Requirements for Freshman Admission
Before we can actually review your application for admission, it must be complete. A complete SU application includes the application itself, a $40 application fee (paper application only), your official high school transcript, at least one set of SAT or ACT scores, one letter of recommendation, and an essay. In addition we are happy to consider additional information including letters of recommendation and personal resumes. The descriptions below will give you a better idea of what is required for your application to be considered (information on our average accepted student is listed on our accepted student profile).
This page applies to first-time, freshman applicants who currently live in the United States. If necessary, visit the transfer student website or international student website to learn more about those requirements.
Required Information
Application
You can submit an application online, on paper, or through the Common Application. A $40 non-refundable application processing fee is required if you submit the paper application, but is automatically waived if you apply online.
If you apply using the Common Application, you must submit our supplement. You can submit the supplement electronically from the Common Appplication website or you can download the PDF here.
High School Transcript
You must submit an official copy of your current high school transcript. It is helpful for your transcript to include a list of your senior year courses in progress and first-quarter grades. A Secondary School Report and Transcript Request Form is included in our paper application and available for download. Fill out the top of this form and turn it into your guidance counselor to request that your transcript be sent to us.
Your transcript is the most important piece of your application and your grades in the five core academic subjects carry the most weight in our review process. At a minumum, we expect to see the following coursework:
- English: 4 years
- Mathematics: 3 years, including Algebra I, Algebra II, & Geometry
- Science: 3 years, including 2 lab sciences (Biology & Chemistry preferred)
- Social Studies: 3 years
- Foreign Language: 2 years in the same language
Official SAT or ACT Scores
You are encouraged to submit official score reports from the testing agency, however, scores included on your high school transcript are also acceptable.
We will evaluate your Critical Reading, Math, and Writing scores on the SAT. If you are taking the ACT, we recommend, but do not require that you complete the optional essay portion.
SAT subject tests are not required, nor will they be reviewed if received
The SU test codes are:
SAT: 5856
ACT: 1753
Essay
The essay gives the Admissions Committee a chance to know you beyond your grades and test scores. You must submit a response to a single essay question. Essay topics are provided on each version of the application. Please note that we request you submit a 500-word essay, even though the Common Application says responses can be as short as 250 words.
Letter(s) of Recommendation
One letter of recommendation from a teacher or guidance counselor is required. Up to three letters of recommendation will be reviewed as part of your application. A downloadable recommendation form is available here.
Copy of Resident Alien Card
If you are a United States Permanent Resident you must submit a notarized copy of the front and back of your Resident Alien card before your application can be considered. Contact your admissions counselor if you are unsure if this applies to you.
Your application will be reviewed after you submit all the above required information.
Optional Information
Resume
You are welcome to submit a personal resume detailing your extracurricular involvements and/or awards or honors you have received. If you are a National Merit Scholar, or are a Maryland Distinguished Scholar for Academic Achievement, we encourage you to submit a copy of your certificate(s) so that you can be considered for special scholarships related to these honors.
Interview
An admission interview is available by appointment. If you are interested in having an interview, please schedule it just after you submit your application materials or bring your application materials when you come in. An interview is much more beneficial if your counselor has your application materials when meeting with you.
Other Items
Every year we have applicants who submit DVDs, CDs, portfolios, research projects, photographs, and/or other items showcasing their talents and interests. We are happy to accept such information, but these types of materials rarely carry much weight in the decision process. While we enjoy getting to know you better through these media, your academic record is still of primary importance. Specialty materials like those listed cannot be returned, so please do not send your only copy.
Application Tips
Advice to live by from all of us who read freshman applications:
Essay
Proofread, proofread, proofread. If you send us your first draft, it shows, so make sure to read everything over before mailing or hitting submit. Although commonplace when using IM and text, taking shortcuts on grammar and punctuation when applying to college online is not appropriate. Your essay helps us get to know you – show us your best.
Letter(s) of Recommendation
One letter of recommendation is required. If you are submitting additional letters, try to time them to arrive with the rest of your materials. We start reading your application as early as one week after all your required information arrives, so if your extra recommendations come in later, we might have started reviewing your application without them.
Senior Year Counts
Keep working hard even after you apply. We do consider senior year grades and sometimes specifically request first- and/or second-quarter grades before making a final decision on your application. If we need additional grades from you we will call your school directly or send you a letter asking you to have them sent when they are available.
Read Your Mail
(and E-Mail)
Once you apply to SU we will keep in touch with you about your application by snail mail and e-mail. We know you get a ton of college mail, but once you apply, you must open and read anything that comes to you from SU. Make sure to provide us with your correct contact information (and update us if it changes) so that you don't miss anything important.
Apply Once...
and no more than once. If you need to make updates to information you submitted with your application, contact us by phone with the necessary changes. If you submitted an application and are worried we didn't receive it, check your status online and contact your counselor before submitting another one.
Financial Aid
All applicants should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid by the February 15 priority deadline. You should submit the FAFSA by this deadline even if you have not yet received your admission decision. SU's federal school code is 002107.
