Boston College: Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics

Boston College is a private research college with an acceptance rate of 27%. Considering applying to Boston College? Here are the admissions statistics you should know, including average SAT/ACT and GPAs of admitted students.

Acceptance Rate

During the 2018-19 academic admissions cycle, Boston College had an acceptance rate of 27%. This means that for every 100 students who applied, 27 students were admitted, making Boston College's admissions process highly competitive.

SAT Scores and Requirements

Boston College requires that all applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 60% of admitted students submitted SAT scores.

This admissions data tells us that most of Boston College's admitted students fall within the top 20% nationally on the SAT. For the evidence-based reading and writing section, 50% of students admitted to Boston College scored between 660 and 730, while 25% scored below 660 and 25% scored above 730. On the math section, 50% of admitted students scored between 680 and 770, while 25% scored below 680 and 25% scored above 770. Applicants with a composite SAT score of 1500 or higher will have particularly competitive chances at Boston College.

Requirements

Boston College does not require the optional SAT essay section. Note that Boston College participates in the scorechoice program, which means that the admissions office will consider your highest score from each individual section across all SAT dates. At BC, SAT Subject tests are optional.

ACT Scores and Requirements

Boston College requires that all applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 56% of admitted students submitted ACT scores.

This admissions data tells us that most of Boston College's admitted students fall within the top 5% nationally on the ACT. The middle 50% of students admitted to Boston College received a composite ACT score between 31 and 34, while 25% scored above 34 and 25% scored below 31.

Requirements

Boston College does not require the ACT writing section. Note that BC participates in the scorechoice program, which means that the admissions office will combine your highest score from each individual subtest across all ACT dates.

GPA

In 2019, the average GPA of Boston College's incoming freshmen class was A/A-.

Self-Reported GPA/SAT/ACT Graph

​The admissions data in the graph is self-reported by applicants to Boston College. GPAs are unweighted. Find out how you compare to accepted students, see the real-time graph, and calculate your chances of getting in with a free Cappex account.

Admissions Chances

One of the country's top Catholic universities, Boston College has a highly competitive admissions pool with a low acceptance rate and high average GPAs and SAT/ACT scores. However, Boston College, like nearly all highly selective colleges and universities, has a holistic admissions process involving other factors beyond your grades and test scores. A strong application essay and glowing letters of recommendation can strengthen your application, as can participation in meaningful extracurricular activities and a rigorous course schedule. Students with particularly compelling stories or achievements can still receive serious consideration even if their grades and test scores are outside of Boston College's average range.

To apply, students must use the Common Application or the Questbridge Application and complete the BC writing supplement. Boston College has an Early Decision program that can improve admission chances for students who are sure the university is their top choice school. Students with interests in studio art, music, or theater can use Slide Room to upload files of their visual or performing art to the Common Application. Note that interviews are not part of the Boston College application process. 

All admissions data has been sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics and Boston College Undergraduate Admissions Office.