Admissions

When you’re ready to apply, start with our online application form. You may submit one application per entry term, and you can check the status of an existing application at any time.

Feel free to contact us with any questions along the way. We want the admissions process to be as straightforward and transparent as possible. Reach out to the Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid Office at (617) 353-2670 or businessanalytics@bu.edu.

The Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid Office keeps all records on file for one year. We welcome your re-application.

Each re-applicant is required to submit a new application form and fee ($125); an essay discussing updates or changes since the time of the previous application, as well as reasons for re-applying; an updated resume; a new letter of recommendation; university-level transcripts (if the re-applicant has taken new coursework since the time of their first application); and updated GMAT or GRE results (if applicable).

The Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid Office will waive the application fee for current BU employees, as well as for those who attended select admissions events and off-site fairs.

In addition, we will waive the application fee for those who are members or alumni of the following programs:

US Military	Education Pioneers	Historically Black Colleges
The Peace Corps	Teach for America	Hispanic Serving Institutions
AmeriCorps	City Year Corps

To take advantage of this waiver, please fill out the form below once your application has been started. Your CAS ID can be found at the top right of the online application. Once we process your fee waiver request, you’ll receive a follow-up email with additional instructions on how to submit your application. DO NOT click “submit and pay for programs” prior to receiving these instructions. We are unable to offer application fee refunds.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, your application fee waiver may take a few business days to process. If you submit this request before or on one of our application deadlines but do not receive a confirmation from us that same day, your application will still be considered “on time” for the deadline to which you applied. You must submit your waiver request before you submit your application in order for the fee waiver to be applied.

Please note: If you have been approved for an application fee waiver and are applying to one of our dual degree programs, the application fee waiver will be applied to your Questrom application only. You will still need to pay the required application fee for the other school at BU to which you are applying.

Materials	Submission Options
Online Application Form	Online only
Application Fee ($125) Credit/debit cards only	Online only at time of application submission. Credit/debit cards only.
Video Essay & Written Essay In the “Documents” section of the “Program Materials” portion of the application, respond to three video essay questions and three short answer questions to help us get to know you better.	Online required
Resume Current resume, as required in the “Experiences” section of the online application. Upload in the “Supporting Information” section of the online application.	Online (preferred) Email
University-Level Transcripts Transcripts for any coursework completed, including study abroad and post graduate work, in the “Academic History” portion of the application.	Online (preferred) Email Mail
Two Letters of Recommendation In the “Recommendations” section of the “Program Materials” portion of the application, one professional and one from a faculty member	Online (preferred) Email Mail
GMAT or GRE Results We accept either GMAT or GRE score reports for applications to the MS in Business Analytics program. Please upload an unofficial copy of your GMAT/GRE score report with your online application.	Electronic (preferred) Email Request Official Scores

Please note: due to the evolving circumstances surrounding COVID-19, our ability to process mailed application materials may be significantly delayed. Because of this, please plan to also send electronic copies of all necessary documents to questromappdocs@bu.edu.

The Boston University Questrom School of Business Graduate Admissions Committee conducts a rigorous and holistic review of each application. Students admitted to our graduate degree programs must provide proof of an earned bachelor’s degree or equivalent international credential. Boston University does not require official transcripts with the submission of an application. Should a student decide to enroll at Boston University Questrom School of Business, official transcripts must be submitted and verified prior to the point of matriculation. We are an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution.

We know that you are more than what’s on paper. During the online application process, all MS in Business Analytics candidates are asked to submit three video essays, which allow us to get to know you on a more personal level.

Within the “Documents” section of the “Program Materials” portion of the application, you will find your personalized link to the video essay website. Clicking this link will bring you to the Kira Talent website, our partner for the video essay process. When you register, you must use the same email address that you used to create your admission application account.

Upon creating your account with Kira Talent, you can begin your video essays. You’ll need to use an internet-connected computer with a webcam and microphone. You’ll have 30 seconds to prepare, and then 60 seconds to record your answers. You can practice an unlimited number of times with Kira Talent’s example questions, but once you start the formal video essay questions, you are only allowed one opportunity. This allows the committee to see your candid responses.

We want your video essay recording process to be as easy as possible. As such, we encourage you to dress in business casual attire – no need for a suit. The admission committee will review your response as part of the application process, and are interested in your presence, personality, and fit with our community. We recommend trying out a few of the sample Kira questions prior to recording your formal video essay.

Questions?

If you have questions about the video essay process, please send us an email at businessanalytics@bu.edu or call us at 617-353-2670. If you need technical assistance with the Kira Talent system, please contact them directly at support@kiratalent.com.

*It is recommended but not required for MS in Business Analytics re-applicants to complete the video essays.

