Boston University: Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics

Boston University is a private research university with an acceptance rate of 18.9%. To apply, students can use the Common Application or Coalition Application. BU has an Early Decision program that can improve admission chances for students who are sure the university is their top choice school.

Considering applying to Boston University? Here are the admissions statistics you should know, including the average SAT/ACT scores and GPAs of admitted students.

Acceptance Rate

During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, Boston University had an acceptance rate of 18.9%. This means that for every 100 students who applied, 18 students were admitted, making BU's admissions process highly competitive.

SAT Scores and Requirements

Boston University requires that all applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. During the 2017-18 admissions cycle, 70% of admitted students submitted SAT scores.

This admissions data tells us that most of BU'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 University scored between 650 and 720, while 25% scored below 650 and 25% scored above 720. On the math section, 50% of admitted students scored between 680 and 780, while 25% scored below 680 and 25% scored above 780. Applicants with a composite SAT score of 1500 or higher will have particularly competitive chances at BU.

Requirements

BU does not require the SAT writing section. Note that Boston University participates in the scorechoice program, which means that the admissions office will consider your highest score from each individual section across all SAT test dates. BU has different SAT requirements for the Accelerated Medical Program and the College of Fine Arts, so make sure to review the requirements for the program to which you are applying.

ACT Scores and Requirements

BU requires that all applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 39% of admitted students submitted ACT scores.

This admissions data tells us that most of Boston University's admitted students fall within the top 3% nationally on the ACT. The middle 50% of students admitted to BU received a composite ACT score between 32 and 35, while 25% scored above 35 and 25% scored below 32.

Requirements

Boston University does not require the ACT writing section. Unlike many universities, BU superscores ACT results; your highest subscores from multiple ACT sittings will be considered.

GPA

In 2019, the average high school GPA for incoming Boston University freshmen was 3.72. This data suggests that most successful applicants to BU have primarily A grades.

Self-Reported GPA/SAT/ACT Graph

The admissions data in the graph is self-reported by applicants to Boston University. 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

Boston University has a highly competitive admissions pool with a low acceptance rate and high average SAT/ACT scores. However, BU 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 test scores are outside Boston University's average range.

Admission standards at BU vary by school and college. Applicants to the College of Fine Arts must audition or submit a portfolio, and applicants to the university's Accelerated Medical Program have additional testing and course requirements.

In the graph above, the blue and green dots represent accepted students, and you can see that most admitted students had averages of B+ or higher, SAT scores (ERW+M) above 1200, and ACT composite scores above 25. Even if Boston University is a match school in relation to your credentials, you should still make sure that you apply to a couple of safety schools in case the admissions decision doesn't go your way.

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