1. Complete the Susquehanna University Application or the Common Application.

2. Official High School Transcript, School Report & Recommendation Letter

Your high school guidance counselor will be alerted to submit required documents. Your senior grades must be submitted as soon as they are available.

You’re also welcome to upload your transcript from your River Hawk Portal. 

3. Optional – SAT/ACT Scores

Applicants can choose to submit their SAT or ACT exam scores (or both), but can also decide to apply without submitting scores under our test-optional plan. Applicants can indicate this preference on the Susquehanna University Application or the Common Application. Susquehanna uses a holistic review process to evaluate applications for admission because you are much more than your SAT or ACT scores.

To have your official SAT/ACT scores considered for admission, we can accept them from the testing agency or on your official high school transcript. You may self-report your test scores on your application and we will use those scores in the decision-making process. We have no preference which scores you submit; each test is considered with equal importance. You should talk with your high school counselor if you are unsure which test may be best for you.

Susquehanna’s College Board code is 2820 and ACT code is 3720.

4. Portfolio Submission/Auditions

Applicants for admission to the creative writing, graphic design or studio art, music and theatre BFA programs are required to submit a portfolio or perform an audition to garner admission into the respective programs. Materials should be submitted after application to the university. 

If you’ve decided that Susquehanna is your first-choice college, and that you will enroll if admitted, then Early Decision (ED) is for you! This program allows you to apply before the regular application deadline and to receive your admission decision early. Please pay attention to the deadline to ensure that all of your application and supporting materials are received on time.

Choosing Early Decision is a serious commitment and if you are admitted ED, we consider this your firm committment to enroll at Susquehanna. We realize that you will most likely be applying to multiple schools as back-ups, but once you are admitted we expect that you will withdraw all of your applications to other schools.

The application materials required for Early Decision are the same as Early Action and Regular Decision. Please indicate “Early Decision” in the check box provided on the application.

Applicants can choose to submit their SAT or ACT exam scores (or both), but can also decide to apply without submitting scores under our test-optional plan. Applicants can indicate this preference on the Susquehanna University Application or the Common Application. Susquehanna uses a holistic review process to evaluate applications for admission because you are much more than your SAT or ACT scores.

If you choose not to submit your test scores, we will place even greater emphasis on your high school courses and grades, and your recommendations.

Susquehanna recognizes exceptional high school achievement by awarding class exemptions and/or college credit to those who do well on Advanced Placement (AP) tests offered by the College Board. The appropriate academic department will review your AP score, examination essay and academic record to determine placement and/or credit. In general, departments award credit for scores of 4 or 5.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is an internationally recognized, two-year, comprehensive curriculum and is available to students ages 16-19 at a number of secondary schools in the United States, Canada and a number of other countries.

We recognize the intellectual rigor and high academic standards of the IB program. IB diploma recipients who gain admission may receive up to 32 credit hours and the equivalent of sophomore standing at the university. They may also receive credit for up to two courses in each subject area for which a higher-level examination score of five or more has been achieved, assuming final confirmation by the appropriate university department. Credit for a higher-level examination score of four is awarded at the discretion of the appropriate university department.

We encourage applicants to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) as soon as possible using Susquehanna’s school code: 003369. The FAFSA® is the primary source Susquehanna and external scholarship providers use to determine students’ eligibility for federal, state and institutional need-based financial aid. This includes federal grants and loans, as well as state grants. Please reference our FAFSA® Simplification and Financial Aid for Enrolling Students webpages for additional information on how to submit your 2024–25 FAFSA®.

Admitted students who have filed the FAFSA® with Susquehanna’s school code will receive their comprehensive financial aid offer letter beginning in Feb. 2024. This letter will outline their direct costs, financial aid and net cost to attend Susquehanna.