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Syracuse, NYPrivate

Syracuse University Admissions: Acceptance Rate, GPA, SAT

Newhouse School of Communication and Maxwell School of Public Affairs.

Acceptance Rate
42%
SAT Range
1210–1390
Avg GPA
3.57
Undergrad
14,870
Test-OptionalEarly Decision
Policy Unstated

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What it takes to get into Syracuse

Syracuse accepts roughly 42% of applicants — competitive but more accessible than the most selective Ivies.The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1210 and 1390 on the SAT, and the average unweighted GPA is around 3.57.

Numbers alone don't get you in. Syracuse reads holistically — they want to see academic rigor in your high school transcript (AP/IB/Honors course load), genuine intellectual curiosity, leadership in extracurriculars, a clear “spike” or area of demonstrated excellence, strong essays, and recommendation letters that vouch for your character.

Test-optional policies vary year to year. Even where tests are optional, applicants who submit scores in the 75th-percentile range typically have an edge. Check Syracuse's admissions page for the current cycle's policy.

What Syracuse Weighs in Admissions

Visual breakdown from Common Data Set Section C7

Very Important
Course rigor & GPA
Important
Application essays
Considered
Leadership
Awards & honors
Activity depth
Spike / distinctive talent
Recommendations

Syracuse Acceptance Rate

42% acceptance rate with SAT, GPA benchmarks and selectivity analysis.

How to Get Into Syracuse

Data-driven admissions strategy based on CDS weights and what actually matters.

How to Write the “Why Syracuse?” Essay

Research tips, common mistakes, and what admissions is actually looking for.

See Where You Stand

GPA vs SAT scattergram — compare your stats to admitted and rejected students.

Practice Syracuse Interview Questions

AI-scored mock interview with real alumni questions. 5-dimension feedback.

Syracuse Admissions FAQ

What is Syracuse's acceptance rate?

Syracuse admits approximately 42% of applicants based on the most recent reported Common Data Set figures. This rate has trended downward over the past decade as application volumes have grown.

What SAT score do you need for Syracuse?

Admitted students at Syracuse typically score between 1210 (25th percentile) and 1390 (75th percentile) on the SAT. Hitting or exceeding the 75th percentile gives you a meaningful edge.

What GPA do you need for Syracuse?

The average admitted student at Syracuse has an unweighted GPA of approximately 3.57 on a 4.0 scale — though weighted GPAs and course rigor matter just as much as the raw number.

Is Syracuse test-optional?

Syracuse's testing policy varies by cycle. Some years they are test-optional, some years test-required. Always confirm on the official admissions page before submitting.

Compare Syracuse with similar schools

Stats are approximate, drawn from publicly-reported Common Data Set figures. Confirm current numbers on Syracuse's official admissions site.