How to Apply to Geneseo as an International Student

To be considered for admission to SUNY Geneseo, please submit the following documents:

1. Completed Application Form

Complete the Common Application or SUNY Application.

2. Appropriate Academic Records

Freshman Applicants

For a first-time university student, we require up-to-date official transcripts from all secondary schools (high schools) you have attended with English translations. We will require proof of graduation through a final transcript once your final year of school is complete.  

We also require any official external examination results, if this applies to your school or home country's education system. (These external examination records may be the results of examinations by regional, national or international testing authorities. In many countries, students take an external examination at the end of secondary school studies.  Examples include Standard X & XII, IGCSE, WASSCE, CXC, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, etc.) 

In some countries, the final external examination results become available too late to meet our application deadlines. If that is your situation, please include that information on your application form. 

Transfer Applicants 

For current college/university students transferring into SUNY Geneseo, we require official university transcripts up to your most recent completed semester. 

Transcripts from foreign universities must be translated into English. In most cases, we will require course descriptions or syllabi in English in order to review your courses for transfer credit to SUNY Geneseo. 

If you have completed fewer than 2 semesters of full-time university study, please also submit your official secondary school (high school) transcripts.

3. Proof of English Proficiency

The International Admission Committee requires that all students must demonstrate proficiency in English.

Official results from the following English proficiency exams are accepted:

  • TOEFL (internet-based minimum score: 75)
    • Institution Code: 2540
  • IELTS (minimum score of 6.5 overall. No section can be below 6.0)
  • PTE (minimum 58)
  • SAT EBRW 550 
  • iTEP (minimum 3.7)
  • MET (minimum 53)
  • Eiken Grade Pre-1
  • Duolingo English Test (minimum 105)
  • Cambridge English
  • Skills for English (CEFR B2 w/ Merit)
  • Successful completion of the IB Diploma
    • Students enrolled in an IB program but who do not complete the full diploma may also meet the English proficiency requirement with an IB English A score of 5 or IB English B score of 6.
  • WASSCE English score of C or better

If you are transferring from a college or university within the United States, successful completion of at least 2 full semesters of academic coursework (24 credit hours) with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 may be a sufficient demonstration of English proficiency.

Students applying from high schools in the United States, or from English-medium high schools outside the United States, may have waivers of this testing requirement considered on a case-by-case basis. 

4. One letter of recommendation

At least one letter of recommendation, preferably from a teacher, is recommended.

5.  Personal Statement 

Tell us a little about yourself! The personal statement should be about one page long, detailing your interest in SUNY Geneseo and your major of choice.  

6.  Financial Statement of Support 

The financial statement of support is required before an I-20 will be issued but does not necessarily have to be submitted at the time of application.

7.  Passport ID page photocopy

8.  SAT/ACT (not required)

SAT/ACT scores are not required; please see our test optional FAQ.

If you have taken the exam and wish to submit your scores, the International Admission Committee is happy to consider them. Students graduating from high school within the United States are highly encouraged to submit their SAT or ACT scores. 

Student sitting on a hammock facing the Erwin building

Where to Send Application Documents 

By Mail 

Please send original or certified copies of your academic documents to our current mailing address:

SUNY Geneseo
Erwin Hall 217
Attn: International Student & Scholar Services 
1 College Circle
Geneseo, New York 14454
USA 

**We encourage students to send documents by postal courier or airmail (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.) so that your documents can be easily tracked**

By Email 

Any documents you wish to submit by email should be sent to isss@geneseo.edu

In most cases, academic documents received by email can be considered for an admission decision. However, in order to officially enroll as a SUNY Geneseo student, you will be required to submit your official academic documents by mail at a later date.