How to Get Into Boston University: Admission Requirements

Boston University is a highly selective private research university located in Boston, Massachusetts. Boston University, also known as BU, has over 300 programs and research opportunities and is considered to be one of the most prestigious universities in world rankings. If you are considering to apply for Boston University, this blog article will certainly help you. Read on to learn more about Boston University admission requirements, the application process, funding options, and more.

Boston University General Requirements 

 To be admitted, applicants need to meet certain admission requirements. Here are the general admission requirements for Boston University:

• Academic Requirements

 Applicants must have a strong academic background, including a high school diploma or its equivalent, with a minimum of 16 college preparatory courses, including:

• English: 4 years
• Mathematics: 3-4 years
• Science: 3-4 years
• Social Science/History: 2-3 years
• Foreign Language: 2-3 years

Applicants must also submit official transcripts from all schools attended, including advanced placement or international baccalaureate courses.

• Standardized Tests

 Boston University requires either the SAT or the ACT test. BU also requires two SAT Subject Tests, except in cases where doing so would create a financial burden for the applicant.

• Essays

 Applicants must submit an essay that answers one of the provided prompts on the Common Application or Coalition Application.

• Letters of Recommendation

Boston University requires two letters of recommendation from teachers who have taught the applicant in academic subjects.

• Activities and Resume

Applicants must provide a detailed list of extracurricular activities, community service, and any other relevant accomplishments.

• Interviews

 Boston University offers interviews to selected applicants. An interview is not required, but it is strongly encouraged.

What Is It Like to Live in Boston?

Boston is a vibrant city that offers a rich and diverse student life experience. Known as the birthplace of the American Revolution, Boston is enriched with culture and history and is home to some attractions such as the JFK Presidential Library, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Freedom Trail, and so much more! Together with Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston is one of the most prominent research centers in the United States. Here are some of the highlights of student life in Boston:

1. Education: Boston is home to numerous prestigious universities and colleges, including Boston University, Harvard University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). With such a high concentration of higher education institutions, students in Boston have access to world-class academic programs and research opportunities.
2. Culture and Arts: Boston is known for its rich history and cultural landmarks, such as the Freedom Trail, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. The city also has a thriving arts scene, with various music venues, theaters, and galleries catering to a wide range of tastes.
3. Sports: Boston is a sports-loving city, and students can take advantage of the city’s numerous professional sports teams, including the Boston Red Sox, the Boston Celtics, and the New England Patriots. Students can also participate in intramural sports or join club teams at their respective universities.
4. Nightlife: Boston has a lively nightlife scene, with a variety of bars, clubs, and music venues that cater to students and young professionals. The city also hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, including the Boston Calling Music Festival and the Boston Film Festival.
5. Food: Boston is known for its diverse and delicious food scene, with a wide range of cuisines and dining options available. Students can sample local seafood, try out trendy food trucks, or explore the city’s many ethnic neighborhoods.

Boston offers a rich and diverse student life experience that caters to a wide range of interests and passions. Whether students are looking to pursue academic excellence, explore the city’s cultural landmarks, or simply enjoy the city’s many recreational opportunities, Boston has something to offer everyone.

 

Boston University Rankings

Boston University is ranked 66th in the 2022 edition of the U.S. News & World Report’s National Universities ranking. It is also ranked as

• 42nd in Best Value Schools
• 39th in Best Colleges for Veterans
• 41st in Best Graduate Schools for Education
• 42nd in Best Graduate Schools for Law
• 39th in Best Graduate Schools for Business (MBA)
• 31st in Best Graduate Schools for Social Work
• 26th in Best Graduate Schools for Public Health

 

Boston University Acceptance Rates

The acceptance rate for Boston University varies depending on the program and level of study. According to the latest data available for the Fall 2021 admissions cycle, the overall acceptance rate for undergraduate programs at Boston University was 17.2%, with the College of Arts and Sciences admitting 14.7% of applicants and the Questrom School of Business admitting 17.7% of applicants.

 

For graduate programs, the overall acceptance rate was 23.7%, with the School of Law admitting 20.5% of applicants and the School of Medicine admitting 3.7% of applicants.

 

It’s important to note that acceptance rates can fluctuate from year to year and can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the competitiveness of the applicant pool and the availability of spots in a particular program.

 

Boston University Tuition Fees and Costs

 

For the 2022-2023 academic year, the estimated tuition and fees for undergraduate students at Boston University are

• Tuition: $58,072 per year
• Room and board: $16,400 per year
• Student services fee: $918 per year
• Health and wellness fee: $1,156 per year
• Total: $76,546 per year

Graduate program tuition varies by program and school. Boston University’s website provides more information about graduate tuition and fees.

 

Boston University Admission Requirements and Process

Boston University has a selective admissions process and considers a range of factors when evaluating applicants for admission. Some of the key academic requirements and factors that are considered include:

 

Undergraduate Admissions:

• High school transcript: Boston University looks for applicants who have challenged themselves academically and have taken a rigorous course load, including honors, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and/or college-level courses.
• Standardized test scores: Applicants must submit either the SAT or ACT in writing. Boston University is test-optional for the 2022-2023 admissions cycle due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
• Letters of recommendation: Boston University requires two letters of recommendation from teachers or guidance counselors who know the applicant well and can speak to their academic and personal qualities.
• Personal statement and/or essay: Boston University requires one personal statement essay and one additional essay on a topic of the applicant’s choice.

