Boston University

Boston University is a highly selective private research university, admitting approximately 12–13% of applicants in recent admission cycles. For the Class of 2029, BU received over 76,000 applications, reflecting its growing national and international appeal. BU follows a holistic admissions process, meaning that academic performance, extracurricular involvement, essays, recommendations, and personal qualities are all considered together when evaluating applicants.

Academic Requirements

Boston University places significant weight on academic achievement and rigor.

Grades/GPA: The average GPA of enrolled first-year students is approximately 3.87 (unweighted), indicating that most admitted students earned primarily A grades throughout high school.

Course Rigor: Admitted students typically complete a rigorous curriculum, including AP, IB, honors, or dual-enrollment courses when available. BU values students who challenge themselves academically.

Standardized Tests: Boston University is test-optional. Among students who submitted scores, the average SAT score is around 1460–1470, and the average ACT score is approximately 32.

Class Rank: Class rank is not required, but a majority of admitted students rank in the top 10–15% of their graduating class when rank is reported.

Extracurricular Activities

Boston University evaluates extracurricular involvement with an emphasis on quality, leadership, and sustained commitment rather than sheer quantity.

—Successful applicants often demonstrate long-term involvement in a few meaningful activities.

—Leadership roles, research experience, employment, athletics, arts, community service, and entrepreneurial projects are all valued.

—BU looks for students who show initiative, impact, and growth, particularly those who contribute meaningfully to their school or local community.

Writing

Essays are a critical component of the BU application.

—Applicants must submit a Common Application personal statement, which allows admissions officers to understand the applicant’s background, perspective, and personal values.

—Boston University also requires supplemental essays, often focused on the student’s interest in BU and how they would engage with its academic and social environment.

—With thousands of applicants having similar academic profiles, essays often play a key role in differentiating candidates.

Letters of Recommendation

Boston University requires: one counselor recommendation and one teacher recommendation. These letters help contextualize the student’s academic performance and character, especially within the competitive applicant pool.

Interviews

Boston University does not conduct admissions interviews. All applicants are evaluated equally without an interview component, and the absence of an interview does not disadvantage any applicant.

Special Circumstances

Financial Aid: Boston University offers need-based financial aid but practices need-aware admissions, meaning financial need may be considered during the admissions process. International Students: International applicants make up a significant portion of the student body, with students from over 65 countries represented. Non-native English speakers may be required to submit TOEFL or IELTSscores unless they qualify for an exemption.

Boston University Common Data Set (CDS).