Admission to UB is highly competitive and our students are exceptionally talented. In fall 2009, 44 percent scored 1200 or higher on the SAT (critical reading and math); and 28 percent were in the top 10 percent of their high school class. 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.
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:
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.
Freshman admission is based on consideration of a student’s academic record: high school average, rank-in-class, SAT (critical reading and math) or ACT score, and strength of the high school academic program. A student essay, recommendations, documented evidence of exceptional creative talent, demonstrated leadership, community service, and special circumstances are also considered. If you submit both SAT and ACT scores, the higher score is considered. We also use the highest SAT critical reading and math scores from different test dates for a highest combined score. Note: The writing component of the SAT or ACT is required, but it is not currently used for admission decisions.
Intended theatre majors with professional experience and students planning to major in music, dance, or music theatre should be prepared to audition.
You should indicate your intended major on the application form. Admission to the departments of dance, music, and music theatre require an audition. Intended theatre majors with professional experience are also required to audition. The departments of architecture, business administration, engineering, exercise science, nuclear medicine technology, and occupational therapy admit freshmen directly to the major. All other departments evaluate students for admission during their second year of study at UB.
All baccalaureate candidates must successfully complete a program of study, either in a specific department’s degree program, or in a Special Major program developed by the student. It’s important for you to consult with your academic advisor; they can help you identify and complete the requirements for acceptance into a degree program. Once you’ve been accepted into a major, you’re assigned a departmental advisor to help plan and implement your academic program.
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.
Last updated: September 08, 2009 9:39 am EST
