Updated: Monday, August 31, 2026
Boston University, or BU as it’s known, is a top private research university in Boston, Massachusetts. The university has 10 undergraduate schools and colleges to choose from, as well as dual degree and double major options.
Boston University has become increasingly competitive throughout the last few years, receiving record-breaking numbers of applications from across the country and around the world. Learning as much as you can about BU can help you increase your chances of admission.
How to Get into Boston University: Table of Contents
If you’re considering applying to Boston University, it’s important to understand the various application options and timelines so you can submit your materials on time.
Boston University’s application deadlines vary slightly from year to year but are always around the same time of the academic year. The deadlines for students applying during the 2026-27 admissions cycle are:
Boston University offers the Presidential Scholarship, which covers half of tuition, and the Trustee Scholarship, which covers all of tuition and fees. Students who want to be considered for either of these merit-based scholarships must apply for Regular Decision admission by December 1.
Students applying ED I to Boston University can expect a decision on December 15. The ED II decision date is February 9. Decisions for RD are released on March 28.
There are different application types that students can choose from when applying to college. It’s important to understand the key differences between these application types, like Regular Decision, Early Decision, Early Action, and rolling admissions. Of these options, Boston University offers only Early Decision, Early Decision II, and Regular Decision.
Early Decision and Early Decision II are binding application options — if you are admitted ED or ED II, you must enroll. Early Action is also an early application, but it is non-binding, which means that you can enroll somewhere else. Regular Decision is generally the most competitive admissions round because most students apply RD and there are fewer spots left in the class after early round admissions. RD is non-binding.
While Boston University does not offer rolling admissions, it’s important to know what it is. Rolling admissions is when universities accept applications throughout a prolonged period, from September through May — typically until they fill all the spaces in the class. While this is a more flexible option, students are advised to apply as early as possible.
If you apply to Boston University Regular Decision, you will receive one of three possible decisions: accepted, denied, or waitlisted. The waitlist is made up of strong students that the university wanted to admit but did not have the space for. If you are waitlisted, you may want to consider enrolling at another school — waitlist admission rates are typically low at top schools. Of the 16,135 students that Boston University placed on the waitlist in fall 2025, 479 students were accepted.
If you apply to Boston University Early Decision or Early Decision II, you may receive a deferral admission decision. This means your application will be reevaluated within the Regular Decision applicant pool. So, what should you do if you’ve been deferred? Students who receive a deferral decision from Boston University are advised to submit their mid-year grades.
Boston University is one of the country’s top research universities. It is a popular choice on many students’ school lists and receives a high volume of applications every year; however, the admission rates over the past few years have been under 15%.
To stand out from the pack, start preparing early. Students can improve their chances of admission by doing their research and tailoring their applications accordingly.
Boston University is excited about academically rigorous students who have interdisciplinary interests and passions. So, what does Boston University look for? Though Boston University employs the holistic admission review process, which considers several diverse aspects of a student’s application, academic rigor and performance carries the most weight.
Boston University will evaluate how a student’s academic and extracurricular profile matches their interests and goals. Because BU has so many major options and allows students the flexibility to take on double majors and even dual degrees, Boston University values applicants with multiple and diverse interests.
In addition to academic interests, Boston University looks for multitalented and involved students who have made significant contributions to their high schools. Applicants should highlight their involvement in their applications and thread connections to how their interests make them a good fit at BU. Boston University appreciates depth and consistency in extracurricular activities. Rather than list as many activities as possible, applicants should highlight the activities they are the most committed and passionate about.
Visiting campus is the best way to really find out if Boston University is the right fit for you. Located in the heart of Boston’s Commonwealth Avenue, Boston University blends with the city itself. It’s important to plan your visit well in advance so you can register for an official campus visit through the Boston University Office of Undergraduate Admissions. The visit includes an information session with an admissions officer and a current student along with a student-led campus tour. This allows visitors a chance to see a large section of campus and get a feel for student life. Tours of individual schools and colleges are also available.
Can’t make it to campus? BU also offers virtual tours.
There’s no better way to learn about a college than speaking directly with a current student. Boston University Admissions has an excellent team of student workers tasked with supporting the admissions office and connecting with prospective and admitted students. You can connect with a student by reaching out to the admissions office via email or phone. If you have specific questions about a major or about the student experience, they will connect you with a student with similar interests.
You can learn more about the student experience at BU by following current students on social media. Reading the student newspaper, “The Daily Free Press“, is another great way to learn more about what’s happening on campus.
Boston University uses the Common Application. The earlier you begin to prepare your application, the more strategic you can be about the process and position yourself as the strongest possible candidate. Remember that the admissions process is made up of both hard and soft factors, all of which come together in the holistic review process by which colleges make their admissions decisions.
Most colleges don’t have official minimum GPA requirements, including Boston University. However, the most recent Common Data Set shows that the average high school GPA of students admitted for fall 2025 was 3.86. If you want to attend Boston University, your GPA should align with the admitted student average.
