The application, application fee, and application materials must be received in the GRS Admissions Office by the application deadline.  Please note that all documents should be submitted online through the online application.  Please do not send additional paper copies of any materials submitted online to the Graduate Admissions Office.  All materials and documents, including transcripts and reference letters, submitted as part of an application for admission become the property of Boston University and cannot be returned.

Required

  • Online Application
  • $95 Application fee
  • Uploaded Transcripts. On the application, upload an unofficial copy of your transcript for each institution you have attended.  Do not email or mail official transcripts directly to our office.  You will be required to submit official transcripts only if you are admitted and accept our offer of admission.
  • Three official letters of recommendation.  Recommendations should be submitted through the online recommendation system.  Photocopies and other facsimiles, such as scanned/emailed or faxed documents will not be considered official.
  • Official GRE General scores, sent to BU by ETS using institution code 3087.  Many departments do not require GRE scores; refer to the list on this page  for details.  Applicants applying to MFA programs are not required to submit GRE scores.
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume or CV
  • Writing Sample.  A writing sample is required by some but not all departments.  Check your department’s requirements at Application Requirements and Deadlines.
  • Official English proficiency test scores (international applicants only)
  • International Student Documents if you are offered admission (international applicants only)

Not required

  • College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile.  The CSS Profile is used by the Undergraduate Admissions Office to award non-federal institutional aid.  It is not used by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GRS).
  • Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  The FAFSA is used to apply for federal and state financial aid.  Our PhD & MFA admission offer does not include federal financial aid and therefore, the FAFSA is not needed during the admissions process.  Students who are admitted and want to apply for federal educational loans after they matriculate must submit a FAFSA at that time (refer to our PhD & MFA Student Loans page).