Boston College is a top private Jesuit research university in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. It’s known for its tough academic programs, lively campus, and winning NCAA Division I sports teams. With over 14,000 students, including more than 9,400 undergraduates, it’s a selective school that only takes in 19% of applicants for the class of 2025.
To get in, students need to have a good grade point average (GPA) and high standardized test scores. They also need to submit a strong application package. This includes showing their extra activities, writing essays, and getting letters of recommendation.
Key Takeaways
- Boston College is a prestigious private Jesuit university with a total enrollment of over 14,000 students.
- The undergraduate population is just over 9,400, making it a highly selective institution with an acceptance rate of 19%.
- Applicants must meet rigorous academic requirements, including a strong GPA and competitive standardized test scores.
- The application process also considers extracurricular involvement, supplemental essays, and letters of recommendation.
- Early Decision applicants have a higher admission rate of 39%, compared to the Regular Decision acceptance rate.
Boston College Overview
Boston College is a top private Jesuit research university in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, near Boston. Founded in 1863, it’s one of the oldest Catholic universities in the U.S. It has over 14,000 students and is famous for its great academics, campus life, and NCAA Division I sports.
Location and History
The campus in Chestnut Hill mixes historic buildings with modern facilities. It started in 1863 by the Jesuits for Catholic immigrants in Boston. Over time, it became a top research university with many programs for students.
“Boston College has a long and storied history as one of the premier Catholic universities in the United States.”
The Boston College campus is beautiful, with gothic buildings and green spaces. It focuses on the liberal arts and offers programs in many fields, from sciences to humanities.
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Estimated GPA Requirements
Applying to Boston College means facing high academic standards. The school doesn’t list a specific GPA requirement. But, it’s known for being very competitive. The average GPA for those who get in is about 4.0. This shows Boston College looks for top students from high school.
Boston College wants students who’ve taken the toughest courses and done well. There’s no exact GPA limit, but a score under 4.0 might make admission tough. You’d need great test scores or other strong parts of your application to stand out.
| GPA Requirement | Weighted | Unweighted |
|---|---|---|
| Average GPA of Admitted Students | 4.0 | 3.9 |
| Minimum GPA Considered | 3.5 | 3.3 |
| Ideal GPA Range | 4.0 – 4.5 | 3.8 – 4.0 |
Boston College looks at more than just GPA when deciding on students. But, a strong academic record and a focus on a rigorous curriculum are key. This is especially true for those aiming for this top university.
SAT and ACT Requirements
Boston College is a test-flexible school. This means applicants can choose between SAT or ACT scores. But, most students do send in their test scores. They find these scores important for a strong application.
SAT Scores
The average SAT score for students at Boston College is 1435 out of 1600. This puts the school in the “Strongly Competitive” category. The lowest score for the 25th percentile is 1450, and the highest for the 75th percentile is 1520.
Boston College superscores the SAT. This means they look at the best scores from different test dates. It helps students improve their weak areas without worrying about their overall score.
| SAT Score Range | Percentile |
|---|---|
| 1450 | 25th |
| 1520 | 75th |
“Boston College superscores the SAT, meaning they will consider an applicant’s highest section scores across multiple test dates.”
Interpreting the Acceptance Rate
Boston College is very selective, with only 19% of applicants accepted for the class of 2025. From nearly 40,000 applicants, about 7,600 were chosen. This shows how competitive the school is and how high the academic standards are.
But, applying early through the Boston College Early Decision option boosts your chances. For the class of 2025, the acceptance rate was 39%. Over 3,000 students, almost half of the total, applied early.
Applying early shows you’re really interested in Boston College. This can give you an edge over those applying later. Students who apply early have a better shot at getting in.
| Admission Type | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| Overall Acceptance Rate (Class of 2025) | 19% |
| Early Decision (Class of 2025) | 39% |
The low acceptance rate shows how selective Boston College is. It also highlights the quality of its applicants. Knowing the differences in acceptance rates helps students plan their applications better. This way, they can boost their chances of getting into this top school.
