If you’re ready to join our vibrant and welcoming Oswego community, we invite you to apply for the fall or spring semester.
Oswego offers Early Action as a non-binding early application option. Students applying for Early Action should complete their application for admissions by Nov. 15, to receive a decision by Dec. 15. Rolling Admission is also available. This means that we review applications as they are sent in, and there is no firm deadline by which you need to submit your application.
Additional Information
Admissions Criteria
Academic qualifications/averages
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Mean 91 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. 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.
Application Checklist
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.
Step 2.
Submit Transcripts
Submit your official high school transcripts.
Step 3.
Report ACT and/or SAT Scores
SUNY Oswego is test-optional. 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, work-based supervisor or volunteer-based supervisor.
Step 5:
Check Your Application Status
Once your completed application is received, we will send a confirmation email to the email address listed on your application. That email includes a temporary PIN to access the Applicant Portal and establish your password. Once you have set your password you can return at any time using the Applicant Portal. Check the portal often to see what information we’ve received, what is still needed, and any supplemental requests that may follow.