The general deadline for applying for the fall semester is January 15 and for the spring semester it is October 15. Please be aware that many departments have earlier deadlines than the January 15 or October 15 date. A complete listing of departmental deadlines can be found at the Application Deadlines page. Most departments adhere strictly to the application deadline so it is in your best interest to submit not only your application but all supporting documents well before the posted application deadline.
If you are using the online application system, the application deadlines can be found at the “Program Information” tab. If you are submitting a paper application, the application deadlines can be found on pages 5 and 6 in the GRS application.
Please be aware that the downloadable paper application may not have the most up to date information. It is in your best interest to check the department’s website for any recently updated information.
It is in the applicant’s best interest to submit all supporting documents well before the deadline. This will allow time for the Admissions Office to match your credentials with your application so the complete application can be forwarded to the department for review. All applications must be complete by the deadline; any application materials received after the deadline may not be reviewed by the department.
You may apply via the online application or via mail by downloading the paper application. If you need a paper version of the application mailed to you, contact Bulletin Requests at grartsci@bu.edu. Note that only application requests can be received at this e-mail; all other inquiries should be directed to grs@bu.edu. Please be sure to provide a name and mailing address for any application request, and please indicate an intended area of study. As always, we encourage you to use our online application for expedited processing. Visit the Admissions homepage for more information about the application process.
No, there is no need to submit a paper application if you submit an online application. In addition, applicants should not use a paper copy of the application as a cover form for their supporting credentials if they have submitted an online application. This could delay your application and credentials from being forwarded to the department for review.
There is no separate application for financial assistance. On the paper application, answer the question, “Do you wish to be considered for financial aid from Boston University (excluding loans and Work-Study)?” by checking the YES box. If you are using the online application, click on Application Questions and check YES on the question, “Do you wish to be considered for financial aid from Boston University (excluding loans and Work-Study)?” All aid granted by the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences is merit-based, not need-based. For more information, see the Financial Aid page.
If you are requesting either your GRE or TOEFL official score report from the ETS organization, the GRS institution code is 3087. There is no need for a department code. If you send the GRE or TOEFL test score report to the wrong institution code, you must either request another copy to be sent to the GRS code 3087 or contact the school to which the original test score has been sent and inquire whether they would be willing to forward the original score report to GRS. We will not accept a copy of any test score as a substitute for an original report.
Most departments adhere strictly to the application deadline. If you contact the department and receive permission to apply after the deadline, you must submit a paper application and the application fee must be in the form of a personal check or money order. No credit card payment is accepted with the paper application.
Each department/program has an admissions review committee. The schedule for reviewing applications is set by the review committee at the department. The Admissions Office cannot tell you when you will receive an admissions decision. If you are looking for information regarding the status of your application after it has been forwarded to the department, please contact the department administrator directly. For department information, click here.
Undergraduate AdmissionsAdmission to Arts & Sciences is managed through BU’s main Admissions Office.
Graduate AdmissionsLearn more about qualifications and the admissions process.
Intra-University TransferTransferring from another BU school or college to the College of Arts & Sciences