“The low overall acceptance rate reflects the school’s competitiveness and the strong academic credentials of its admitted students.”
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Application Requirements
Applying to Boston College needs a careful and organized plan. Students must fill out the Common Application and add Boston College’s extra essays. You’ll also need to gather several important documents:
- High school transcript
- Secondary school report and counselor recommendation
- Two teacher recommendations
- Midyear report after the first semester of the senior year
For international students, you’ll also need to send in your TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores. If you want to study Studio Art, you can send an artistic portfolio too.
The early decision deadlines for Boston College are November 1st and January 1st. The Regular Decision deadline is January 1st. Make sure to plan well and submit everything on time.
“The application process at Boston College is thorough, but it’s an excellent opportunity to showcase your unique talents and experiences.”
Highlighting Your Extracurricular Activities
When applying to Boston College, it’s key to show your extracurricular activities and unique passions. The school looks for students who are curious and connect their talents to the community. Instead of aiming for a typical profile, focus on your real interests and how you’ve pursued them. This makes you stand out and fits with the Jesuit values.
Showcasing Your Passions
Boston College doesn’t want a certain list of activities. They want to see your real engagement and what drives you. Whether you’re into leadership, community involvement, or exploring your interests, show your true self. Your authenticity and unique profile as a candidate matter.
For instance, if you love the environment, talk about your work in a recycling project or a conservation nonprofit. If music is your thing, share your band experience or a charity concert you organized. The aim is to illustrate your commitment and showcase your unique talents in a way that matches Boston College’s values.
By focusing on your authentic interests and passions, you’ll not only catch the eye of Boston College but also show you’re the kind of engaged, community-minded student they’re looking for.
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Boston College Supplemental Essays
The Boston College supplemental essays are key in the admissions process. For the 2021-2022 cycle, applicants could pick from five unique essay prompts. These prompts let them show off their individuality and personal stories.
When picking a prompt, choose one that lets you be authentic and unique in your writing. Don’t try to guess what the admissions committee wants to hear. Instead, focus on sharing your unique interests, experiences, and perspective. This is your chance to stand out from other Boston College applicants and show why you’re a great fit for the university.
- Describe a time when you were challenged or faced adversity. How did you respond, and what did you learn about yourself?
- If you could have a conversation with any person, living or dead, who would it be and why?
- What is an issue or cause that is important to you, and how have you taken action to address it?
- What is your favorite book, film, or piece of art, and how has it influenced your perspective?
- Reflect on a time when you stepped out of your comfort zone. What did you learn, and how did it shape you?
The Boston College supplemental essays let you show off your unique qualities. They give you a chance to explain why you would be a great addition to the university community.
| Prompt | Key Focus |
|---|---|
| Challenge or Adversity | Demonstrate resilience and personal growth |
| Conversation with a Person | Reveal your intellectual curiosity and values |
| Important Issue or Cause | Showcase your civic engagement and leadership |
| Favorite Book, Film, or Art | Highlight your creativity and unique perspective |
| Stepping Out of Comfort Zone | Illustrate your courage and adaptability |
By writing thoughtful and authentic answers to the Boston College supplemental essays, you can share your interests, values, and potential contribution to the university community.
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Early Decision vs. Regular Decision
Boston College has two application options: Early Decision and Regular Decision. Early Decision deadlines are November 1st and January 1st. Regular Decision has a single deadline of January 1st. Early Decision applicants have a higher acceptance rate, 39%, compared to Regular Decision’s 19% for the class of 2025.
The Early Decision option is great for students who really want to go to Boston College. It means if they get in, they will definitely go. But, it’s important to be sure about attending the university before applying.
Deadlines and Acceptance Rates
Early Decision deadlines at Boston College are November 1st and January 1st. Regular Decision has a single deadline of January 1st. Early Decision applicants have a higher acceptance rate, 39%, compared to Regular Decision’s 19% for the class of 2025.