See more: Undergraduate admission requirements

Graduate Admissions:

• Bachelor’s degree: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• GPA: The minimum required GPA varies by program, but most graduate programs at Boston University require a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
• Standardized test scores: Some graduate programs require standardized test scores, such as the GRE or GMAT, while others may waive this requirement for applicants who meet certain criteria.
• Letters of recommendation: Most graduate programs at Boston University require two to three letters of recommendation from professors or professional contacts who can speak to the applicant’s academic and/or professional qualifications.
• Personal statement and/or essay: Many graduate programs at Boston University require a personal statement or essay that outlines the applicant’s academic and/or professional goals and qualifications.

See more: Graduate admission requirements

 

It’s important to note that admissions requirements can vary by program, and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Boston University takes a holistic approach to admissions and considers a range of factors when evaluating applicants for admission.

 

Boston University Admission Requirements for International Students

The admission requirements for international students at Boston University are similar to those for domestic students, with a few additional requirements. Here are the admission requirements for foreign students at Boston University:

1. Completed Application: International students must submit a complete application for admission, including all required materials such as transcripts, test scores, and essays.
2. English Language Proficiency: International students whose first language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency by taking one of the following tests: TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test (DET), or Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic). The minimum score required for each test varies by program.
3. Transcripts: International students must submit official transcripts from all secondary schools and universities attended. Transcripts must be in English or accompanied by an official English translation.
4. Test Scores: International students must submit official test scores for the SAT, ACT, TOEFL, or other standardized tests required by their chosen program.
5. Visa and Immigration Documents: International students must obtain the appropriate visa and immigration documents to study in the United States. Boston University’s International Students and Scholars Office provides guidance and support to international students throughout the visa application process.

 

Boston University Early Decision Application Vs. Regular Decision

The main difference between Boston University’s Early Decision (ED) and Regular Decision (RD) application processes is the timing of the application deadline and notification of admission.

Early Decision:

• Deadline: The Early Decision application deadline is typically in early November, and applicants have typically notified of their admissions decision by mid-December.
• Binding Agreement: ED is a binding agreement, which means that if an applicant is admitted to Boston University under the ED plan, they must withdraw all other applications and commit to attending Boston University.
• The advantage in admissions: ED applicants have a slight advantage in the admissions process, as they demonstrate a strong commitment to attending Boston University.
• Financial aid: ED applicants are still eligible for financial aid, but they are required to commit to attending Boston University before receiving their financial aid package.

Regular Decision:

• Deadline: The Regular Decision application deadline is typically in early January, and applicants have typically notified of their admissions decision by early April.
• Non-binding: RD is a non-binding agreement, which means that applicants can apply to multiple colleges and make their final decision after hearing back from all the schools to which they applied.
• No advantage in admissions: RD applicants do not receive any advantage in the admissions process, and admissions decisions are based solely on the applicant’s academic and personal qualifications.
• Financial aid: RD applicants are eligible for financial aid and receive their financial aid package along with their admissions decision in early April.

It’s important to note that Early Decision is a serious commitment, and applicants should only apply to ED if Boston University is their first choice school and they are certain that they would attend if admitted. ED is not recommended for students who need to compare financial aid packages from multiple schools before making a decision.

Boston University Scholarships and Financial Aid Options

Boston University offers a range of scholarships and financial aid options to help students cover the cost of tuition and other expenses. Here are some of the scholarships and financial aid options available at Boston University:

1. Need-Based Financial Aid: Boston University offers need-based financial aid to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need based on the information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile.
2. Merit-Based Scholarships: Boston University offers a variety of merit-based scholarships to undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and/or artistic talent. Some examples of merit-based scholarships include the Trustee, Presidential, and Boston University Scholars Program.
3. Talent-Based Scholarships: Boston University also offers talent-based scholarships to students who demonstrate exceptional artistic ability in areas such as music, theatre, and visual arts.
4. Athletic Scholarships: Boston University offers athletic scholarships to student-athletes who compete in NCAA Division I sports.
5. Graduate Assistantships: Many graduate programs at Boston University offer graduate assistantships, which provide tuition remission and a stipend in exchange for work such as teaching or research assistantships.
6. Federal Work-Study Program: The Federal Work-Study Program provides part-time jobs to undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate financial need.
7. Loans: Boston University participates in the Federal Direct Loan Program, which offers undergraduate and graduate students low-interest loans.

It’s important to note that financial aid options and eligibility requirements can vary by program and level of study. Students should consult with Boston University’s Financial Assistance office for more information on available scholarships and financial aid options.

 

Conclusion

Boston University is a highly competitive higher education institute that offers a variety of academic programs and research opportunities. Getting admission from such a prestigious university requires a lot of hard work and planning. If you have your eyes set on this university, make sure you take a note of all the important deadlines and check the university’s website regularly for all the possible updates and changes related to the program of your choice.

It’s important to note that admission requirements can vary by program and level of study. Students should consult with Boston University’s Admissions office for more information on the specific requirements for their chosen program. Finally, keep in mind that admission to Boston University is highly competitive, and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. It’s important to present a strong application that demonstrates your academic ability, personal achievements, and fit for Boston University’s culture and community.