Chances for Boston College?

I'm starting to worry about college admissions, and I'd really love to go to Boston College. How selective is it, and what can I do to improve my chances of getting in?

Boston College is a selective institution, with an acceptance rate of around 15%. To increase your chances of being admitted, it's essential to craft a well-rounded application which emphasizes your strengths in academics and extracurricular activities, as well as your overall strengths and personality.

1. Academics: Aim for a strong GPA and rigorous coursework, particularly in core subjects. Most successful applicants to Boston College have a high GPA and have taken AP or IB courses. It's also important to have competitive standardized test scores, such as the SAT or ACT, if you decide to submit them. While Boston College is test-optional, since this is a selective institution, you generally want to show your strength in as many ways as possible. You can read more about how to navigate test-optional policies on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/does-test-optional-mean-test-optional/.

2. Extracurricular activities: Boston College looks for students who have shown commitment and leadership in a few select activities rather than being involved in many without much depth. It's important to have 8-10 total extracurriculars (keeping in mind many may be seasonal) and to focus on developing your "spike" or area of expertise/passion through those activities, to show what sets you apart from even other talented applicants.

3. Letters of recommendation: Develop strong relationships with teachers, coaches, or mentors who can speak to your strengths and provide impactful recommendations.

4. Unique and engaging essays: When writing essays for admission, avoid cliche topics and instead focus on genuine experiences that showcase your personality, passion, or unique perspective. Take advantage of the opportunity to highlight specific aspects of your background or interests that aren't evident elsewhere in your application. You can read up on how to tackle Boston College's school-specific supplemental essay prompts on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-boston-college-essays.

Overall, focus on showcasing your strengths and making a compelling case for why you would be an ideal candidate for Boston College. Stay true to yourself and stay organized as you prepare to submit your application. Best of luck!