How necessary are SAT scores in Syracuse Admissions?

Hi all, I've got Syracuse in my sights and working on the application. Does anyone know how Syracuse University values SAT scores versus other areas like GPA and extracurricular activities? I've read some colleges are test-optional nowadays...is Syracuse one of them?

Syracuse University, like many universities, has adopted a test-optional policy. This means that if you believe your SAT or ACT scores do not accurately represent your abilities, you can opt to not submit them. The test-optional policy is effective for both undergraduate and graduate applications for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle.

However, if you choose not to submit your test scores, other areas of your application, like your GPA, curriculum rigor, and extracurricular activities, will come under greater scrutiny. Syracuse looks for students who have demonstrated academic excellence in challenging coursework. They especially value AP, IB, honors and dual-enrollment classes.

As for your GPA, while Syracuse does not publish an explicit GPA cutoff, the middle 50% of admitted students from their most recent first-year class had an unweighted high school GPA between 3.3 and 3.9.

Extracurricular activities are also essential at Syracuse. The university looks for students who have been involved in school and community activities, show leadership potential, and exhibits other skills outside the academic realm. Consider highlighting any significant Tier 1 or Tier 2 activities you participated in to align with top-tier colleges expectations.

Keep in mind, ultimately, that Syracuse University adopts a holistic approach in evaluating applicants. Hence, they take into account multiple factors beyond your test scores and GPA, including your activities, essays, recommendation letters, and the overall narrative of your application. It is vital to present your experiences and interests authentically and thoughtfully.