First-Year Applicants

What We Look For

There’s no single formula for admission to SUNY Oswego. We review each application individually, looking at your academic preparation, experiences, accomplishments and the information you share with us through your application.

First-Year Admission Profile

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Average high school GPA: approximately 91
• SAT/ACT scores are optional

SUNY Oswego is test-optional. You may submit SAT or ACT scores if you feel they strengthen your application, but they are not required for admission or merit scholarship consideration.

Recommended High School Preparation

A strong college-preparatory curriculum can help prepare you for success at Oswego. We recommend:

• 4 years of English
• 3 years of mathematics, including algebra I, algebra II and geometry
• 3 years of social science
• 3 years of science, including 2 lab sciences
• 2 consecutive years of a world language

Your high school experience may not match this pattern exactly. We consider your coursework within the context of your school and the opportunities available to you.

More Than Your GPA

Your academic record is an important part of your application, but it doesn’t tell your whole story. We also consider experiences and accomplishments that demonstrate your interests, strengths and potential.

That may include leadership, employment, community involvement, academic interests, creative or performing arts, athletics and other meaningful experiences. If circumstances have affected your academic performance, your application also gives you an opportunity to provide additional context.

Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)

Eligible New York State students who may not meet traditional admission criteria can also be considered for admission through the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). EOP provides additional academic, financial and personal support to help students succeed at Oswego.

Home-Schooled Students

Home-schooled students are welcome to apply to SUNY Oswego. Applicants should submit documentation demonstrating successful completion of their high school program, including applicable records from their local school district.

Additional documentation may be required depending on your individual circumstances. The Office of Admissions will contact you if anything else is needed to complete your application.

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.