Think about which application option fits your goals best. Applying Early Decision is a good choice if Boston College is your top choice. But, remember it’s a binding commitment to attend if you get in.
“Applying Early Decision is a binding commitment, so students should only choose this path if they are certain that Boston College is their first choice.”
Standing Out in the Application Process
Getting into Boston College is tough. You need a strong academic record, with a GPA at or above the estimated 4.0 average. Also, competitive standardized test scores matter, even though Boston College is test-flexible for the 2021-2022 cycle.
But it’s not just about grades. Showing you’re involved in meaningful extracurricular activities and passion projects is key. The Boston College supplemental essays let you share your unique perspective and personality. And, getting thoughtful letters of recommendation from teachers who know you well can really help.
By showing a complete, authentic profile, you can boost your chances of getting into this top school. To stand out, you need a plan that shows off your grades, activities, and who you are.
“The key to standing out in the Boston College application process is to present a truly authentic and well-rounded profile that showcases your unique talents and experiences.”
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Boston College Enrollment Statistics
Boston College is a top school in Massachusetts with a lively and varied student body. It has over 14,000 students, with more than 9,400 of them as undergraduates.
Students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries, showing the school’s global reach. This diversity highlights the university’s draw for students from all over the world.
The school is known for its high academic standards. Admitted students have an average GPA of about 4.0. The SAT scores range from 1450 to 1520, and ACT scores are between 33 and 35. This makes the school very competitive.
The acceptance rate for the class of 2025 was just 19%. But, the Early Decision rate was 39%, showing the advantage of applying early.
These numbers show how selective Boston College is and the quality of students it attracts. With its diverse students and high academic standards, Boston College is a top choice for students worldwide.
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Conclusion
Getting into Boston College is tough and requires a strong application. Students need a high GPA of about 4.0 and good SAT or ACT scores. They also need to show they’re active in extracurriculars, have a unique view, and truly care about the university’s values and community.
Applying involves the Common Application, Boston College’s essays, and other materials like transcripts and test scores. If you apply early, you might have a better chance, but this means you’re committing to go there if accepted. Knowing what Boston College looks for can help students increase their odds of getting in.
Boston College looks for students who are not just good students but also active in their communities and share the university’s values. The admissions team wants a diverse and talented group of students. This approach helps build a community that will shape the future of Boston College.
FAQs
Q: What are the admission requirements for Boston College?
A: Admission requirements for Boston College vary but typically include a strong academic record, competitive test scores, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, and a personal essay.
Q: How is Boston College ranked in national college rankings?
A: Boston College is consistently ranked among the top national universities in college rankings, often placing in the top 50 or top 100 of national rankings.
Q: What is the average tuition cost at Boston College?
A: The average tuition cost at Boston College varies each year but is typically around $50,000-$60,000 per year, not including room and board or additional fees.
Q: What are some popular majors at Boston College?
A: Some popular majors at Boston College include Economics, Political Science, Finance, Biology, Psychology, and Computer Science.
Q: How does Boston College support its graduates in terms of career services?
A: Boston College offers robust career services to its graduates, including career counseling, job placement assistance, networking opportunities, and access to internship programs.
Q: Does Boston College provide financial aid or scholarships?
A: Yes, Boston College provides financial aid and scholarships to eligible students based on financial need, academic performance, and other criteria.
Q: What is the campus life like at Boston College?
A: Boston College offers a vibrant campus life with various student clubs, organizations, sports teams, cultural events, and community service opportunities.
Q: How are graduation rates at Boston College?
A: Boston College boasts high graduation rates, with a significant percentage of students graduating within four years of enrollment.
Q: What is the student body like at Boston College?
A: The student body at Boston College is diverse and inclusive, comprising students from various backgrounds, cultures, and regions.
Source Links
- https://www.prepscholar.com/sat/s/colleges/Boston-College-admission-requirements
- https://www.collegeadvisor.com/how-to-get-into/how-to-get-into-boston-college-guide/
- https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/boston-college/admissions
