Syracuse University: Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics

Syracuse University is a private research university with an acceptance rate of 50%. Located in the Finger Lakes region of central New York, Syracuse University has made a name for itself in both academics and athletics. Programs in media studies, art, and business are all highly ranked. The university's strengths in the liberal arts and sciences earned it a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. The Syracuse Orange compete in the NCAA Division I Atlantic Coast Conference. The attractive campus is the home of the 49,250-seat Carrier Dome, the largest college dome stadium in the country.

Considering applying to Syracuse University? Here are the admissions statistics you should know, including average SAT/ACT scores and GPAs of admitted students.

Acceptance Rate

During the 2017-18 admissions cycle, Syracuse University had an acceptance rate of 50%. This means that for every 100 students who applied, 50 were admitted, making Syracuse's admissions process competitive.

SAT Scores and Requirements

Syracuse requires that all applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. During the 2017-18 admissions cycle, 69% of admitted students submitted SAT scores.

This admissions data tells us that most of Syracuse's admitted students fall within the top 35% nationally on the SAT. For the evidence-based reading and writing section, 50% of students admitted to Syracuse scored between 590 and 670, while 25% scored below 590 and 25% scored above 670. On the math section, 50% of admitted students scored between 590 and 700, while 25% scored below 590 and 25% scored above 700. Applicants with a composite SAT score of 1370 or higher will have particularly competitive chances at Syracuse University.

Requirements

Syracuse does not require the optional SAT essay section or SAT Subject tests. Note that Syracuse participates in the scorechoice program, which means that the admissions office will consider your highest score from each individual section across all SAT test dates.

ACT Scores and Requirements

Syracuse University requires that all applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. During the 2017-18 admissions cycle, 37% of admitted students submitted ACT scores.

This admissions data tells us that most of Syracuse's admitted students fall within the top 22% nationally on the ACT. The middle 50% of students admitted to Syracuse received a composite ACT score between 25 and 30, while 25% scored above 30 and 25% scored below 25.

Requirements

Syracuse University does not require the optional ACT writing section. Unlike many universities, Syracuse superscores ACT results; your highest subscores from multiple ACT sittings will be considered.

GPA

In 2018, the average high school GPA for incoming Syracuse freshmen was 3.67. These results suggest that most successful applicants to Syracuse University have primarily A and B grades.

Self-Reported GPA/SAT/ACT Graph

The admissions data in the graph is self-reported by applicants to Syracuse University. GPAs are unweighted. Find out how you compare to accepted students, see the real-time graph, and calculate your chances of getting in with a free Cappex account.

Admissions Standards

Syracuse University, which accepts half of all applicants, has a selective admissions process. Successful applicants will need grades and standardized test scores that are above average. However, Syracuse has a holistic admissions process involving other factors beyond grades and test scores. A strong application essay and glowing letters of recommendation can strengthen your application, as can participation in meaningful extracurricular activities and a rigorous course schedule. Applicants should note that some programs require a portfolio or audition. The admissions folks are looking for students who will both succeed in the classroom and contribute to the campus community in meaningful ways.

In the graph above, the blue and green dots represent accepted students. Most admitted students had a high school average of "B" or better, a combined SAT score of 1100 or higher (ERW+M), and an ACT composite score of 22 or higher. The higher those grades and scores, the better your chance of receiving an acceptance letter.

Note that there are quite a few red dots (rejected students) and yellow dots (waitlisted students) hidden behind the green and blue throughout the graph. Some students with grades and test scores that were on target for Syracuse did not get accepted. Note also that a few students were accepted with test scores and grades a bit below the norm. Students with particularly compelling stories or achievements can still receive serious consideration even if their grades and test scores are outside Syracuse's average range.

All admissions data has been source from the National Institute for Educational Statistics and Syracuse University Undergraduate Admissions Office.