If you are a prospective student applying to the School of Architecture, some programs in the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Engineering and Computer Science or the College of Visual and Performing Arts, there are additional application requirements to be aware of.
SAT/ACT scores will not be required if you are applying for Fall 2024, Spring 2025, Fall 2025 or Spring 2026 admission. If you choose not to submit test scores, you will not be disadvantaged and will remain eligible for merit scholarships.
Read the full details surrounding this update.
International Students
The SAT/ACT is not required* if you are a student studying outside the U.S. and currently enrolled in a school that does not follow the American system of education (including U.S. citizens living abroad).
School of Architecture
Note: Portfolio must be submitted online via your applicant portal. You will find a link to submit your portfolio in your application checklist.
College of Arts and Sciences | Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
Discovery Program
To apply for Discovery Florence, Madrid or Strasbourg you will indicate your interest and choice of location on your application after you select your desired academic program through the College of Arts and Sciences or Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Due to visa application requirements, students applying to a Discovery Program for the Fall 2024 semester must be at least 18 years of age by July 1, 2024. An additional Discovery Program short essay is required.
School of Education
No additional requirements.
College of Engineering and Computer Science
Recommended high school coursework:
- Four years of college preparatory mathematics (including precalculus and/or calculus)
- Laboratory science (physics is strongly recommended but not required)
- Please submit at least one academic recommendation from a STEM teacher
Discovery Program
To apply for Discovery Madrid you will indicate your interest on the application after you select your desired academic program through the College of Engineering and Computer Science. Due to visa application requirements, students applying to a Discovery Program for the Fall 2024 semester must be at least 18 years of age by July 1, 2024. An additional Discovery Program short essay is required.
David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics
An interview is required for all transfer students interested in applying to the social work program. Contact Falk College Admissions at falk@syr.edu for more information.
School of Information Studies
No additional requirements.
Martin J. Whitman School of Management
No additional requirements.
S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
No additional requirements.
College of Visual and Performing Arts
School of Art/School of Design/Department of Film and Media Arts
A portfolio is required for all programs in the School of Art and Department of Film and Media Arts, as well as the B.F.A. and B.I.D. programs in the School of Design. A portfolio is not required if you are applying to the B.S. in Design Studies or B.S. in Studio Arts. Once you submit your application you will be able to submit your portfolio via your applicant portal. You will find a link to submit your portfolio in your application checklist.
Department of Drama
Audition or portfolio required.
If you are considering applying for the acting or musical theater program, you must submit a prescreen audition. Once you submit your application, you will receive access to your Applicant Portal within 72 hours. Prescreen auditions for acting and musical theater must be submitted online through the Applicant Portal. If you pass the prescreen, final auditions for musical theater and acting can be done in person or submitted online through the Applicant Portal. Portfolios for all other programs in the Department of Drama can be submitted online via your Applicant Portal. You will find a link to submit your portfolio in your application checklist. Be sure to review carefully the instructions for submitting your audition or portfolio.
Early Decision is not available for students applying to acting or musical theater.
Setnor School of Music
Auditions can be completed in person or submitted online through the Applicant Portal.
Department of Communication and Rhetorical Studies
No additional requirements.