Boston University Acceptance Rate

The Boston University acceptance rate for International Students is 12.8% for the Class of 2029, based on 76,776 applications and the latest admission data published by Boston University. This means BU is a highly selective university, with only a small share of applicants receiving admission offers. 

Boston University also has a large international applicant pool. The Class of 2029 includes students from 69 countries and regions, and international students make up 20.7% of the entering class. 

In this article, we will look at the Boston University acceptance rate in 2026, admission trends, acceptance rates for international students, Early Decision and Regular Decision, admission requirements, program-level competition, and ways to improve your chances of getting into Boston University.

Boston University Acceptance Rate in 2026

The Boston University acceptance rate in 2026 is 12.8% for the latest reported Class of 2029. Boston University received 76,776 applications and reported a 12.8% admit rate, showing that admission is highly competitive. 

For students planning to apply to BU the low acceptance rate indicates that good marks alone may not suffice. Boston University uses a review process and examines the students overall academic record and personal achievements. BU is also test optional for first‑year applicants, through fall 2028 and spring 2029.

Acceptance Rate at Boston University for International Students

Boston University does not publish an acceptance rate for international students on its current Class of 2029 profile. However, 20.7% of the entering Class of 2029 are students representing students, from 69 countries and regions.

Is Boston University Hard to Get Into?

Yes, Boston University is hard to get into because its latest overall admit rate is only 12.8%. The university received more than 76,000 applications for the Class of 2029, so students are competing with a very large applicant pool. 

A few figures from the latest entering class show how competitive BU is:

• The average GPA of entering first-year students was 3.86. 

• The average SAT score among students who submitted scores was 1465. 

• The average ACT score was 32. 

• 59% of the Class of 2029 was admitted through Early Decision. 

These numbers are useful for understanding the level of competition, but they should not be treated as fixed admission cutoffs. BU states that its admission process looks at the whole student, rather than making a decision based on one factor such as a test score. 

Check the programs and study options available with Courses at Boston University and find the right course for your academic and career goals.

Boston University Admission Trends Over the Years

Boston University has become more selective as the number of applications has increased. The university received 76,779 applications for the Class of 2029 and reported a 12.83% admit rate. For the Class of 2028, BU received nearly 79,000 applications and admitted about 11% of applicants. 

The official Boston University Common Data Set also shows 78,769 applications and 8,749 admitted students for Fall 2024, which works out to an acceptance rate of about 11.1%. For Fall 2023, BU reported about 80,495 applicants and 8,733 offers, giving a rate of about 10.9%. 

Early Decision vs Regular Decision Acceptance Rate at Boston University

Boston University offers three first-year application options: Early Decision (ED), Early Decision 2 (ED2), and Regular Decision (RD). ED is binding, so students who are accepted are expected to attend BU and withdraw applications from other colleges.

BU does not publish separate Early Decision and Regular Decision acceptance rates for the latest class. So, it is better not to use estimated percentages.

For the Class of 2029, 59% of enrolled students were admitted through Early Decision and 41% through Regular Decision. This shows the share of the class, not the acceptance rate for either option.

How Early Decision Is Different from Regular Decision

Boston University has two ways to apply: Early Decision and Regular Decision. The big differences are about how serious you need to be when you send in your application and when you get your decision.

• Commitment level: Early Decision is binding. If Boston University admits you through Decision you must go there and pull your applications from all other colleges. Regular Decision lets you keep all your options open. You can apply to schools look at financial aid offers and wait until you see all your results before deciding.

• Deadlines: Early Decision applications must be submitted by November 1. For Regular Decision the deadline is January 5.

• Decision notification: Students who apply Decision learn their status by December 15. With Decision decisions usually come out between late March and early April.

• Class composition: About 59% of the Class of 2029 at Boston University was admitted through Early Decision. This number shows how many spots were filled that way not the acceptance rate, for Early Decision applicants.

Find the latest Boston University Rankings and see how BU compares with other leading universities in the US and worldwide.

Admission Requirements at Boston University for International Students 

International students who want to study at Boston University must send their records together with all necessary application paperwork. Boston University requires first‑year applicants to provide secondary school records, senior‑year grades, teacher recommendations, counselor recommendations, English proficiency results and a copy of a passport. 

Students also must supply documents if they plan to study in the United States on an F‑1 or J‑1 visa. I have helped many students prepare these documents. I know how important it is to keep everything organized.

English Language Score Requirements for Boston University

International students whose first language or primary home language is not English must show their English proficiency. BU accepts TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, and the Duolingo English Test (DET). For students who are most competitive for admission, BU recommends a TOEFL score of 90–100 with at least 20 in each section, an IELTS overall score of 7.0 or higher, or a DET score of 125–135.

Note: For TOEFL scores reported under the scoring system starting on January 21 2026, BU says students who are most competitive, for admission will have a total score of 5.0 or higher. BU also checks the scores across sections.

