UNIVERSITY · CDS 2024-2025
Boston University
Boston, MA 18,041 undergrad Updated 2026-04-22
Top 50Urban Research
Accept
11.1%
Yield
37.5%
Test
Optional
Academic Profile · CDS C9 / C11
The numbers a parent will ask about first.
SAT Total (mid 50%, computed)
1420–1530
SAT EBRW (mid 50%)
690–750
SAT Math (mid 50%)
730–780
ACT Composite (mid 50%)
32–34
GPA
Not reported
GPA NOTE92% in top 10% of class
METHODTotal SAT range is computed by summing the reported EBRW and Math mid-50% ranges from the school’s CDS (Section C9). Use as an approximation — a student’s actual total places them within, not at, the summed endpoints.
Decision Plans · CDS C1 / C21
When and how the school reads applicants.
| Plan | Deadline | Accept rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan details not yet recorded. | |||
Cost & Aid · CDS H Series
What it costs and what families actually pay.
Tuition
$66,670
Total COA
$86,800
Avg need-based aid
$68,216
Avg merit award
$23,264
Net price after avg need aid
$18,584
BU meets 0.97% of demonstrated need on average.
Named merit programs
Trustee Scholarship
Presidential Scholarship
National Merit Scholarship
College Board National Recognition Programs
Athletic Scholarships
College of Fine Arts Scholarships
ROTC Scholarships
Methodist Clergy Scholarship
AP Impact Calculator
What the student's APs are actually worth here.
BU's AP Policy
Boston University awards credit for most AP exams with scores of 4 or 5. Specific credit and placement are determined by the student's school or college.
Min score
4
Credit cap
68 credits
Mode
Credit + placement
Per-score grid
Exam-level
Add the student's APs
No APs selected. Click Add AP exam to start, or use the sample profile to see what a strong student might recover.
What They Value · CDS C7
Every CDS factor, weighted exactly as the admissions office files it.
- Rigor of secondary school recordVery Important
- Class rankConsidered
- Academic GPAVery Important
- Standardized test scoresConsidered
- Application EssayVery Important
- Recommendation(s)Important
Mission & Narrative
What this school says it is — in their own words.
Boston University is an international, comprehensive, private research university, committed to educating students to be reflective, resourceful individuals ready to live, adapt, and lead in an interconnected world. Boston University is committed to generating new knowledge to benefit society.
Distilled Themes
Global engagementInterdisciplinary researchService to communityDiversity and inclusion
The Coach's Read
What 'what they value' actually means at the table.
- 01BU is looking for students who are not just academically strong, but also engaged with the world and eager to make a difference.
- 02They value students who have a demonstrated interest in interdisciplinary studies and a global perspective.
- 03A passion for service and community involvement will be a significant plus in the application.
Application Targets
What a strong application here should signal.
- 01Demonstrate a strong academic record, particularly in a rigorous curriculum.
- 02Highlight experiences that show a commitment to global citizenship and community service.
- 03Articulate a clear vision for how you will leverage BU's resources to achieve your goals.
Quiet Disqualifiers
Things that hurt applicants here, even when they look fine on paper.
- A lack of demonstrated interest in BU's specific programs and opportunities
- An application that feels generic and does not reflect a genuine understanding of the university's values
- A purely academic focus without any evidence of extracurricular or community engagement
Signature Programs
Where this school is genuinely best-in-class.
Biomedical Engineering; Business; International Relations; Communications; Psychology; Economics
Application calendar
Every date the family needs to know.
Deadlines & Decision Dates · 2025-2026
Family deadline matrix
Plan
Deadline
Decision release
Early Decision I
Binding
Nov 2, 2025
→ Dec 15, 2025
Early Decision II
Binding
Jan 5, 2026
→ Feb 9, 2026
Regular Decision
Non-binding
Jan 5, 2026
→ Mar 28, 2026
Early Action
Not offered
—
Restrictive Early Action
Not offered
—
Rolling Admission
Not offered
—
See every school side-by-side on the Deadline Tracker →
CDS C7 · Level of applicant's interest
Does effort toward this school move the needle?
Demonstrated Interest·CDS C7 (2024-2025)
TrackedWeight: Considered
Boston University considers applicant interest, which can be demonstrated through the optional video submission and applying Early Decision.
What they watch
- Applying ED
- Optional interview
Coach action
If BU is your top choice, apply Early Decision and consider submitting the optional video to demonstrate your interest.
Provenance