Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I have to complete these pre-registration procedures before June 1?
You must complete the pre-registration information by June 1 in order to register for fall courses. The
Engineering Diagnostic Exam is a tool used to assess a student’s overall proficiency in Algebra and Trigonometry, as some students may benefit from additional review of these topics before attending Boston University in the fall. You can view sample questions for the EDE
here. Please be mindful that students who register for University Orientation early will have the most options.
When do I register for courses?
Will I be taking an exam during University Orientation?
The Engineering Diagnostic Exam is the only exam required of incoming engineering students. Remember, you must complete the Engineering Diagnostic Exam online, prior to University Orientation, by June 1. At University Orientation, international students will take a Writing Placement Exam. This assessment will help us register you for an appropriate fall writing course.
I have advanced credits (AP/IB/etc.) and/or college credit - can I use them?
Probably. Once Boston University receives official notification of your advanced credit scores, they will be reviewed for credit. Please remember AP credits will not be awarded until we receive your scores. View the Boston University
Advanced Credit Guide to better understand how your credit will be evaluated by the College of Engineering. Transfer credits will be reviewed on an individual basis. Please review the transfer credit process for detailed instructions on how courses are evaluated by Boston University.
What is the academic calendar for the upcoming year?
I don't know my Boston University ID number. How can I find out what it is?
Your Boston University ID number was sent to you in your admit packet when Boston University received your deposit. If you do not know your ID number, please call the College of Engineering Undergraduate Programs Office at (617) 353-6447 or the BU Admissions Office at (617) 353-2300. You will need your Social Security Number in order to have your BU ID number released.
What if I don't complete my network account?
This account must be established for you to take the
Engineering Diagnostic Exam and to register for classes at University Orientation. If you have difficulties establishing these accounts, please call the BU IT Help Center at (617) 353-4357.
When will I find out my fall room assignment?
After you complete the
New Student Housing Application online, and submit your deposit, the Office of Housing will assign you a room. Assignments are made on a first-come, first-served basis. The Office of Housing will mail your fall room assignment to you in mid-July, including: on-campus mailing address & phone number, room & dining plan charges, roommate’s name and information about moving in for the fall semester.
Do I need to buy a new computer before starting at Boston University?
The College of Engineering recommends that you come to campus with a laptop. Please see our computer recommendations below.
Computer Recommendations
The College of Engineering recommends that you come to campus with a laptop. If you plan on purchasing a PC, the College of Engineering recommends Windows 10 or Windows 11 operating systems (OS). Linux and Mac OS X are also compatible with the College’s network infrastructure. Google Chrome OS is not recommended and will greatly limit availability of on campus resources.
The College of Engineering does not have specific hardware recommendations or software configurations as each user’s needs will vary greatly. However, the following configurations are provided for your convenience:
Minimum Configuration
Intel Core i3 processor, AMD Ryzen 3, or better
8/16GB RAM, or more
256GB+ Solid State Drive
Recommended Configuration – If you are purchasing a new laptop
AMD Ryzen 5, Intel Core i5 processor, or better
16/32GB RAM, or more
256GB+ Solid State Drive
If you anticipate running CAD applications, be sure to purchase a computer with a dedicated video card. NVIDIA GPUs have broader support, but AMD Radeon is fine, and you don’t need to purchase SolidWorks certified GPUs. Vendor certification is for professional workstation support, but in our experience the consumer GPUs are fine for homework and most projects.
Minimum CAD requirements and Vendor certified video cards can be found here:
Solidworks minimum requirements
Solidworks Vendor Certified Graphics Cards(Windows Only)
PTC CREO Graphics Requirements (Windows Only)
Sample configurations for recommended systems for running CAD and other various Engineering programs can be found here: http://www.bu.edu/engit/studentconfigs/
The IT Help Center provides academic discounts to many popular computer manufacturers such as Apple and Lenovo. Additional details about computer configurations, prices, and details about the IT Help Center may be accessed at
bu.edu/tech/support/purchase/personal/shop/
For a list of software accessible to users in the BU community, please visit
bu.edu/software
For information about the Boston University College of Engineering, please visit our website:
bu.edu/eng
Have more questions?
Dan Tyburski and Sandy White are the first-year counselors for the College of Engineering. Feel free to email them at dht@bu.edui or sbonfigl@bu.edu. You may also contact the Undergraduate Programs Office at engineering@bu.edu.