What is the acceptance rate for BU?

I'm considering applying to Boston University and I'd love to know more about its acceptance rate. How competitive is it to get in, and what can I do to improve my chances?

Boston University, often referred to as BU, is quite selective with an acceptance rate of around 14% for the 2024-2025 application cycle. This means out of every 100 applicants, about 14 were accepted.

To improve your chances of admission at BU, you'll need to ensure you meet the academic qualifications that BU typically seeks. For example, the middle 50% range for SAT scores for admitted students is between 1350 and 1500, and the range for ACT scores is between 31 and 34. Keep in mind these are not cutoffs; you don’t necessarily need a score in this range to get in.

BU also values rigorous coursework, so taking a challenging course load in high school, such as Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, can help demonstrate your college readiness.

Another significant part of your application is your essay. The essay gives you an opportunity to tell BU something that isn't already in your application. You could discuss what motivates you, a significant experience that shaped you, or detail your main academic interest and why it's important to you. Essays that stand out often have a clear, singular narrative or thematic focus that reflects on personal growth or introspection.

Lastly, meaningful involvement and leadership in extracurricular activities can help differentiate your application. For instance, tier 1 or 2 activities, such national-level recognition or leading a large school club, can particularly stand out. However, given BU's competitive nature, quality involvement in any organization, sport, or volunteer work is valuable.

Remember that the admissions process is holistic and considers all parts of your application. It's about your entire academic and extracurricular profile, not just one factor. Being strong in several areas as opposed to just one can increase your chances of acceptance at BU.