Undergraduate Admission

BUFFALO STATE UNIVERSITY
DIRECTORY OF POLICY STATEMENTS

Category: Enrollment Management
Date Established: (to be determined)
Responsible Office: Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Date Posted to Library: (to be determined)

POLICY SUMMARY

This policy outlines Buffalo State University’s criteria and processes for admitting undergraduate students through four primary pathways—First‑Year & Early, Transfer, Dual‑Admission, and Special Populations (Educational Opportunity Program, international, readmits, and non‑degree). It consolidates and supersedes multiple legacy DOPS admission documents, providing a single, authoritative reference for applicants, advisors, and university personnel.

POLICY

Buffalo State University seeks a diverse and academically prepared undergraduate cohort. Admission decisions are holistic, considering academic performance, rigor of prior coursework, and personal achievements. All decisions must comply with the university’s Admissions Overview policy and applicable nondiscrimination laws.

1. First‑Year & Early Admission

Eligibility: High‑school diploma or equivalent; juniors with exceptional academic records may apply for Early Admission in lieu of the senior year.
Review Factors: Cumulative GPA, completion of a college‑prep curriculum, personal essay, and optional standardized test scores (SAT/ACT).
Early Admission Requirements: School‑counselor endorsement and plan to satisfy high‑school diploma requirements.

2. Transfer Admission

Eligibility: Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 from a regionally accredited institution (higher thresholds may apply to select majors).
Credit Limits: Up to 90 credits from four‑year and 66 credits from two‑year colleges may transfer. Coursework graded below “C” is not accepted for credit.
SUNY Transfer Guarantee: Associate‑degree holders (A.A./A.S.) are guaranteed admission to at least one SUNY campus.

3. Dual‑Admission Programs

Students in articulated A.A./A.S. programs at partner community colleges may file a single application for simultaneous admission to Buffalo State. Upon completion of the associate degree, students matriculate at Buffalo State with junior standing.

4. Special Populations

Brief pathway‑specific requirements are published on the Admissions website and in relevant catalogs:

Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)
International Students
Readmitted & Non‑Degree Students

IMPLEMENTATION AND OVERSIGHT

The Vice President for Enrollment Management oversees this policy. The Director of Undergraduate Admissions is responsible for its administration, annual review, and coordination with academic departments.

An Undergraduate Admissions Working Group—comprising representatives from Admissions, Registrar, EOP, International Student Services, and Academic Affairs—will assess pathway‑specific standards and recommend updates as needed.

DEFINITIONS

Term	Definition
First‑Year Applicant	Student applying for college immediately after (or during) high school with fewer than 12 post‑secondary credits.
Early Admission	Enrollment option for qualified high‑school juniors who wish to begin college study prior to graduation.
Transfer Applicant	Student who has completed 12 or more transferable semester credits at another post‑secondary institution.
Dual‑Admission	Coordinated program through which students are admitted to Buffalo State and a partner community college simultaneously.
Special Populations	Applicants whose admission requirements differ from standard pathways (e.g., EOP, international, readmit, non‑degree).

PROCEDURE

Step	Applicant Action	University Office	Notes
1	Choose the appropriate pathway and complete the SUNY Application or Common App	Office of Undergraduate Admissions	Early‑Admission candidates attach counselor endorsement
2	Submit official transcripts and supporting documents (essay, test scores if provided)	Same as above	Transfer applicants provide all college transcripts
3	Monitor application status via the Admissions Portal	Same as above	Decisions are typically released on a rolling basis
4	Receive admission decision and, if accepted, pay tuition deposit	Same as above	Deposit deadlines posted on the Admissions website

Appeals or requests for reconsideration follow Policy D: Admission Decisions – Reconsideration & Appeals.

RESPONSIBILITY

Admissions Counselors: Evaluate applications in accordance with this policy and relevant departmental standards.
Department Chairs/Program Directors: Provide pathway‑specific admission criteria and consult on borderline cases.
Registrar: Articulate and post transfer credit.
International Student Services & EOP Director: Advise on special‑population requirements.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Moot Hall 110
1300 Elmwood Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14222
Phone: (716) 878‑4017
Email: admissions@buffalostate.edu
Website: https://admissions.buffalostate.edu

REVISION HISTORY

Date	Action
July 2025	Draft created, consolidating DOPS I:01:01, I:01:02, I:01:05, and I:01:06 into single policy under new Administrative Policy Library template.

APPROVAL

To be completed upon Cabinet approval.

Admissions Policy