GMAT CODE
MS in Business Analytics: P42-5K-30

GRE CODE
MS in Business Analytics: 3087

If you are interested in applying to the MS in Business Analytics program, we will consider your request for a GMAT/GRE waiver provided you meet the qualification listed below. Please note that you must formally request the GMAT/GRE waiver prior to submitting your application by filling out the waiver request form.

Candidates should expect a response to their request within two weeks, so please plan accordingly when submitting your request.

Qualification:*

• We will consider your MS in Business Analytics application without a GMAT or GRE score if you show a strong overall academic record, and have taken several classes covering both quantitative and/or programming coursework during your undergraduate studies. Relevant full-time work experience may also be considered when evaluating your technical background.

If you meet the qualification above, please submit your waiver request and supporting documents listed below through the waiver request form:

• A listing of the names of the courses that meet the qualification along with the semester & year that each course was taken
• All transcripts from any institution from which you’ve earned a degree or taken 12 or more credits
• Resume
• Any additional supporting documentation (optional)

*You may not request a waiver if you have already taken the exam and requested your scores be sent to Boston University Questrom School of Business. We will consider GMAT/GRE waivers for the MS in Business Analytics only.

Please note: Candidates who are admitted to the program are considered for merit-based scholarships at the time of admission. Candidates who submit competitive GMAT/GRE scores will receive additional consideration.

The decision to grant the GMAT/GRE waiver is made at the discretion of the admissions committee. If granted a GMAT/GRE waiver, the admissions committee may, in rare cases, still ask you to submit a GMAT or GRE score to aid in evaluating your candidacy for the MS in Business Analytics program. In the event we need this additional information, we will inform you once your application has been initially reviewed.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY:

Candidates who have earned or will have completed at least two years of a bachelor’s or master’s degree at an institution in which the language of instruction was solely based in English are eligible for an automatic TOEFL/IELTS/PTE waiver. Candidates must present evidence of language of instruction with the application for admission. Appropriate documentation includes a transcript coversheet, an official statement from the university, or a link to the institution’s website that specifies that the mode of instruction is English. Additionally, candidates who have or will have worked for at least two years in a full-time, post-bachelor’s degree position in the US are eligible for an automatic waiver. If you do not meet this criteria but would like to be considered for a waiver, you can submit a written request highlighting your experience with and proficiency in the English language to businessanalytics@bu.edu prior to the submission of your application. The admissions committee will consider these requests on a case by case basis. If you are submitting test results with your application, please be advised that tests are valid for two years.

While ETS & British Council testing centers are closed worldwide because of Coronavirus, we will be accepting Duolingo scores in place of TOEFL and IELTS. Duolingo tests taken during the period of closure will be considered valid for all programs entering in Summer & Fall of 2020 and 2021. Duolingo scores dated after ETS testing sites reopen will not be considered for admission.

To access the Duolingo test, go to https://englishtest.duolingo.com/applicants. Select Boston University Graduate & Professional Programs as a score recipient, and email questromappdocs@bu.edu with your name and the date you have taken the Duolingo test.

• TOEFL: BU’s TOEFL code is 3087. Minimum Scores of 600 on the PBT or 90 on the iBT are recommended.
• IELTS: Competitive applicants typically score a minimum of 6.5 on each band.
• PTE: As more candidates submit the PTE, we are developing updated standards for our requirements. As new information becomes available, it will be posted here.

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES:

We require that applicants hold a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited US institution or its international equivalent. If you have earned a three-year degree that is the equivalent of a four-year degree in the US, it will be accepted in the admissions process. For example, if you earned a three-year degree in India, your degree will qualify you to be considered for admission. If you are uncertain whether your undergraduate degree meets our qualifications, please contact businessanalytics@bu.edu before starting the application process.

PERMANENT RESIDENTS:

Permanent residents should submit a copy (front and back) of their permanent resident card.

PAYMENT:

Boston University no longer accepts wire transfer payments to Citizens Bank. All international wire transfer payments should be made through one of our vendors, peerTransfer, or Western Union Business Solutions. For more information, please visit the Student Accounting Services website.

What type of applicant does BU look for?
The admission committee looks for three primary factors when they review an application:

• A record of academic excellence in quantitative coursework — so we can be assured that you will thrive in our dynamic and rigorous program
• Commitment to ethics — to ensure that you will maintain the high level of integrity expected of all students in the Questrom School of Business
• Evidence of student and community involvement — to indicate the value you will bring to future classmates

Learn more about our approach and mission.

We are committed to enrolling qualitatively excellent incoming classes that represent global, ethnic, and demographic diversity. It is our policy to encourage prospective students to consider our management programs regardless of race, color, religious creed, gender, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, eligible veteran status or any other category protected by law.

