Holding the title of “International Powerhouse,” Boston University offers a rigorous academic environment with over 300 programs of study and a flexible curriculum that allows students to take courses across ten different schools and colleges. Popular for its research, academics, and student life that extends far beyond the confines of its classrooms, Boston University attracts tens of thousands of high school students from all walks of life and every corner of the globe. For Fall 2024 alone, around 79,000 applicants applied to the University.

A huge number, right? Well, out of this number, only 4.14% students were accepted into the university. In this blog, we are going to discuss the BU admissions statistics, acceptance rates, requirements, and a few tips to crack the Boston admissions code! 

Let us answer the question that has popped up in the minds of students applying for the class of 2029:

How Competitive is BU?

Boston University’s competitiveness has changed alot along the landscape of elite college admissions. As a university that once admitted over half of its applicants about two decades ago, BU has become highly competitive over the years. Now, the universities' acceptance rates approach those of the Ivy League.

In the early years, BU admission trends faced an anomaly: the university favoured regular decision over early decision applicants. However, don’t worry, that didn’t last long. Given the current admission trends, BU now favours Early Decision applicants, and each year, its acceptance rate hits a new low. Making the BU's admissions landscape more competitive than ever.

What Is Boston University Acceptance Rate for the Class of 2025?

According to the BU stats, for fall 2024, 78,769 students applied for admission. Out of which 6,854 were Early Decision applicants and 71,915 were Regular Decision Applicants. And how many of the total were admitted? 3,268, yep, that’s right! Boston University admitted around 5% of its total application pool. The number comprises around 56% students from the early decision applicants, while regular admissions occupied the rest of the seats. 

Has BU’s Acceptance Rate Changed Over the Years?

The Class of 2012 was unaware of its advantage. During the 2008-09 admissions cycle, 54% of applicants gained entry to BU. However, up until the Class of 2016, Early Decision applicants to Boston University had a lower acceptance rate than those applying under Regular Decision. Basically, students committed to attending BU, who clearly wanted to spend four years there, were less likely to be admitted than those who didn't show early interest. It’s a strange phenomenon!

Which Programs are Hardest to Get into at BU?

The selectivity level of different majors and programs can differ among the colleges within the university, as the "difficulty" can often be assessed by acceptance rates, average test scores, and GPA requirements.

The College of Engineering (ENG) at Boston University is regarded as one of the more selective colleges within BU. This is primarily due to the rigorous nature of its programs and the high interest in fields such as biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. Applicants to ENG typically have strong foundations in math and science, along with high grades and test scores.

The Questrom School of Business is also quite competitive, given that business is a sought-after major across the country. The school is recognised for its emphasis on collaborative projects and presentations, which foster networking opportunities among students.

Lastly, the College of Fine Arts (CFA) can be challenging to gain admission to, particularly for majors such as acting or graphic design, due to the audition or portfolio review process that complements the academic requirements. This introduces an additional layer of selectivity, as candidates must fulfil academic criteria and also showcase their artistic abilities.

Although these colleges are generally more competitive, your chances of acceptance also rely on your individual profile and how well you align with the program. Ensure that your application features strong academics, notable extracurricular activities, and engaging essays.

What GPAs, SATs, and ACTs Do You Need for BU?

While a college application has alot of things, we would currently be focusing on a few critical things:

• GPA requirements
• SAT and ACT requirements
• Application requirements

Average GPA: The university requires an average GPA of 3.89. Students thinking of applying to BU should aim for a GPA higher than the required minimum to increase their chances of acceptance. Since mostly A’s are required, take AP/IB or honours classes to boost competitiveness.

SAT Scores:

• Average SAT: 1418
• 25th percentile: 1410
• 75th percentile: 1500
• Superscoring Policy: Yes (Highest Section)

ACT Scores

• Average ACT: 32
• 25th percentile: 32
• 75th percentile: 34
• Superscoring: BU considers the highest section scores from all test dates

This might help: How to Get a Perfect SAT Score

General Application Requirements

Is It Harder for International Students to Get Into BU?

Indeed, the university welcomes students from all around the world. 23% of the students in the BU Class of 2028 are international. These students come from diverse backgrounds and every corner of the globe.  Diversity in every sense of the word is part of the BU DNA, and it is the richness of the students’ experiences and backgrounds that make BU such a vibrant and dynamic campus community. The Applicant Pool includes students from 167 countries, all 50 states of the US. 

And in case you don’t believe us, here are a few stats for you

Why Early Decision May Help

Pros

Higher Acceptance Rate

BU generally admits a greater percentage of students through the ED round compared to Regular Decision (RD). Since ED applicants demonstrate a strong interest, their chances of admission increase. For instance, while BU’s overall acceptance rate is approximately 10.8%, the ED acceptance rate is typically significantly higher, unofficial estimates suggest a range of 20% to 30%.

Demonstrated Interest

BU prefers applicants who are likely to enrol if accepted. Since ED is binding, it indicates to BU that the applicant's top choice is BU, and the university often rewards this clear commitment.

Earlier Decision

Receive your admission decision by mid-December, providing peace of mind and extra time to prepare, with less stress than waiting until April.

Competitive Edge

ED applicants are frequently reviewed in a smaller pool, offering a better opportunity to distinguish themselves, especially if their application is strong in essays, recommendations, and extracurriculars.

Also Read: How to Build Your Profile for Early Decision

Cons of Applying Early Decision to BU

• Binding Commitment: If accepted, you must attend BU and withdraw applications from all other schools. 
• Less Time to Improve Application: No chance to boost your GPA with fall semester grades. Limited time to retake the SAT/ACT or polish essays and activities.
• Financial Aid Risk: Since you can’t compare aid packages to find a better deal, your financial flexibility may be limited.
• Pressure to Decide Early: You need to be 100% sure BU is your dream school—academically, socially, and financially. Rushing the decision can lead to regret.

Tips to Boost Your Chances of Getting Into BU

• Begin Your Application Process Early

Students considering Boston University as their choice should start planning and preparation during middle school or the beginning of high school.

• Develop a Holistic Strategy for Your College Path 

Building a strong, competitive application profile for your target school takes time and a clear strategy. A few things you can do to increase your chances are:

• Take AP courses in high school
• Maintain you GPA 
• Participate in meaningful extracurriculars
• Preparing thoroughly for standardised tests 
• Highlight leadership and interpersonal skills in your essays

• Take Expert Help

Admissions processes can sometimes be tricky and overwhelming. To increase your chances of getting admission in the University, you can consult the expert counsellors at CounsellingX. 

Final Takeaway

Boston University, renowned for its research, academics, and vibrant student life that extends beyond campus, attracts tens of thousands of high school students worldwide. However, not all of them make it to the classrooms. This is due to the university's highly selective admissions policy and its strict admissions rate. However, fortunately, there are multiple factors that can help increase your chances of admission to the university. We at counsellingx can help you pave the way to your dream university.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the GPA Requirement for Boston University?

Boston University requires a GPA of 3.89 or higher for the majority of its programs. Exact GPA requirements may differ.

2. Is Boston University an Ivy League School?

No, Boston University is not an Ivy League School. However, it is considered one of the elite schools in the US.

3. Is a SAT Score of 1400 enough to get into Boston University?

Yes, typically the accepted SAT score for Boston University revolves around 1400. 

4. What is the Boston University Acceptance Rate?

Given its prestige, Boston University has a general acceptance rate of around 10% for the year 2024. The acceptance rate for the 2025 intake is not known yet.