Comprehensive Admission Process

At Suffolk University, we recognize that each applicant is unique and has had their own individual journey through high school. Therefore, when it comes to reviewing each applicant we are guided by a comprehensive review process that considers a multitude of various factors in a holistic way. It is our belief that this process takes into account the distinctive qualities that demonstrate to us if Suffolk University is the right fit for each applicant.

Each applicant is reviewed for admission into the university as whole as opposed to being considered for admission into a particular major. This provides flexibility should a student wish to switch majors in the application process.

The Factors We Consider

When reviewing the transcript, we look to see the consistency of grades, the level of academic rigor (Honor, AP, IB level courses, etc) and if each student has/will complete all of the necessary academic credits.

We only require one recommendation but we recommend your guidance counselor send at least one letter from someone who has worked with you in a classroom setting. We want to be able to get a sense of who you are as an individual/student, which is something your transcript can’t tell us. Letters can come from your guidance counselor, teachers, community leaders, managers, coaches, etc. We will accept more than one letter.

This is your chance to tell us what you are passionate about or describe an experience that makes you who you are. The essay should be considered an opportunity for every applicant to give the counselor reading the essay an idea of who that student is. Please be mindful of spelling and grammatical errors and refrain from using any AI related programs such as Chat GPT to generate your essay. Essay should be at least a page in length and convey cohesive thoughts.

We recognize that each individual student has their own experience when it comes to participating in after school activities and recognize that not every student has the ability or resources to participate in after school programs. All types of after school activities are reviewed during this process whether it is a school club, sports team, part time job or family obligations, etc. We like to see how a student is spending their time outside the classroom and understand that each student has their own time commitments and responsibilities.

While reviewing an application we like to see that a student has shown interest in Suffolk University by touring our campus, attending an admission event, stopping by our booth at a college fair, or attending a high school visit.

You can find out where we will be visiting here. Scheduling a virtual appointment with your admission counselor is also a way to show your interest if you are not able to travel to campus. You can schedule a meeting with your admission counselor here.

*Note: If you are able to visit campus we do provide a fee waiver should you decide to apply. For more information on visiting campus check out this page.

A portfolio is only required for applicants applying to one of our Art & Design majors.

You can find the requirements here.

At Suffolk University, we are Test Optional and for our international applicants we are Test Flexible. For more information on our testing policies check out this page. We do require English Language Proficiency Exams for our international applicants.

You can find more information on that policy here.

In high school, you should have completed: