Early Action

Academic qualifications/averages

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Mean 89.5 GPA

Considerations

While no exact formula for college acceptance exists, we can tell you that grades, test scores, and essays are crucial in our decision — but we also look for more in our applicants. We search for students who are doers, makers, leaders and thinkers. We look for students with a well-rounded academic background, who ideally come to college with:

• 4 units of English
• 3 units of mathematics (algebra I, II, geometry)
• 3 units of social science
• 3 units of science (of which 2 must be lab science)
• 2 consecutive units of foreign language

Other Considerations

Special Talent Admission

Because some students acquire excellence outside their formal academic experience, Oswego admits a percentage of the freshman class on the promise demonstrated by means other than traditional academic criteria. For admission under this supplementary category, you must demonstrate outstanding capabilities in one of the following categories: leadership, specialization in an academic area, creative expression and performing arts or athletic ability; or applicant may be considered because of altered-career orientation and/or unusual circumstances interfering with past performance. Information regarding special talent and/or circumstances should be presented to the Committee on Admission through the supplemental portion of The Common Application or SUNY Supplement to the Application.

Educational Opportunity Program EOP

This program provides access to higher education for economically disadvantaged New York state residents who do not meet traditional admissions criteria but who possess the potential for academic success. EOP provides students with an array of academic and counseling support services, limited financial assistance and a pre-freshmen summer program, all designed to help students achieve their academic goals. EOP is available for both freshman and transfer students.

Home School Students

Students who have been home-schooled will need to submit documented proof of successful completion of the home-school curriculum, local school district records, and in some cases a GED. SUNY Oswego is now SAT/ACT test-optional for the Spring ’22, Fall ’22, and Spring ’23 terms. While we will consider scores if submitted, SAT/ACT results are not required. Students must also submit any other information required by the Oswego Office of Admissions.

Step 1. 

Apply online

Students may apply using the SUNY Application or The Common Application. Choose just one option to apply to SUNY Oswego. Both applications require a non-refundable $50 fee and a teacher/counselor evaluation. If submitting the SUNY application we also require applicants to fill out the SUNY Supplemental Application. 

Step 2.

Submit transcripts

Submit your official high school transcripts.

Step 3.

Report ACT and/or SAT scores

SUNY Oswego is test-optional for the Spring ’22, Fall ’22, and Spring ’23 terms. We utilize a holistic review process, and no single factor is used to determine admission or merit scholarships. Submit the SAT or ACT only if you want us to consider this in our review process. You may submit self-reported ACT or SAT scores via the CommonApp or the SUNY Supplement (if you applied using the SUNY Application). Scores sent directly to Oswego on an official high school transcript, or via the College Board or ACT are considered official. Note that if unofficial scores are submitted, official scores will be required of students who enroll, and must match self-reported scores. Discrepancies can lead to revocation of admission and/or scholarship.

Oswego codes:

ACT code: 2942
SAT code: 2543

Step 4.

Submit a recommendation

Submit a recommendation or a form allowing for individual comments from a school counselor, teacher, coach, or work- or volunteer-based supervisor.

Step 5:

Check application status

Once your application is received by SUNY Oswego, you will receive an email and mailing containing a user ID and PIN to access the application status checker to see what information we've received and what is still needed.