University At Buffalo: Gre Requirements For Prospective Students

The University at Buffalo (UB) is a part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. UB's graduate admissions are decentralized, meaning that each department has its own admissions requirements in addition to UB's general admissions requirements. While some programs require GRE scores, others do not. For example, GRE scores are not required for the MS or PhD programs in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, while they are required for Social-Personality PhD applicants in the Department of Psychology. Similarly, while GRE scores are optional for the Department of Biomedical Engineering, they are encouraged and may strengthen an application. Thus, it is important to check the specific admissions requirements for the program to which one is applying.

GRE scores are not required for all University at Buffalo graduate programs

The University at Buffalo (UB) does not require GRE scores for all graduate programs. The admissions process at UB is decentralized, with each department having its own admissions requirements in addition to the university's general admissions requirements.

While some programs require GRE scores, others, such as the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, do not. The Department of Biomedical Engineering also makes GRE scores optional but encourages applicants to submit them if available.

The Department of Psychology requires GRE scores only for Social-Personality PhD applicants, while other PhD programs in the department do not require them.

Therefore, it is important to check the specific admissions requirements for your desired program and department at UB to determine if GRE scores are necessary.

The University at Buffalo's general admission requirements

The University of Buffalo's General Admission Requirements

The University at Buffalo (UB) is the State University of New York and is ranked in the top 40 public universities in the U.S. UB offers 140+ majors and programs, 70+ combined degrees, and 13 schools and colleges. UB's graduate admissions are decentralised, meaning that each department or school has its own admissions requirements in addition to UB's general admissions requirements.

General Admission Requirements

UB's general admission requirements for graduate study are as follows:

• A bachelor's degree, or its equivalent, from an accredited/government-recognized college or university. Most such degrees will be four or more years in length; UB recognizes some three-year degrees, but not all.
• A B-grade (GPA of 3.0) or higher from your bachelor's degree (or equivalent) courses. Grade point averages from non-U.S. universities will be evaluated by UB's Office of International Admissions.
• Appropriate standardized test scores (GRE, GMAT, LSAT, etc.). Not all programs require test scores.
• Letters of recommendation.
• Transcript requirements: applicants must submit transcripts from every college and university attended. UB does not require official transcripts during the application process; unofficial copies are sufficient. Admitted students will be required to submit official transcripts and will be given specific instructions regarding the submission process.
• English language proficiency requirements: international applicants must demonstrate English proficiency by taking one of the following tests and meeting the university's minimum score requirements. Scores must be less than two years old at the time of admission. Official scores must be sent directly to UB from the testing agency, but copies may be submitted for the initial review. The tests accepted are: TOEFL (IBT) (including MyBest scores) TOEFL Home Edition, IELTS and IELTS Indicator, Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE), Cambridge English Advanced (CAE), and Duolingo English Test (DET).

GRE Requirements

Although UB requires appropriate standardised test scores as part of the general admission requirements, not all programs require test scores. GRE scores are optional but may be considered if provided. The Department of Computer Science and Engineering, for example, does not require GRE scores to apply to the MS or PhD program.

GRE scores are only required for Social-Personality PhD applicants in the Department of Psychology

The University at Buffalo (UB) requires applicants to submit GRE scores as part of the admissions process for all doctoral programs. However, it is important to note that not all master's programs at UB require standardised test scores.

The Institution Code for the University at Buffalo is 2925, and any Department Code can be used as the department will receive all scores sent to Institution Code 2925.

While there is no minimum requirement for GRE scores, applicants with Verbal and Quantitative GRE scores below the 50th percentile are unlikely to be highly competitive for admissions. The average GRE Verbal Score is in the 81st percentile, the average GRE Quantitative Score is in the 68th percentile, and the average GRE Analytic Writing Score is in the 80th percentile.

It is important to note that low GRE scores (or a low GPA) are not necessarily a problem if there are other strong credentials, such as research experience or letters of recommendation.

The University at Buffalo's decentralized application process

The University at Buffalo's (UB) application process is decentralized, meaning each department has its own admissions requirements and processes applications independently. While UB has general admissions requirements, specific departments may have additional criteria.

The general requirements for graduate study at UB are as follows:

• A bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited/government-recognized institution. UB recognizes some three-year degrees, but not all.
• A B-grade (GPA of 3.0) or higher from your bachelor's degree or its equivalent.
• Appropriate standardized test scores (e.g., GRE, GMAT, LSAT), although not all programs mandate them.
• Letters of recommendation.
• Submission of transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities. UB only requires unofficial copies during the application process, and admitted students must submit official transcripts.
• International students must demonstrate English language proficiency through specific tests like TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE), etc.

The specific application process and requirements vary depending on the department and program. For instance, the Department of Computer Science and Engineering has its own online application form, a $100 application fee, and requires a statement of purpose, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. Notably, this department does not require the GRE for its MS or PhD programs.

Prospective students should refer to the relevant department's website for detailed instructions and requirements before initiating the application process.

The University at Buffalo's English language proficiency requirements

The University at Buffalo (UB) requires all international students to demonstrate English proficiency by taking an approved English language test. The following tests are accepted by UB:

• TOEFL (IBT) (including MyBest scores)
• TOEFL Home Edition
• IELTS and IELTS Indicator
• Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE)
• Cambridge English Advanced (CAE)
• Duolingo English Test (DET)
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic
• International Baccalaureate (IB) English A: Language & Literature
• Advanced Placement (AP) English Language & Composition
• British Curriculum (I)GCSE (O levels) English First Language
• British Curriculum GCE (AS/A levels) English Language and/or English Language & Literature

The specific minimum score required for each test varies by program, but UB provides a chart outlining the university's minimum score requirements for admission. Exam results must be dated within two years from the proposed date of admission and remain valid upon entering the term for which the student has applied.

Some applicants may be exempt from the English language proficiency requirement, including:

• Non-matriculated (non-degree) students attending UB under reciprocal exchange agreements with international institutions of higher education.
• Students who were enrolled at UB and are moving from one degree level to another or one program to another with a break in their studies of no more than three years between graduation and new enrollment.
• International students transferring from another U.S. college to UB, who completed (or will complete) a degree at that U.S. college or were enrolled for at least two years, had a minimum 2.0 GPA, and had no more than a three-year break between graduation/attendance at the previous institution and new enrollment at UB.
• Students who are citizens of certain countries (including Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Singapore) and were educated in the English medium.

Frequently asked questions