second-choice major.
Direct admission to accounting and business management is subject to limited enrollment. Due to the quantitative nature of these majors, it is recommended that students complete pre-calculus and be calculus-ready prior to enrollment.
Engineering applications receive an additional review to ascertain the applicant’s readiness in key science and math areas.
An audition is required for acceptance into acting, dance and music theatre. Portfolio review and an interview are required for BFA design/technology intended majors.
The Department of Architecture invites first-year/first time (freshman) applicants to submit a digital portfolio or architecture design project to demonstrate their creativity.
An audition is required for acceptance into music.
Accepted pharmacy first-year (freshman) students are afforded admission directly to the UB School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree Early Assurance Program (EA) 2+4=6 option.
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.