Information for Counselors
We recognize the important role you play in the college search process by helping students find schools that are a good match and assisting them throughout the application process.
We also recognize how busy you are. So we’ve consolidated the information you want most onto a single page of quick links to the Boston University website. We hope this makes it easy to find the answers you need.
Of course, if you have additional questions, we’re glad to help. Please call us at 617-353-2300 or email us at admissions@bu.edu.
Fast Facts about BU
- Student Profile, Requirements and Admission Criteria
- Costs, financial aid and scholarships
- Applying to BU
- Information for international students
- Our schools and colleges
- Our faculty
- Programs of study
- Our campus
High School Preparation
| Total Applicants: | 37,768 |
|---|---|
| Total Freshmen Enrolled: | 4,100 |
| Ranked in Top 10% of High School Class: | 61% |
| Ranked in Top 15% of High School Class: | 76% |
| Ranked in Top 25% of High School Class: | 91% |
| Average GPA: | A- |
| Composite SAT (middle 50% range): | 1850–2080 |
| ACT (average): | 29 |
Recommended high school/secondary school curriculum:
- Four years of English
- Three to four years of mathematics (precalculus/calculus recommended)
- Three to four years of laboratory science
- Three to four years of history and/or social science
- Two to four years of a foreign language
What we’ll need from you when your students apply to BU:
- High school/secondary school transcript
- Senior grades
- Secondary School Report form
- Teacher/counselor recommendations
- Early Decision Agreement (signed by counselor if applicable)
Applicants will receive instructions to set up a BU Web account, which allows them to check the status of their application and identify any missing credentials. Please note that it may take up to two weeks for Admissions to process credentials received. Students are encouraged to check their Web accounts frequently. Admission decisions are posted to applicants’ Web accounts in the spring.
Applying to Boston University
- Program requirements
- Deadlines
- Early decision information
- Application instructions
- Auditions and portfolio requirements (College of Fine Arts only)
International Students
Admission Criteria
BU is a highly competitive and selective school. We receive nearly 38,000 applications each year. While high school performance takes priority in our decision process, we do look at each student as a whole. No single factor will make or break a student’s application.
Overall, we look for achievers who will succeed academically and thrive in our community—a diverse mix of students with a wide variety of interests, talents and goals. Here are the factors we consider:
- High school performance
- Standardized test scores
- Starting in March 2009, the College Board will offer Score Choice, a new program that will allow students to choose the SAT and SAT Subject Test scores they submit to colleges by test date. Although Boston University will allow students to choose this option, we strongly recommend that you encourage your students to submit their scores each time they take the SAT. BU has always and will continue to consider a student’s highest SAT section scores in making admissions decisions. For more information about Score Choice, please visit the College Board website.
- Teacher and counselor recommendations
- Other personal qualifications
- Application essay