If you’re reading this, you’re likely wondering whether or not your child has a shot at getting into Syracuse University. While there’s no copy-and-paste format for a successful application to Syracuse University (or to any school, for that matter), we’re going to dive into some of the features that unite the students who gain admission to Syracuse University. But first, let’s look at what sets Syracuse apart from other schools.

About Syracuse University 

Syracuse University is a private research institution located in upstate New York. It has around 15,000 undergraduates, making it a nice, medium-sized school. Though Syracuse is a small city, it’s surrounded by glacial parks, lakes, and mountains, so students have the best of both worlds. Popular programs at Syracuse include business, media and communications, visual arts, and engineering. 

Syracuse has an acceptance rate around 42%, which means it’s what we at Ivy Coach consider a moderately competitive school to get into. 

Syracuse University Admissions Requirements

Obviously, GPA, standardized testing scores, and extracurricular achievements are the key components of a successful application to Syracuse University and to any school. That being said, what do these components actually look like for Syracuse University admits? Without further ado, let’s dive in!

What Kind of GPA Is Necessary To Get Into Syracuse University?

The following is the GPA breakdown of the members of Syracuse’s Class of 2027 (the most recently admitted cohort for which the data is publicly available): 

GPA	Percentage of Syracuse University Class of 2027
4.0	33.8%
3.75-3.99	20.8%
3.5-3.74	20.5%
3.25-3.49	13.6%
3.0-3.24	8.9%
2.5-2.99	2.2%
2.0-2.49	0.2%
1.0-1.99	0%

What Kind of SAT or ACT Scores Are Needed To Get Into Syracuse University?  

The average SAT score for the Syracuse University Class of 2027 was a 1360, and the average ACT score was a 30. Though ISyracuse is test-optional, we at Ivy Coach believe that not submitting test scores can only ever hurt an applicant’s chances, even to supposedly test-optional schools. 

What Classes Do Students Need to Take to Get Into Syracuse University?

While Syracuse does not explicitly state any minimum high school course preparation for applicants, we at Ivy Coach know that colleges like Syracuse want to see students excelling in each core subject (English, history, math, science, and foreign language) all four years of high school. In fact, they expect to see five years for foreign language since most students begin their first level of foreign language in eighth grade.

What Kinds of Extracurriculars Does Syracuse University Like To See?

We’re going to clear up a common misunderstanding: colleges are not looking for well-rounded students. They’re looking for a well-rounded student body comprised of students who are each singularly talented. 

In terms of extracurriculars, that means Syracuse University is looking for depth over breadth. If you’re a member of the debate team, the robotics team, the field hockey team, and the drama department…well, then, you’re merely a member of those groups. You don’t stand out in any of these pursuits. Syracuse would much rather accept a nationally ranked debate champ than a kid who spent an hour or two on debate a week because he spent the rest forgetting Shakespeare lines and fumbling the ball in football practice. 

Syracuse University Application Requirements

Syracuse accepts the Common App or Coalition App. They require one letter of recommendation. They ask the following supplemental question: 

Syracuse University is a place that seeks to be welcoming to all – and has been since our founding. Explain why you are interested in Syracuse University and describe a personal experience in which you persevered through adversity, rejected discrimination, learned a lesson, or were inspired by the courageous actions of others and how you will apply what you learned to our community in a positive way. (250 words)

Who Should Students Ask for Letters of Recommendation for Syracuse? 

Syracuse applicants should ask a junior year teacher in a core subject. Obviously, the applicant should have a good relationship with the teacher or at least have performed well in their class. In addition, the recommender’s subject area should be related to the student’s hook: if a student’s singular hook is studying fruit fly DNA, it wouldn’t make sense if their recommenders were their History or English teacher. 

Does Syracuse University Require an Interview? 

Syracuse University does not require an interview, but they do offer interviews. We highly recommend you take them up on this offer! 

What Are Syracuse’s Application Deadlines? 

Early Decision I applications to Syracuse University are due November 1st. Early Decision II and Regular Decision applications are due January 5th.  

How Ivy Coach Helps Students Get Into Syracuse

If you’re interested in discerning if your child has a shot of getting into Syracuse, we recommend setting up Ivy Coach’s Strategy Session. Not only will you find out if your child has a chance of getting into Syracuse University, but you’ll receive a game plan of how your child can optimize their admission to the best school possible.