Transfer difficulty: Boston College

How challenging is it to transfer into Boston College? If anyone has gone through this process, what were the biggest obstacles or surprises? What should I keep in mind to improve my chances?

To evaluate the difficulty of transferring into Boston College, remember that transfer admission often tends to be more competitive than first-year admission given the fewer spots available. As of the most recent published data, Boston College's transfer acceptance rate sat around 13%.

As a transfer applicant, academic performance at your current college, course rigor, and the compelling reasons for wanting to transfer are critical aspects of your application. Boston College typically looks for students with a GPA of at least 3.0; however, most successful applicants tend to have even higher GPAs. Additionally, demonstrating a strong fit for your intended major at Boston College and the institution's mission of "educating the whole person" can further support your application.

Navigating the process can sometimes feel ambiguous, particularly determining which credits will transfer. Colleges have varied policies regarding this, and not all credits may be accepted, or they may fulfill different requirements than you intended. As such, it is advised that all potential transfer students contact Boston College's registrar or admissions office directly to discuss their specific situations.

Lastly, your application should distinctly articulate your justification for wanting to transfer and how Boston College will help you achieve your academic and career goals better than your current institution. This may be in the form of improved resources, a more robust program for your major, a community or culture that is a better fit for you, or other compelling reasons. Interweaving your narrative of this into your application can help you stand out.

Keep an eye on deadlines as they can be different from freshman applications, and remember that all pieces of your application, including college transcripts, high school transcripts, and recommendation letters, are due by the deadline. Best of luck with your application!