What factors, other than SAT scores, influence Syracuse University's admission rate?

Hey everyone, I've been looking at Syracuse University for my college choice and I noticed that their admission rate seems somewhat competitive. Besides SAT scores, what else do they consider in their admission process? Thanks in advance!

The acceptance rate at Syracuse University can vary from year to year, but recently it has been around 43%. Syracuse University, like many universities, uses a holistic admissions process. This means the admissions officers consider many aspects of your application, not just your SAT scores.

Firstly, your high school curriculum and grades are very important. Syracuse University will want to see that you've taken a rigorous course load, including AP, IB, or honors classes if they were available at your school. Your performance in these classes contributes to a crucial element in the admissions process called your Academic Index. Good grades in high school are a strong predictor of academic success in college, so admissions officers will pay close attention to your GPA.

Extracurricular involvement is another major consideration. Syracuse values students who have been active and held leadership roles in their schools or communities. Activities can range from clubs, sports, community service, part-time jobs, or any other commitments outside of class. However, remember that quality trumps quantity. An applicant who is deeply involved in 2-3 activities is often preferred over an applicant who superficially participates in many.

Essay writing is also significant in the Syracuse application. Use it to present your personality, interests, and values - basically everything that test scores and grades can't communicate. Make sure to answer the prompt, but also use the essay as a platform to share unique experiences or perspectives. Cliche topics such as sports triumphs, moving to a new place, etc. should be avoided unless you have a unique angle on them.

Letters of recommendation also play a role. They provide another perspective on your academic skills, character, and suitability for college. In addition, Syracuse University does consider demonstrated interest, so make sure you are showing Syracuse that you are genuinely interested in them (if you are).

Lastly, your application will include some basic background information. Although these factors won't make or break your admission, Syracuse (like all colleges) does consider factors such as your state or country of residence, high school type, and other demographic information.

Hopefully, this gives you a clear picture of how Syracuse University's admissions office operates. Remember, no single part of your application will be the deal-maker or breaker. It's the combination of all these factors that really matters. Good luck with your application!