Boston University is test-optional. However, submitting a strong test score can only benefit you. Of the students who submitted test scores for fall 2025 admission, the middle 50% scored 1420-1510 on the SAT and 33-34 on the ACT. It’s worth noting that BU superscores both the SAT and ACT.
If you take the ACT and decide to submit your scores, Boston University will only accept them if the Science section — which is now an optional part of the ACT — is included. The Writing section is optional.
The personal statement is one of the most important soft factors of the application process. Choose one of the seven Common App essay prompts and think of it as an opportunity to introduce yourself to the admissions committee and tell them something that isn’t elsewhere in your application. Admissions officers appreciate authenticity, so focus on writing in your own voice.
Boston University requires one additional supplement for all applicants, regardless of the school or college they choose. Here is the prompt for the 2026-27 admissions cycle:
What about being a student at BU most excites you?
Students applying for the Trustee Scholarship or Kilachand Honors College must submit additional essays.
Boston University requires two recommendations, one from your college counselor and one teacher evaluation from a core academic subject. Applicants often submit two teacher evaluations, although only one is required. College counselors are also required to submit a school profile with academic and demographic information about your high school.
BU does not offer evaluative interviews. Instead, applicants have the option to submit a 60-90 second video on Glimpse. While you won’t be at a disadvantage if you choose not to submit a college application video, we strongly recommend taking advantage of this opportunity so you can share something about yourself that is not already in your application.Please note that if you are applying to the College of Fine Arts, there are additional portfolio, audition, and/or interview requirements.
Boston University students make valuable contributions to the school community through their wide variety of interests and expertise. As an applicant, you should showcase your academic and extracurricular interests in your application. Ultimately, BU seeks to put together a well-rounded class of “pointy” students — meaning students who demonstrate deep knowledge in one or two areas of interest.
The admissions committee considers each applicant’s soft factors in several ways, including how those factors will contribute to the campus community. This is part of why it’s important to be specific in the Boston University supplement. Tell admissions officers what excites you about BU and how you plan to contribute to the campus community as a student.
BU prides itself on enrolling a diverse student body. You can learn more about student demographics by checking out the most recent class profile. Here are some basic statistics for the class of 2029:
| Acceptance rate | 12.83% |
| Class size | 3,449 |
| Undergraduate majors | 300+ programs of study |
Boston University is a major research university offering strong programs in a variety of key disciplines, from its College of Engineering to its conservatory-style School of Theatre. Set along either side of the ambling Commonwealth Avenue in Boston’s Allston and Kenmore neighborhoods, it’s one with the city. Though there are about 60 other institutions of higher learning in the Boston area, it is one of a kind in the heart of Boston.
The BU Hub is Boston University’s unique general education program, giving students multiple pathways toward fulfilling their distribution requirements. Students complete required courses within six core capacities: Philosophical, Aesthetic, and Historical Interpretation; Scientific and Social Inquiry; Quantitative Reasoning; Diversity, Civic Engagement, and Global Citizenship; Communication; and Intellectual Toolkit.
No discussion of Boston University would be complete without mentioning extracurriculars, which include over 450 different student clubs and activities. These clubs include special interest groups, political associations, volunteer initiatives, club sports, Greek life, and more. If you are interested in playing sports at a higher level, BU participates in NCAA Division I sports, the most competitive division in the country.
Boston University may be a good fit for you if you want to be in a big but manageable city surrounded by smart and talented students from all over the world.
Where is Boston University?
BU is located along Commonwealth Avenue in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts.
What is Boston’s University acceptance rate?
The most recently reported acceptance rate was 12.83% for the class of 2029.
Is Boston University a good school?
BU is a highly selective school that attracts students from all over the U.S. and globally.
What is Boston University known for?
BU is known for its excellent and rigorous academic programs, innovative research, and lively campus in the heart of Boston.
When does Boston University release decisions?
Early Decision and Early Decision II notifications are released in mid-December and mid-February, respectively. Regular Decision notifications are released in late March.
Does Boston University have Early Action?
Boston University does not have Early Action. Students can apply Early Decision or Early Decision II.
Does Boston University have supplemental essays?
Students have one supplemental essay to complete on their application.
Is Boston College or Boston University better?
Both schools are highly regarded and very competitive. Learn how to get into Boston College to decide which one is the best fit for you.
Does the Boston University track demonstrated interest?
Yes, BU tracks demonstrated interest.
How many students are at Boston University?
Total enrollment at Boston University is approximately 38,000 students, which includes undergraduate and graduate students.
Because admission to Boston University is so competitive, students can maximize their chances by working with a college admissions counselor. An experienced counselor can assist students through every phase of college prep and their application, ensuring they build a competitive profile for college admissions and submit an application that showcases their best qualities.
All IvyWise college admissions counselors have served on admissions committees at some of the top colleges and universities in the U.S., so they know what colleges are looking for and how to help you stand out. Take the first step toward becoming a BU Terrier by scheduling an Initial Consultation.
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