BU admitted 13% of applicants for fall 2025 (9,853 of 76,776, Common Data Set 2025-26). Of the 10,393 students who took a spot on the wait list, 479 were admitted (4.6%). BU is test-optional for fall 2027. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1420–1510.
The numbers
Applied
76,776
fall 2025
ACT, middle 50%
33–34
enrolled first-years
Average GPA
3.86
enrolled first-years
Accept their offer
37%
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 BU?
13% 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 1420–1510 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.
76,776 applied, 9,853 admitted, fall 2025 (Common Data Set).
Does BU need the SAT or ACT?Optional
No.
Test-optional for fall 2027. 33% of enrolled first-years sent the SAT. Send your SAT if it's 1470 or higher, the middle of what enrolled first-years scored.
Early decision is offered. It's binding: if you get in, you go.
Closed
Early decisionBinding
Was due Nov 2, 2026
57days
Early decision IIBinding
Due Tuesday, Jan 5, 2027
57days
Regular decision
Due Tuesday, Jan 5, 2027
Early-round numbers: Common Data Set, fall 2025.
The wait list
16,135 students were offered a wait-list spot and 10,393 took one. 479 of them got in (4.6%).
Common Data Set, fall 2025.
What BU looks at
Counts most
How hard your classes were, GPA.
Counts a lot
Class rank, essay, recommendations, activities, character.
Also considered
SAT or ACT scores, first in your family to go to college, where you live, state residency, volunteering, work experience, showing interest (visits, emails).
As BU rates each factor in its Common Data Set, fall 2025.
Questions people ask
What is Boston University's acceptance rate?
BU admitted 13% of applicants for fall 2025 (9,853 of 76,776, Common Data Set 2025-26).
What SAT score do you need for Boston University?
The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1420–1510. A quarter of them scored higher and a quarter lower, so it's a typical range, not a cutoff (Common Data Set, fall 2025).
Does Boston University take students off the wait list?
16,135 students were offered a wait-list spot and 10,393 took one. 479 of them got in (4.6%).
Where these numbers come from
Admit rate and applicants: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
GPA, early rounds and wait list: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
Cost, pay and debt: College Scorecard, 2024-25 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
