First Time in College Admissions

We respect your time, and that of others. In alignment with this, we don’t ask for unnecessary paperwork (that you or someone else needs to generate). As standard practice across all degree programs, D’Youville University is a test-optional institution, which doesn’t require SAT/ACT, or graduate entrance exams. We won’t ask you for letters of recommendation, and official transcripts aren’t necessary to be admitted. Just focus on your life transition and provide verification of your official transcripts sometime after you choose DYU is right for you, but before your first day of classes. 

• First-time college students and first-year transfer students are required to live on campus for at least their first year of study.

We have a housing requirement because national statistics show that students who live in residence halls tend to perform better academically and are more engaged on campus. Furthermore, students who share a living space more rapidly become comfortable in their new university environment and are more likely to develop valuable life skills such as conflict resolution, adaptability, respect, and openness to the ideas of others.  

Housing at D'Youville

Campus Life

Students who have completed Advanced Placement (AP) classes or who are enrolled in an International Baccalaureate (IB) program are eligible to receive D'Youville credit. To receive credit, students must provide official AP and/or IB examination scores to the admissions office. D'Youville University evaluates course equivalents on an individual basis to awards credits.

Students will receive credit for a minimum score of 3 on each AP examination. In some specific cases a minimum score of 4 may be required. See the full list of accepted AP courses, test score requirements, and D'Youville course equivalents in the table below.

D’Youville University sets aside a number of guaranteed seats in the Physician Assistant (MS) program upon the completion of you undergraduate degree. 

Department Minimum Requirements:

1. Maintain a cumulative science grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0, and an overall semester and cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. 
2. Maintain a minimum grade of B- in all science courses, and C for all other coursework.
3. Complete a successful interview with the PA department during their junior year, provide a written personal statement, and provide documentation of direct patient integration hours.

Secondary Track:

Students who are not accepted into early assurance can still take PA pre-requisites in either our Biology (BA/BS) or Health Humanities (BS) programs. Curriculum requirements for each program can be found in the Academic Catalog (Biology or Health Humanities). D’Youville students on these tracks are guaranteed an interview if departmental minimum standards listed above are met.

Completion of an essay is optional but can be used to achieve a higher level of understanding of what makes you a unique applicant. Essays should not exceed 650 words. Please choose one of the following topics:

• Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. (or)
• The lessons we take from failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you and what did you learn from the experience? (or)
• Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again? (or)
• Describe a problem you’ve solved or a problem you’d like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma — anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution. (or)
• Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.

Note: All essays can be submitted through The Common Application or through the D’Youville application portal when you submit your application.