How to Apply to Boston University

The following table summarizes the contact and directory information to apply BU. BU offers benefits for veterans, service member, or qualified family members. You may need to prepare certificate of eligibility (COE ) from the Veterans Affairs .
Admissionwww.bu.edu/admissions
Online Applicationwww.bu.edu/admissions/apply
Financial Aidwww.bu.edu/finaid
Net Price Calculatorwww.bu.edu/finaid/aid-basics/cost-of-education/net-price-calculator/
Veterans Tuitionwww.bu.edu/reg/general-information/veterans-services/
Disability Servicewww.bu.edu/disability/

Admission Statistics Charts

The following chart visualizes the admission statistics at BU and compares to similar schools by type, level and location.

Test Scores Comparison

In 2023, the average SAT score at Boston University is 1,470 and the average ACT score is 33. Compared to similar schools in college rankings, the admission score of Boston University is comparable to the schools (average score is 1,546). You can check and compare the SAT and ACT scores by subject with tables and charts.
BU SAT/ACT Scores and Comparison
SAT AverageACT Average
Boston University1,47033
Similarly Colleges in Rankings1,54635
All U.S. Colleges1,12368
Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges1,13269
4-Years Colleges1,12468
Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in Massachusetts1,23781

SAT/ACT Scores by Subject

SATACT
At Boston University, 823 students submitted SAT scores (23% of enrolled students).
The average SAT score is about 1,470 and it is higher (competitive score) than average for Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in Massachusetts. The following table shows the SAT average scores by subject and 25th/75th percentile.
SAT Scores by Subject
25th percentile50th percentile (Median)75th percentile
Evidence-Based Reading and Writing660700730
Mathematics690740770
Total1,3501,440 1,500
*Data Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)(Last update: December 11, 2023)
At Boston University, 448 students submitted ACT scores (12% of enrolled students).
The average ACT score is about 33 and it is lower than average for Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in Massachusetts. The next table shows the ACT average scores by subject and 25th/75th percentile.
ACT Scores by Subject
25th percentile50th percentile (Median)75th percentile
Composite313334
English323435
Mathematics283134

BU Admission Requirements

The following table summarizes the admission requirement to apply to Boston University. The school requires 6 items to submit - Secondary school GPA, Secondary school record, Completion of college-preparatory program, Recommendations, TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), and Legacy status.
3 items are Considered if submitted - Secondary school rank, Admission test scores, and Personal statement or essay.
Admission Requirements for Applying to Boston University
Secondary school GPARequired
Secondary school rankConsidered, if submitted
Secondary school recordRequired
Completion of college-preparatory programRequired
RecommendationsRequired
Formal demonstration of competenciesNot Considered
Admission test scoresConsidered, if submitted
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)Required
Work experienceNot Considered
Personal statement or essayConsidered, if submitted
Legacy statusRequired