How does Boston University's ranking impact admissions chances?

I'm looking at Boston University for my college list and I'm wondering how much the university's ranking might affect my application. Is it a big factor in their admission process, or does it impact the prestige level or vibes on campus?

While ranking can be a helpful tool when considering which colleges to apply to, they don't directly impact your chances of gaining admission. Boston University's admission process doesn't focus on the university's own ranking - instead, their focus is on the students: the qualifications, academic ambitions, personal passions, and potential contributions to the community.

Boston University, like many universities, uses a holistic review process. This means they look at all factors of your application - including your transcripts, test scores (if submitted), essays, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation. They ultimately want to bring in students who will thrive in their academic environment and contribute to their community.

Regarding prestige or vibe on campus, while it's true that higher-ranked schools often possess a certain level of prestige, the campus vibe is largely determined by the students and cultural factors more so than the ranking itself. The best way to judge those is by attending virtual information sessions or visiting the campus yourself (if possible) to talk with students and faculty. You're likely to find that Boston University has a collaborative, dynamic, and enthusiastic student culture, regarded highly for programs in Journalism, Business, and Bioengineering among others.

So yes, while the school's ranking might indirectly influence the competitiveness of the student body (and thus the admissions process), you should focus less on the rankings and more on whether you meet the university's academic standards, could contribute to their community, and whether it's a good fit for you. The better match you are for the school's academic rigor and campus culture, the more likely you are to be admitted.