Do I have to take the GRE?
The GRE requirement varies by program. Please review the PhD/MFA Application Requirements and Deadlines page for details by program. For information about GRE testing dates and score reporting, please visit the ETS website.
What are the minimum GRE test score requirements?
Many factors influence the admission decision and the Graduate School does not set minimum test score requirements for the GRE. However, you may reach out to your program of interest to inquire about their specific requirements.
Do I have to take an English proficiency test?
Please visit our PhD & MFA: International Applicants page
Which English proficiency test do you accept and what are the minimum scores?
Please visit our PhD & MFA: International Applicants page
Can I request an English proficiency waiver?
No. The Graduate School does not waive the English proficiency requirement in advance. The requirement may be waived at the time of the application review based on all the available documentation and test scores included with the application.
How do I submit my test scores?
GRE & TOEFL
The Graduate School must receive your official GRE and/or TOEFL test scores from ETS electronically. The Graduate School does not accept test scores on paper or sent via email.
The ETS institution code is 3087 to send official GRE and TOEFL scores to the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences at BU. You do not need to specify a department code when requesting test scores be sent to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. If the system requires you to enter a program code, you may enter any department code (ex: “99”). The Graduate School will receive your scores regardless of the department code.
Please ensure the registration number, name, and birth date on your online application match the information you provided to ETS. This information allows your test scores to be matched to your application. Please note that if you select an institution code for an institution outside of BU, you will need to contact ETS and have your scores resent to institution code 3087. We will not accept a copy of any test score as a substitute for an original report.
If you did not request that your test scores be sent to GRS at institution code 3087 when you took the test, you can always order additional score reports. Visit the ETS website for more information on ordering GRE or TOEFL reports. Please remember that photocopies of test score reports are not considered official. If the information provided to ETS does not match the information on your application (alternate names, former names, transposed names, incorrect birth date, etc), please contact Applicant Support.
CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH QUALIFICATIONS
After you have completed the exam and have submitted your admissions application, please email a copy of your Cambridge English Certificate to grsphd@bu.edu with subject line “Cambridge English Qualifications,” and include your first and last name, your 10-digit admissions application ID, your Cambridge English Qualifications Candidate ID, and the name of the PhD or MFA program to which you are applying in the email.
IELTS
It is important that you schedule your IELTS test well in advance of the application deadline so your scores will be received before the application review. Applicants submitting IELTS scores will need to contact their testing center and request official test scores be sent electronically to Boston University Graduate School of Arts & Sciences via our e-delivery account name: Boston University Graduate Programs.
DUOLINGO
When you complete your Duolingo exam, please select Boston University Graduate & Professional Programs as a score recipient. After you have submitted your admissions application to GRS, please email a copy of your Duolingo Certificate to grsphd@bu.edu with subject line “Duolingo,” and include your first and last name, your 10-digit admissions application ID, the Duolingo exam date, and the name of the PhD or MFA program to which you are applying in the email.
How long does it take for my scores to be confirmed?
After you submit your application, it may take 3-5 business days for your scores to be matched to the testing center’s database. They can only be confirmed if the information you listed in the application matches the information on file with the testing center (ex: legal name, date of birth, registration number, etc.). Make sure you double check that you entered the information correctly. Please wait at least one week before contacting our office to ask if we have received your scores.
How long are my test scores valid?
GRE test scores are valid for five years. The Graduate School does not accept GRE scores that are older than five years (for example, an applicant who submitted an application on December 15, 2024, must have taken the GRE test after December 15, 2019). Some departments prefer GRE scores that are less than two years old; please contact your department for more information.
All English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, Cambridge English Qualifications, IELTS, Duolingo) are valid for two years (24 months). For example, an applicant who submits an application on December 15, 2024, must have taken the English proficiency test after December 15, 2022.
I sent my test scores with a previous application. Do you still have them on file?
All test scores must be submitted at the time of application. Unfortunately, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences will not be able to retrieve test scores sent from a previous application cycle.
Can I apply if my test scores do not meet the minimum requirements?
Applicants are strongly discouraged from applying if they have not met the minimum requirements at the time of the application deadline.