Admission difficulty for Syracuse University?

Hello all! I'm currently a junior researching college options and Syracuse University caught my eye. For those who have applied or been accepted, could you please tell me how difficult the admission process is? What are they looking for in a prospective student? Thanks for any help!

Hello! Syracuse University is a great choice, and I'm glad you're considering it! While I can't provide first-hand experiences from applicants, I can give you a general idea of the admission difficulty and what the university is looking for in prospective students.

Syracuse University is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of around 50%. To give yourself the best chance for admission, you should aim to have a strong academic profile that is consistent with or above the average admitted students. Here are some general statistics for the middle 50% of admitted students:

- SAT: 1220-1400

- ACT: 25-31

- High school GPA: 3.4-4.0

Aside from your test scores (if you choose to submit them) and GPA, Syracuse, like many other universities, also factors in your extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. So, what is Syracuse looking for in prospective students? Here are a few points to keep in mind:

1. Passion and involvement: When reviewing your extracurricular activities, they seek students who are involved in a few meaningful activities, rather than spreading themselves thin with various interests. Having a central focus or theme in your extracurriculars can create a more compelling application.

2. Strong essays: Your essays should express who you are outside of academics and highlight aspects of your personality that don't necessarily show up on your transcript or extracurricular list. Admissions officers are interested in your unique perspective and voice, so make sure your essays are authentic and well-articulated.

3. Recommendations: Letters of recommendation from teachers and counselors can play a vital role in helping admissions officers understand your academic abilities and personal qualities. Obtaining strong recommendations can give your application a boost.

4. Demonstrated interest: While not officially weighted heavily, showing genuine interest in attending Syracuse through campus visits, attending information sessions, or engaging with current students and faculty can be beneficial.

In summary, to increase your chances of admission to Syracuse University, you should focus on maintaining a strong academic profile, engaging in a few significant extracurricular activities, writing compelling essays, and having meaningful letters of recommendation. Best of luck with your college search!