BU Acceptance Rate and Admission Requirements

Boston University is one of the renowned universities in the USA. It is very competitive to gain admission. The acceptance rate of Boston University (BU) is 18.65%, meaning that approximately 19 out of every 100 applicants are admitted.

With one of the lowest acceptance rates in the US, you need to be strong in all areas to be selected. However, since the acceptance rate is not below 10%, you still have a chance even if your GPA is not excellent. You can compensate for a lower GPA by scoring high on the SAT, ACT, and taking IB or AP courses. Meeting their general GPA and test (SAT/ACT) requirements is crucial, as without these, you will not move to the second round of the admission process. These requirements act as automatic filters, so meeting them is very important. If you don't meet these requirements, your chance of getting in is nearly zero.

A well-written letter of recommendation, participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and strong interpersonal communication skills can enhance your chances of admission.

Boston University Admission Requirements

BU GPA Requirement

The average GPA of the admitted students at BU is 3.6. This indicates that BU is very selective in terms of GPA. (Most schools report a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some may use unweighted GPA. For exact information, contact the school admission staff.)

With an average GPA of 3.6, BU requires you to be near the top of your class. You need to score mostly A's in all classes to have a good chance of admission. A few B's won't hurt much, but more B's may put you in a lower category. Additionally, you must take AP or IB courses to demonstrate your academic ability, especially in areas related to your chosen course of study. For example, if you're planning a career in engineering or IT, courses related to mathematics, calculus, and physics will help.

If your GPA is less than 3.6 and higher than 3.3, you need higher SAT or ACT scores to compensate. You need a minimum of 3.2 GPA to secure admission at BU. Below this, your chances of admission will be very slim.

Can I Get Into BU Without SAT Or ACT?

Boston University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, test scores are considered in admission decisions. Therefore, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit your best scores. Normally, students may take the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. Plan early and appear in upcoming SAT/ACT tests. Check the test schedule and plan accordingly. It is advisable to take the test multiple times unless you score well above the average SAT/ACT scores of admitted students, as shown below.

Boston University (BU) SAT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.

Boston University Average SAT Score: 1447
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Boston University is a 1447 on the 1600 SAT scale. This score makes it very Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do very well to score 1447 on SAT.
If your score is lower than 1360, you may appear again to improve your score to have better chances of admission at BU. It is not unusual to take the SAT multiple times to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have taken the test multiple times, but not more than 5 times.

SAT 25th Percentile: 1360
SAT 75th Percentile: 1520

It means that if you have scored less than 1360, then you are below most of the admitted students at BU and your chances of admission are slim. But if you have scored 1520 or more, then your chances of admission are higher. The 25th percentile means that only 25% of admitted students have a score lower than this. The 75th percentile marks the score of the top 25% of students.

View list of all colleges with an average SAT score of 1450

Can I get into Boston University (BU) with a 1500 SAT?

With a 1500 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Boston University (BU) are good, but the admission staff at BU considers your overall personality and academic performance. Your GPA, class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and IB or AP courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extracurricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. If you did not perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas. Improving in other areas will help you secure admission. A high GPA, taking IB or AP courses, and leadership roles will definitely increase your chances of admission. However, if you perform well in all areas, then your chances of admission are high.

Boston University (BU) ACT Requirements

The average ACT Score at Boston University is 33.

This score makes Boston University very Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do very well to score 33 on the ACT.
ACT 25th Percentile: 31
ACT 75th Percentile: 34

View the list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 33.

Can I get into Boston University with a 34 ACT?

With a 34 ACT Score, your chances of admission at Boston University are good, but the admission staff does not consider your ACT score only. The college admission process assesses your overall personality and academic performance. Your GPA, class performance, SAT/ACT/test scores, and IB or AP courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extracurricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. If you did not perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas. Improving in other areas will help you secure admission.

SAT vs ACT: Which Score to Send

You can compare your SAT and ACT scores to the average SAT and ACT scores of admitted students at Boston University. More importantly, comparing your scores with the 25th and 75th percentiles of SAT and ACT scores will give you a better understanding of where you stand. If your SAT score is close to the 75th percentile, you should send your SAT score. If your ACT score is near the 75th percentile, then you should send your ACT score.

But there’s more: if both of your scores are in the same range, it is better to send the ACT score because, with the ACT, you can control which score to send, unlike the SAT.

Here’s how: When sending an ACT score, you can decide which score you want to send to colleges. You could take 8 ACT tests and only send your highest one. This is not the case with the SAT, where your score report includes all of your attempts.

View the list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 33.

BU Profile

Name: Boston University (BU)

City: Boston

URL: www.bu.edu/

State: Massachusetts

Type: Non-Profit Private

Zip: 2215

Campus: Main

Accredited by: New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)

Is a Degree from BU Worth It?

Getting into BU can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. BU offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.

Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at BU is USD: 83140.68 and the unemployment rate is 2.9%.

How Much Does a Degree from BU Cost?

The average annual cost of a degree at Boston University is USD: 76389. Since most students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants, the average annual net price a student has to pay at Boston University is much less than this.

How Can I Get a Scholarship?

17.28% of the students receive Pell Grants, and 26.15% receive federal grants. So, it is a wise choice to attend BU and apply for Pell or federal loan grants.

At Boston University, you should have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Be sure to fill out the FAFSA application form as early as possible and list BU as your choice on the form.

How Much Does a BU Graduate Earn?

The average annual salary of a BU graduate 4-6 years after graduation is USD 80582. On average, a BU graduate earns this amount 10 years after enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).

The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD 36,834.

BU Degree Programs

Boston University offers following degree programs.

Bachelor Programs

Full list of All degree programs offered by Boston University.

Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard, US Department of Education, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.