SUNY Oswego welcomes students from around the world to join our diverse and supportive campus community on the shores of Lake Ontario in New York State. Whether you're applying as a first-year student or transferring from another college or university, our admissions team is here to help guide you through the process.
How We Review Applications
SUNY Oswego uses a holistic admissions review process. We consider your academic performance along with factors such as extracurricular involvement, leadership experiences, work or volunteer activities, personal background, essays and letters of recommendation. We look at the whole student, not just grades and test scores.
SUNY Oswego is SAT/ACT optional. Students are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their application.
You must apply as an international applicant if you are not a U.S. citizen or a U.S. permanent resident.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants are encouraged to submit all completed application materials to the International Student and Scholar Services Office by mid-May for the Fall/August semester, or by mid-November for the Spring/January semester.
Apply Now
Take the next step in your Oswego story. Start your application using the SUNY Application or the Common App — whichever fits you best.
How to Apply
International students may apply using either the SUNY Application or the Common Application.
Admissions Criteria
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.
International Admissions Checklist
Step 1.
Apply Online
Complete and submit either the SUNY Application or Common Application. 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
Provide official secondary school transcripts if you are applying as a first-year student.
Transfer applicants should submit official transcripts from all secondary schools and colleges or universities attended.
International Student and Scholar Services
102 Sheldon Hall
SUNY Oswego
Oswego, NY, 13126, USA
Step 3.
Submit a Letter of Recommendation
One letter of recommendation is required from a teacher, counselor, coach or other school official who can speak to your academic preparation and readiness for university study.
Step 4.
Send Your English Proficiency Scores
Send in your English proficiency test scores to [email protected]. Successful applicants will have a minimum English proficiency of 71 in TOEFL, 6.0 in IELTS, or 55 in PTE. Other English language assessments may be considered. Some exemptions apply, contact the ISSS Office for more information and to see if you qualify.
Students needing additional English preparation will be advised and placed accordingly. Students scoring below the levels listed above will need intensive English study on campus prior to admission.
Step 5.
Provide Financial Documentation
Send a copy of an original bank statement including a bank official’s signature and stamp evidencing sufficient funds for the first year via email to the International Student and Scholar Services Office at [email protected]. The amount shown should be enough to cover the estimated expenses for one year, minus any scholarships awarded after admission.
If you will be supported by a sponsor (like a parent), you will also need to send a completed SUNY International Student Financial Statement, signed and stamped by your sponsor’s bank and sponsor.
Note that, in addition to the items listed above, a GAP statement is also required if there are any gaps in time when you have not been in school for a period longer than the typical break occurring between academic years.
Step 6.
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 Application Portal and establish your password. Once you have set your password you can return at any time using the Application Portal. Check the portal often to see what information we’ve received, what is still needed, and any supplemental requests that may follow.
After You're Admitted
Once you are admitted to SUNY Oswego, you must submit the required financial and immigration documents before we can issue your Form I-20.
The Form I-20 is required for most international students to obtain student status and study in the United States.
Financial Documentation Requirements
To receive your Form I-20, please submit:
- A completed SUNY International Student Financial Statement signed by both the applicant and sponsor
- An official bank statement showing sufficient funds to cover one year of study and living expenses
- A color copy of the biographical page of your passport
Our international admissions team will provide detailed instructions after admission.
