We have a rolling admissions policy, which means we review applications throughout the year and will supply an admissions decision within two weeks of receipt of the completed application. Freshman admission decisions include the following considerations: high school transcript to include strength of course schedule, cumulative GPA, SAT (Math and Evidence Based Reading & Writing) or ACT score (Optional**), class rank (if available), and a school report provided by your school’s guidance counselor. Other required considerations include your 250-word writing sample or personal essay and at least one letter of recommendation.
Minimum high school coursework requirements for admissions consideration include:
- English – 4 years
- Social Studies/History – 4 years
- Mathematics – 3 years*
- Laboratory Science – 3 years*
- Foreign Language – 2 years
*Intended science, computer science or mathematics majors should have additional coursework in science and math
While academic expectations are high for incoming students, there is not a formula to determine your admissibility to St. Bonaventure University. The admission committee reviews each applicant's qualifications individually, considering a variety of characteristics that indicate academic preparation and potential for success. We aim to get a “whole picture” view of a student and choose to enroll students who we believe can thrive at St. Bonaventure. Those who have already achieved academic success in their high school career and those who have demonstrated significant promise but have yet to show the world their full potential.
**St. Bonaventure has adopted a test optional policy for undergraduate applicants. Given circumstances surrounding COVID-19 and difficulties prospective students have faced with regards to access to standardized testing, we have joined a growing number of competitive and well-respected institutions by giving students the choice to submit their application without standardized test scores for admission. If a student is able, we still encourage submitting test scores.
Students choosing to apply as test-optional will have their financial aid considerations reviewed individually, based on high school GPA and rigor of courses. If you've already taken either the ACT or SAT and intend to submit those score reports to SBU, please reach out to arrange to do so (if they do not appear on your official transcripts).