Boston University (BU) is the largest private global research institute in the USA, founded in 1839. It hosts over 37,000 students, including over 7,000 international students from over 140 countries. The Boston University acceptance rate, according to the U.S. News and World Report, is 14%. However, once you make it through, BU offers more than 300 degree programmes and 80 study-abroad options at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels across its 17 schools and colleges. This can help you soar your career to the optimum level.
This blog will help you shed light on the BU acceptance rates, admission process, requirements and more!
Boston University Acceptance Rate 2024
Boston University’s undergraduate acceptance rate for the class of 2026 was 14.1%. The university received 82,385 applications for a class of 3,635 freshmen, a 4.2% decrease compared to the class of 2025. Since 2012, when the acceptance rate was 45.6%, BU’s acceptance rate has steadily declined to just 14.1% in 2022.
In the fall of 2023, thousands of international and home students applied for admission to Boston University. Here are the admission statistics-
| Category | Student Applicants |
| 6,866 | Early Decision Applicants |
| 73,629 | Regular Decision Applicants |
| Total Applicants | 80,495 |
| Applicants who submitted test scores (%) | 41% |
Applicants For Class Of BU 2027
The majority of the incoming first-year students are top achievers, with many being the first in their families to attend university. Given below is a class of 2027 applicant test scores and statistics:
| Total Students Enrolled | 3145 |
| Early Decision Students | 57% |
| Regular Decision Students | 43% |
| Student GPA Scores | 3.8-4.0 (Mid 50% GPA Range) |
| High School Performance | 80% rank in the top 10% |
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BU Acceptance Rate 2024 – Early Decision Vs. Regular Decision
Early Decision and Early Decision 2 are application options at Boston University that enable students to apply early and receive an admission decision sooner. If admitted, students must commit to attending BU and withdraw applications to other institutions. According to U.S. News and World Report, the Early Decision acceptance rate at Boston University is 25%.
Boston University Admission Requirements
Boston University welcomes students worldwide, offering a diverse and vibrant campus community. Below are the detailed admission requirements for international students, including secondary school records, English proficiency testing, documentation of financial support, and standardised test submissions:
Secondary School Records
- Submit original or certified copies of your home country’s credentials.
- Refer to the BU’s Secondary School Credentials page for country-specific admission requirements.
- Provide copies of any terminating or qualifying examination results or certificates.
- Documents in languages other than English must accompany a notarised English translation. Both the original and the translation are required.
English Proficiency Testing Results
If your first language is not English, you must take one of the following tests. If English is your first language but you speak another at home, consider submitting English proficiency results to demonstrate fluency.
| Test | Competitive Score Range |
| Duolingo English Test (DET) | Total score: 125-135 |
| TOEFL iBT | Composite score: 90-100; Minimum 20 in each section |
| IELTS | Overall score: 7 or higher |
Documentation Of Financial Support
- Submit financial documentation if studying on an F-1 or J-1 visa.
- Complete the Confidential Statement for Financing Studies & Sponsorship Support Confirmation.
- Provide documents verifying funds for annual costs (savings deposits, checking accounts, or a signed bank letter).
- Documents must be current (within 12 months), written in English, and signed and stamped by a bank official.
- Upload documents as PDFs via the Common Application or the MyBU Applicant Portal.
- Keep copies of visa applications and US entry requirements.
Standardised Tests
Boston University is test-optional for first-year applicants applying for fall 2023/spring 2024. This applies to all undergraduate schools, colleges, and scholarship programmes.
| Test | BU Code |
| SAT | 3087 |
| ACT | 1794 |
- Decide whether to include standardised test scores in your application.
- Self-report scores on your application, or submit official scores via the testing agency or MyBU Applicant Portal.
- Discrepancies between self-reported and official scores may result in rescinded enrolment.
- BU super scores both SAT and ACT: Use the highest score for each section from multiple test dates.
Sending Official Scores:
- Use Score Choice for SAT to select which results to send.
- BU recalculates a new composite score using the highest section scores across test dates for the ACT.
If you’re considering applying to Boston University, you should know it can be harder than other schools. The Boston University acceptance rate is lower, and the average SAT score of students admitted to the Class of 2021 was 1490. If your scores aren’t as high as this and you don’t have an impressive resume, it might be better to apply elsewhere. But don’t give up hope if your GPA and test scores are strong or above average!
FAQs
1. What GPA do you need to go to Boston University?
The average GPA for getting to Boston University is 3.71
2. What majors are Boston university is known for?
Social Sciences; Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Engineering; Health Professions and Related Programs; Psychology; Computer and Information Sciences are the most popular majors at Boston University.
3. What is the lowest GPA Boston University will accept?
While Boston University does not have a minimum GPA requirement, the university recommends that applicants have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (based on a 4.0 scale).
1. What GPA do you need to go to Boston University?
The average GPA for getting to Boston University a GPA of 3.25 or above.
2. What majors are Boston University known for?
Boston University’s most popular majors are social sciences, business, management, marketing, and related support services, communication, journalism, and related programs, biological and biomedical sciences, engineering, health professions and related programs, psychology, and computer and information sciences.
3. What is the lowest GPA Boston University will accept?
While Boston University does not have a minimum GPA requirement, the university recommends that applicants have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (based on a 4.0 scale).
4. Is Boston University difficult to get into?
Boston University is quite difficult to get into, however, with good GPA, ACT/SAT scores you can easily get into the university.
5. What is the acceptance rate at Boston University for international students?
Boston University acceptance rate for international students stands at 14%
We hope you have enjoyed reading the blog on ‘Boston University Acceptance Rate & Statistics’ You can also read some of our blogs:
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