Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts · Private · 10,085 undergrads
Boston College admitted 16% of applicants for fall 2024 (5,755 of 35,037, federal IPEDS data). Boston College admitted 33% of early decision applicants (1,434 of 4,288, Common Data Set 2024-25). Of the 4,139 students who took a spot on the wait list, 352 were admitted (8.5%, Common Data Set 2024-25). Boston College is test-optional for fall 2027.
The numbers
Applied
35,037
fall 2024
ACT, middle 50%
33–35
enrolled first-years
Accept their offer
44%
of admitted students enroll
Application fee
$80
waivers exist
See your odds and what families like yours paid. It stays on your device.Add my SAT and income
Can I get into Boston College?
16% of applicants get in
Grades and essays carry this one; most strong applicants still hear no. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent scores had 1440–1540 on the SAT.
Likely: even the low end of our estimate is 60% or more, and the college admits at least 25% of applicants. Target: our estimate is 30% or more. Reach: our estimate is under 30%, or the college admits under 15%. Long shot: our estimate is under 12%, or the college admits under 12%. Estimates use the college's admit rate and score range plus your grades and scores. They are not a promise.
35,037 applied, 5,755 admitted, fall 2024 (IPEDS).
Does Boston College need the SAT or ACT?Optional
No.
Test-optional for fall 2027. 30% of enrolled first-years sent the SAT. Send your SAT if it's 1490 or higher, the middle of what enrolled first-years scored.
For fall 2024, 1,434 of 4,288 early decision applicants got in (33%), against 16% overall. Early decision is binding: if you get in, you go.
Closed
Early decisionBinding
Was due Nov 1, 2026
56days
Early decision IIBinding
Due Monday, Jan 4, 2027
56days
Regular decision
Due Monday, Jan 4, 2027
Early-round numbers: Common Data Set, fall 2024.
The wait list
7,444 students were offered a wait-list spot and 4,139 took one. 352 of them got in (8.5%).
Common Data Set, fall 2024.
What Boston College looks at
Counts most
How hard your classes were, GPA.
Counts a lot
Class rank, SAT or ACT scores, essay, recommendations, activities, talent or ability, character, volunteering.
Also considered
First in your family to go to college, A parent or relative went there, where you live, religion, work experience.
As Boston College rates each factor in its Common Data Set, fall 2024.
Questions people ask
What is Boston College's acceptance rate?
Boston College admitted 16% of applicants for fall 2024 (5,755 of 35,037, federal IPEDS data).
What SAT score do you need for Boston College?
The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1440–1540. A quarter of them scored higher and a quarter lower, so it's a typical range, not a cutoff (IPEDS, fall 2024).
Is it easier to get into Boston College early decision?
For fall 2024, 1,434 of 4,288 early decision applicants got in (33%), against 16% overall. Early decision is binding: if you get in, you go. Early applicants often include recruited athletes and legacies, so the gap overstates the advantage for most students.
Does Boston College take students off the wait list?
7,444 students were offered a wait-list spot and 4,139 took one. 352 of them got in (8.5%).
Where these numbers come from
Admit rate and applicants: IPEDS, fall 2024 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
GPA, early rounds and wait list: Common Data Set, fall 2024 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
Cost, pay and debt: College Scorecard, 2024-25 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
