International Applicants

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.

Step 1. 

Apply Online

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

Mail all official college/university and secondary school transcripts (transfer applicants) or just your secondary school transcript (freshmen) to SUNY Oswego. Where applicable, a certified translation of the transcript must be submitted as well.

International Student and Scholar Services
102 Sheldon Hall
SUNY Oswego
Oswego, NY, 13126, USA

Step 3.

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 4.

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 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 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.