How To Get Into Boston University | Acceptance Rate

Boston University is a private research university in Boston, Massachusetts. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. It's often listed among the best colleges on school-ranking college lists like those published by U.S. News and World Report.

As a result, the Boston University acceptance rate is only 14%. We break down what you need to know about getting accepted to Boston University below.

What Is the Acceptance Rate at Boston University?

The acceptance rate at Boston University is 14%. While this isn't as low as, say, Harvard, it's markedly lower than the average acceptance rate of about 70%.

Enrollment at Boston University is over 36,000, with a fairly even split between undergraduate and graduate students. Most students study full-time on campus. 61% are from Massachusetts, 14% are out-of-state students, and 25% are international students.

Boston University Admissions Requirements

The admissions requirements for Boston University depend on whether you're an undergraduate or graduate student and if you're a first-year student or a transfer student.

Undergraduate student requirements include:

• a high school diploma or equivalent
• submission of high school transcripts
• submission of any college transcripts
• school counselor letters of recommendation
• school report form
• teacher evaluation
• personal essays
• $80 application fee

Boston University is test-optional, meaning ACT and SAT scores are not required but students can submit them if they'd like. Fine arts programs may require a portfolio, auditions, or interviews.

Graduate students will need a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Other requirements vary by program and department but usually include recommendations, a resume, and a personal essay.

How To Apply at Boston University

The application process at Boston University depends on whether you're an undergraduate student or a graduate student. However, some general steps are the same.

Step 1: Check Admissions Requirements and Admissions Deadlines

Before you start your application for Boston University, you'll need to check the requirements of your intended program. While most undergraduate programs have the same requirements, except for fine arts programs, graduate programs can vary.

You'll also need to check what the application deadlines are so you can ensure that you have everything submitted in time. Boston University has early decision deadlines and regular deadlines.

Early decision applicants will need to have their application in by November 1 to meet the first early decision deadline or January 4 for the second early decision deadline. Regular decision has an application deadline of January 4 as well.

The due dates for graduate programs vary by program. This is another thing to keep an eye on when checking your program requirements.

Step 2: Complete the Application

Undergraduate students at Boston University apply using the Common Application, a college application system that allows students to apply to over 1,000 colleges in the United States.

Within the Common App, you'll provide things like your personal information, the major you're applying for, your high school GPA and grades, and complete the personal essays. You'll also need to pay the application fee.

Graduate students will apply to the specific department or college that they hope to be admitted to. Applications can be found on those program websites.

Step 3: Provide Required Documents

Once you've filled out the Common Application, you'll need to submit the required documents, such as the:

• school counselor recommendation
• teacher evaluation
• your high school transcripts

The school counselor recommendation, school report form, and teacher evaluation can all be uploaded to the Common App. High school transcripts must be submitted by the high school.

Graduate students will need to submit whatever documents their program requires. The method of providing these documents varies by program.

Step 4: Wait for a Response

After you've completed your application and submitted all required documents, there's nothing left to do but wait. This can be the most difficult part.

Early decision applicants who submit their applications by November 1 should hear back by mid-December, and those who submit their applications by January 4 should hear back by mid-February. Regular decision students should hear back by late March.

Graduate student notifications will vary by program. The program website may have information about when to expect to be notified.

Tips for Applying to Boston University

There are a few things you can do before and during your application process to increase your chances of being admitted to Boston University.

The university does not require a specific course schedule but does have a recommended list of courses that prospective students should take. These are:

• four years of English
• three to four years of math, with precalculus/calculus recommended
• three to four years of laboratory science
• three to four years of history/social science
• two to four years of another language

Keeping your GPA high will also help. Last year's class had an average GPA between 3.8 to 4.0. Additionally, 86% ranked within the top 10% of their high school class.

If you were not able to keep your GPA high, the personal essays are a good time to talk about why your grades weren't stellar and how you were able to change that or plan to change that going forward. If your test scores were good, you can consider submitting those as well.

FAQs About Getting into Boston University

Below, we've tackled some of the most frequently asked questions about getting into Boston University.

What Is the Cost of Tuition at Boston University?

On average, tuition at Boston University is $66,670. This does not include:

• on-campus housing
• dining plans
• textbooks
• supplies

There is no additional charge for out-of-state students.

What Is the Graduation Rate at Boston University?

The graduation rate at Boston University is 89%. Graduation rate looks at how many full-time, first-time students graduate with their bachelor's degree within six years.

How Do I Apply for Financial Aid at Boston University?

To apply for financial aid at Boston University, you'll want to start by filling out your Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). This will tell you what financial aid you qualify for. Boston University offers extended financial aid packages for those who qualify through its AffordableBU program. To qualify, you'll also need to fill out a CSS profile.