The Board of Admissions places primary emphasis on the strength of a student's secondary school record. Required test scores such as the Scholastic Assessment Test I (SAT I) or American College Test (ACT), essays, teacher recommendations, and other personal qualifications, as demonstrated by extracurricular activities, are also carefully evaluated. Secondary school graduation or an equivalency diploma is required. For students whose native language is not English, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is also required. Boston University supports the regional accreditation efforts of secondary school officials and governing bodies.

Many of the Schools, Colleges, and degree-granting programs within the University require additional admissions materials, such as SAT II: Subject Test scores, writing samples, or portfolios. For additional requirements, see the special programs information below or refer to the section on a particular program on this site.

Although no cutoff date for applications is routinely imposed, students are strongly encouraged to apply by January 15. Space and enrollments are limited in most programs. The Accelerated Medical and Dental programs have December 15 deadlines.

For those applying by January 15, offers of admission are made beginning in mid-March, with notification on completed applications mailed by April 15. To accept an admission offer, the student must submit a declaration of intent to register by May 1. Students must enclose a nonrefundable enrollment deposit of $400 with the declaration of intent. It is credited toward the student's University charges.

For purposes of admission, an international student is any citizen of a country other than the United States who has, or will need, a nonimmigrant visa to study at Boston University. Permanent residents of the United States and refugees are treated as U.S. citizens in the admission process and should follow the application procedure outlined for U.S. citizens.

International students should request the International Viewbook and Application for Admission and complete the application. Completed applications should be postmarked no later than November 1 for the spring semester and no later than January 15 for the fall semester. International candidates should note the special admission requirements and deadlines outlined in the International Viewbook and Application for Admission. In addition to the application, academic records, and test scores required of all students, each international student whose native language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Information on this test may be obtained at United States embassies and consulates, United States Information Service Offices, and many American and international secondary schools throughout the world, or by contacting TOEFL TSE Registration Office, P.O. Box 6152, Princeton, NJ 08541-6152; 609/771-7100.

International students must demonstrate proficiency in the English language to profit fully from their academic programs. On the basis of an English proficiency exam administered on the University campus, newly admitted international students may be either (1) assigned to a regularly required English course as part of their academic program or (2) assigned to a special, noncredit English course and a reduced number of credit courses in their program of study.

Financial aid is not available to international students. International students must submit evidence of financial support for their educational and living expenses while at Boston University. The required documents are described in the International Viewbook and Application for Admission.

Accepted students may postpone entering the University for up to one year, providing they do not enroll as degree candidates at any other collegiate institution during the interim. Students should write to the Admissions Office to request that their admission be deferred to January or September of the following calendar year. A $400 enrollment deposit is required to reserve deferred placement in the class.

Students are invited to visit the campus to gain a more complete idea of the nature of the University, its people, and its facilities. You may wish to attend one of the regularly scheduled "Meet Boston University" sessions that describe academic programs, extracurricular activities, residence life, admission, and financial aid procedures. These are held daily, except holidays during the fall and spring terms at 10 a.m., 11:15 a.m., and 12:15 p.m. Sessions are also scheduled daily (except Saturdays) during the summer.

Personal interviews with undergraduate students or staff may be arranged by calling the Office of Admissions at 617/353-2318. Opportunities to meet with faculty members of the individual Schools and Colleges and to tour the various facilities are also available. Contact the Office of Admissions for a schedule of activities.

Each weekday during the fall and spring terms (except for exam and vacation periods), tours are conducted by student hosts, on the hour, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. from the Admissions Reception Center at 121 Bay State Road. Saturday tours start at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and 12 noon. Tours are scheduled on weekdays during the summer at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. No appointments are necessary, but it is advisable to call ahead to check a particular day's tour status.