Admission Requirements

Do you have what it takes?

Admission to UB is highly competitive and our students are exceptionally talented. In Fall 2007, the mean high school average of accepted students was 92 percent (3.3 GPA), 87 percent of accepted students were in the top third of their high school class, and 81 percent scored at or above 1100 on the SAT (critical reading and math). In addition, all of our applicants have completed rigorous coursework in high school. This year, UB awarded more than $4 million in merit-based scholarships to incoming freshmen.

Suggested High School Coursework

Most successful students at UB have taken high school courses in basic academic knowledge areas. The following courses are not required for admission to UB, 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.

How We Decide

Freshman admission is based on consideration of a student's high school average, rank-in-class, SAT (critical reading and math) or ACT score, and strength of the high school academic program. Consideration is also given to documented evidence of exceptional creative talent in art, media study, music, or theater; demonstrated leadership; outstanding athletic ability; community service; and special circumstances. These non-academic factors must be documented by submission of the Part II Supplemental Application, which includes an essay section. The Supplemental Application is very helpful in explaining and helping admissions counselors better understand your qualifications.  Instructions for completing the Supplemental Application will be forwarded to you along with UB's acknowledgement of your application. You can also get information and complete the form online.

Receipt of test scores is required of all freshman applicants. If you submit both SAT and ACT scores, the higher score is considered. We also use the highest SAT critical reading and math test scores from different dates for a highest combined score. Note: The writing component of the SAT or ACT is required, but not currently used for admission decisions.

While not required, letters of recommendation may also be reviewed by the admissions committee.

Special Circumstances/Talent

Each fall semester, a limited number of freshmen may be offered admission to UB based on documented evidence of special talents or special circumstances. Exceptional creative talent in art, media study, music, theater, or writing; special academic achievement; demonstrated leadership; outstanding athletic ability; and community service are examples of talents that have been reviewed by the admissions committee in previous years. The admissions committee may also consider special circumstances that may have prevented presentation of competitive credentials.

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

TOEFL is required to ensure that a student's language skills don't prevent them from successfully completing university-level courses in the United States. In general, the TOEFL is 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 low SAT critical reading scores are encouraged to take the TOEFL. Transfer applicants whose native language is not English may also be required to submit TOEFL results.

UB requires a minimum TOEFL score of 213 (computer-based), 79 (Internet-based), or 550 (paper-based) in order to be considered for admission. Students scoring between 193, (70), (523) and 210, (78), (547) on the TOEFL may be admitted to the university on the condition that they register for and successfully complete Advanced Spoken English I (ESL411) or Advanced Spoken English II (ESL412) in the first semester, in addition to the courses required to meet the university's writing skills requirement (ESL407 and ESL408). ESL407 and ESL408 may be waived based on the transfer of equivalent courses from another accredited U.S. university.

• English as a Second Language Program
• Office of International Admissions
• International Student and Scholar Services
• TOEFL