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BU
Survival Guide

BU Admissions
Guide 2025

Everything you need to know about getting into Boston University. Acceptance rates, requirements, and tips from students who made it.
14% Acceptance Rate
80,000+ Applicants
Updated Jan 2025
14%
Acceptance Rate
More Selective
80,000+
Applications
Record High
3.9
Avg GPA
Unweighted
1450-1540
SAT Range
Middle 50%
Quick AnswerSpring 2026Verified January 2026

Boston University has a 14% acceptance rate with 80,000+ applicants. To get in: maintain a 3.9+ GPA, aim for 1450-1540 SAT (test-optional), show genuine interest in BU, write strong essays that reveal your personality, and consider Early Decision if BU is your top choice (ED acceptance rates are ~25-30%).

Top Picks

⏰ED: Nov 1, RD: Jan 4
Best for: High school juniors • High school seniors • Transfer students • Parents
Curated for BU Students•Last verified: January 2026•Spring 2026

BU is more competitive than ever. The Class of 2028 had a record-low acceptance rate of 14%.

But don't let that discourage you - strategic applications still win. Read our guides below.
Resources

Admissions Guides

Deep dives into every aspect of getting in

BU Acceptance Rate 2025

12,100 searches/mo

Current statistics, historical trends, and what this means for your application

Difficulty:Competitive

Boston University Acceptance Rate

40,500 searches/mo

Comprehensive breakdown of acceptance rates by school and program

Difficulty:Competitive

BU Transfer Acceptance Rate

1,600 searches/mo

Guide for transfer students - requirements, rates, and tips

Difficulty:Very Competitive

BU SAT Requirements

1,600 searches/mo

SAT score ranges, test-optional policy, and how scores factor in

Difficulty:Varies

How to Get Into BU

170 searches/mo

Step-by-step guide with actionable tips from admitted students

Difficulty:Helpful

BU Early Decision

500 searches/mo

ED acceptance rates, pros/cons, and whether it's right for you

Difficulty:Strategic
Insider Tips

Application Tips from Admitted Students

Do

  • +Show genuine interest in BU specifically
  • +Highlight unique extracurriculars over generic ones
  • +Write essays that reveal your personality
  • +Visit campus or attend virtual events
  • +Apply Early Decision if BU is your top choice

Don't

  • -Don't write generic essays you could send anywhere
  • -Don't just list activities - show impact
  • -Don't undersell your story
  • -Don't ignore the "Why BU" question
  • -Don't wait until the last minute to apply
Important Dates

Application Timeline 2025-2026

August 1
Common App opensStart
November 1
Early Decision deadlineED
January 4
Regular Decision deadlineRD
Mid-December
ED decisions releasedED
Late March
RD decisions releasedRD
May 1
Enrollment deposit deadlineFinal

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