How do I begin an application? We ask all interested applicants to fill out our online application and follow our admission procedures.

Where do I send my official application components (i.e official transcripts)? You should first upload your documents with your application or email them to questromappdocs@bu.edu. If you are admitted, you will be required to submit official documents. Official documents can be mailed to:

Boston University Questrom School of Business Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid Office 595 Commonwealth Avenue Boston, Massachusetts 02215

How long will I have to wait for my admission decision? If your application is submitted in its entirety by the required deadline, we aim to release the decision within 6-8 weeks. This precludes our doctoral programs.

What tests are required for admission? Applicants to the MS in Business Analytics may either submit a GMAT score or a GRE score. We accept students with a range of scores. Having a score that exceeds the average does not guarantee admission, nor does a score below the average necessarily mean that you will not be accepted.
Are official documents, such as transcripts and GMAT or GRE scores, required? To expedite the admissions process we ask that you upload unofficial documents at the time of your application submission. Candidates that enroll in the program are required to submit official copies of all documents.
Do I need a TOEFL/IELTS/PTE score? Candidates who have earned or will have completed at least two years of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree at an institution in which the language of instruction was solely based in English are eligible for an automatic TOEFL/IELTS/PTE waiver. Candidates must present evidence of language of instruction with the application for admission (through their transcript/accompanying documents or a link to the institution’s website). Additionally, candidates who have or will have worked for at least two years in a full-time, post-Bachelor’s degree position in the US are eligible for an automatic waiver.

If you do not meet this criteria but would like to be considered for a waiver, you can submit a written request highlighting your experience with and proficiency in the English language to businessanalytics@bu.edu prior to the submission of your application. The admissions committee will consider these requests on a case by case basis.

If you are submitting test results with your application, please be advised that tests are valid for 2 years. While ETS & British Council testing centers are closed worldwide because of Coronavirus, we will be accepting Duolingo scores in place of TOEFL and IELTS. Duolingo tests taken during the period of closure will be considered valid for all programs entering in Summer & Fall of 2020 and 2021. Duolingo scores dated after ETS testing sites reopen will not be considered for admission.

To access the Duolingo test, go to https://englishtest.duolingo.com/applicants. Select Boston University Graduate & Professional Programs as a score recipient, and email questromappdocs@bu.edu with your name and the date you have taken the Duolingo test.

What is the minimum TOEFL/IELTS/PTE scores you accept? TOEFL: Minimum scores of 600 on the PBT or 90 on the IBT are recommended. BU’s TOEFL code is 3087, and the department code is 02.

IELTS: A student’s overall score must be a minimum of 6.5.

PTE: As more candidates submit the PTE, we are developing updated standards for our requirements. As new information becomes available, it will be posted here.

Do I need to interview? Interviews are by invitation only. Upon receiving your application, we will determine whether an interview will be necessary.

Do I need a four-year degree? We require that applicants hold a four-year Bachelor’s degree from an accredited US institution or its international equivalent. If you have earned a three-year degree that is the equivalent of a four-year degree in the US, it will be accepted in the admissions process. For example, if you earned a three-year degree in India, your degree will qualify you to be considered for admission. Regardless of program length, if you are uncertain whether your undergraduate degree meets our qualifications, please contact businessanalytics@bu.edu before starting the application process.

Do I need to complete all essays? Yes, in order to be considered for admission, you must submit all required essays. This includes one written essay and three video essays. For more information, please review our admissions checklist.

If my undergraduate degree is not in a quantitative field, can I apply to the program?

Yes, there is no required background that students must have in order to apply to the program.

Can this program be completed part-time?

No, students may only enroll in the program on a full-time basis.

Is work experience required in order to apply to the Master’s program?

No, the program was designed to meet the educational needs of both recent college graduates and practitioners. In fact, those individuals who have earned academic degrees quite recently are well-positioned to succeed in this highly-rigorous, quantitative program.

How do I apply for Scholarships & Financial Aid?

Admitted candidates to the MS in Business Analytics are considered for merit-based scholarships. You do not need to submit any additional information to be eligible for a merit-based award. Notification about scholarship is included in the acceptance packet. The Federal Direct Stafford Loan is available to U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents. Learn more about our financial aid offerings.

Do you offer financial aid to international students?

Yes, all applicants to the MS in Business Analytics program are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships provided that their applications are submitted by the admission deadlines. A separate application is not required. In addition, international students can finance their graduate education with private education loans provided they apply with a creditworthy U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a U.S.-based address.

The Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid team is here to support you during the admission process. Please feel free to email us at businessanalytics@bu.edu or to call us at (617) 353-2670.