Information for Parents | Undergraduate Admissions

Welcome to the University at Buffalo!

This is an exciting time for your student, and you have a big role in it. Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been through this process before, we want to be your destination for information about college admissions, and especially admission to UB.

We understand the emotions and questions that go along with your college search. We invite you to explore our website to learn more about UB, what makes our university a top choice for excellence and value, and how, at the end of this journey, UB is where your student belongs.

Important Dates

Early Action Deadline: Nov. 1
FAFSA Opens: December
Scholarship Consideration Deadline: Dec. 8
Regular Decision Deadline: Feb. 1
Enrollment Deadline: May 1
Orientation: Summer

Quick Resources

A female professor standing behind a seated student, they are both looking forward and pointing.

What We’re Looking For

Admission to UB is based on a holistic review process. This means our counselors thoughtfully consider every component of the application when making a decision.

While high school performance matters, we know that UB students are more than grades and test scores. As your student prepares to apply to college, encourage them to focus on the activities and pursuits that make them a well-rounded person, like volunteer experience, creative talents, community service and leadership experiences.

How to Apply

When your student is ready to apply to UB, they can choose from three online applications: the Coalition Application, the Common Application or the SUNY Application. Read more on our How to Apply page. (Please note: If your student is planning to transfer to UB, the application process may differ. Read about applying as a transfer.)

Dr. Briner teaching outside in the winter with several students in the background.

A Valuable Education

“How will we manage college costs?” If this question is on your mind, you’re not alone. The cost of college is significant. We encourage you to see it as an investment, and UB is a smart one.

One of the best things about UB is that, as a public institution, we offer an excellent education at a fraction of the cost of private colleges and universities of equal prominence. UB is consistently recognized by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance as a Best College Value for our high graduation rate, low average student debt and abundant institutional aid. In fact, UB offers the most valuable merit scholarships in the SUNY system.

Our expert financial aid advisors can help illuminate any questions you may have about the cost of a UB education. Families are encouraged to contact UB’s Office of Financial Aid at any time during the admissions process.

Two female students working together at a desk.

Support for Your Student

Your student’s success should always be at the focus of their college experience. At UB, it will be.

Safety is UB’s highest priority. Our police department is staffed by highly trained police officers, and it is accredited at both the state and national level. UBPD's dispatch center is professionally staffed 24/7/365 to ensure emergency resources are readily available and expedited, and the campus-wide Blue Light Phone system provides a direct connection to police dispatchers, providing them with the exact location and security camera view of the caller. Students are encouraged to download the UB Guardian safety app to check in with family and friends, receive emergency safety notices and more.

Finish in 4 is our commitment to your student’s graduation. They will receive the resources and support they need to graduate in four years, minimizing the costs and fees associated with extra semesters.

UB Seminar is the entryway to your student’s education. Every student takes the UB Seminar in their first semester. Small in size and centered around critical thinking, ethical reasoning and reflective discussion, the UB Seminar is an opportunity to connect with distinguished faculty early on and will prepare your student to meet and manage the rigorous academic demands of college.

Tutoring is available to students in the residence halls, online, and in designated locations around campus. Best part? It’s free! ! Visit the Tutoring & Academic Support Services website for more information about tutoring at UB.

A female and male student dressed in UB blue taking a selfie.

Terms to Know

Applicant Status Page: An online portal where students are able to check the status of their application, view checklists and stay informed throughout the admissions process. Students are provided with a link to the portal and unique login credentials when they submit their application.

Early Action: An option for students to apply early and receive a non-binding admission decision early in the admissions cycle. If offered admission through Early Action, students do not have to commit to the university prior to May 1 and can apply to other institutions. UB’s Early Action deadline is Nov. 1.

FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid. An application that collects the information needed to determine your eligibility for all of the financial aid programs sponsored by the federal government.

Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR): An optional opportunity for incoming first-year students to self-report high school transcript information to complete the application process for review. No separate request is needed for your student's school to send transcripts. Students are required to send one final official transcript to UB after committing to enroll following high school graduation.