SAT and ACT Scores Needed for Boston University

Boston University is not requiring test scores for first-year students who are applying for the fall 2028 term and the spring 2029 term. This means that students have the choice to decide if they want to send their SAT scores or their ACT scores. Students, from countries still have to provide a valid English language test score when it is needed.

Please note: If you decide to send your scores BU suggests submitting them if they reflect your ability well. BU uses superscoring for both the SAT and the ACT, which means it takes the section scores from any of your test dates.

What GPA Do You Need to Get Into Boston University?

Boston University does not set a minimum GPA for first‑year admission. Instead Boston University looks at the academic record and considers the level of courses available at the student’s school. Boston University also encourages students to take the challenging curriculum they can handle.

For students the grading system can be different, from the US system so Boston University does not simply apply one GPA cutoff to every applicant. Your grades, course difficulty, school curriculum and overall academic performance are considered during the review.

Note: Students applying to the College of Engineering need a year of calculus. Questrom School of Business applicants also need a year of calculus, or a year of precalculus and a year of AP Statistics.

Want to apply to BU? Check the Boston University Admissions process, requirements, deadlines, and other key details before you start your application.

Boston University Acceptance Rate by Program

Boston University does not publish a separate acceptance rate for each undergraduate school or program. However, applicants must choose the BU school or college they want to apply to, and some schools have extra academic or application requirements. This means the level of competition can be different depending on the program you choose. 

The table below gives an estimated competitiveness level, not an official program acceptance rate. The estimates are based on the academic preparation and additional requirements listed by Boston University.

Note: Boston University does not provide official acceptance rates for each program in the data available. Therefore, the competitiveness levels above are estimates for guidance only and should not be treated as official acceptance percentages.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting Into Boston University

Getting into Boston University is competitive so it is important to build an application instead of depending on just one good score. BU says that its admissions team reviews applications holistically which means it looks at work, activities, interests, background and other parts of the application.

Here are some simple ways to make your application stronger:

• Keep your grades strong: Your high school grades are a part of your application. Try to stay consistent of having a big drop in your final years.
• Take subjects: BU recommends a strong high school curriculum, including maths, laboratory science, English, history or social science and a world language. Taking subjects can show that you are ready for college-level study.
• Show your interests outside class: Your activities, skills, interests and involvement outside the classroom are also considered. Choose activities that you actually care about of joining many activities only for your application.
• Write an application: Your application should give BU an idea of who you are. Use your experiences and explain what you have learned from them. BU says it wants to understand the student, not just grades and test scores.
• Submit SAT or ACT scores only if they help: BU is test for first-year applicants through fall 2028 and spring 2029. If your scores show your ability well you can choose to include them.
• Meet English language requirements: International students who need to show proficiency should submit an accepted test such, as TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test. BU also looks at the sections and overall consistency of the scores.

Common Reasons for Rejection at Boston University

Getting rejected by Boston University does not always mean that there is one problem with the application. Boston University looks at the application, including academics, activities, personal experiences and other factors. Since the Boston University acceptance rate is 12.8% for the Class of 2029 students are competing with a number of strong applicants.

Some things that can make an application competitive include:

• Weak or falling grades: Boston University looks at your overall high school record. If your grades are low or drop a lot during school it can make your application harder to compete with.
• Not choosing subjects: Boston University recommends taking a strong high school course load. If advanced or challenging classes are available at your school but you choose not to take them it may affect how your academic preparation is viewed.
• Missing course requirements: Some programmes have their academic requirements. For example students applying to the College of Engineering should have the preparation in calculus. Not having the required subjects can create a problem with the application.
• Low English proficiency: International students who need to prove their skills must meet Boston University’s requirements. A low English test score may make it harder to show that you are ready for an English-speaking classroom.
• Application: Missing transcripts, recommendation letters, senior-year grades or other required documents can affect the application. It is an idea to check everything before submitting.
• Little involvement outside class: Boston University considers more than just marks. Activities, interests, work, volunteering and other experiences can help show what you are interested in. An application with little involvement outside academics may be less competitive.
• Submitting test scores that do not help: Boston University is test optional, for first-year applicants. If you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores they should ideally add strength to your application. If the scores do not reflect your ability submitting them may not necessarily help.

Boston University vs Other US Universities Acceptance Rate Comparison

The Boston University acceptance rate is 12.8% for the Class of 2029. BU received 76,776 applications and had an average entering GPA of 3.86. This shows that getting into BU is quite competitive. 

When compared with other well-known US universities, Boston University is selective, but its acceptance rate is not as low as some of the most selective universities. Keep in mind that acceptance rates can change every year as the number of applications and admitted students changes.

Conclusion

The Boston University acceptance rate for International Students is 12.83% for the Class of 2029, which shows that getting admission is not easy. BU receives a large number of applications each year and reviews students based on their academic record, course choices, activities, and other parts of the application.

For international students, strong grades, good English language scores, and a complete application can help build a better profile. Students should also check the requirements of their chosen BU school before applying. Since admission rates can change each year, it is best to check the latest official data before making your application plans.

If you are still unsure, you can book a free counseling session with upGrad and seek professional guidance! We’d be happy to help you figure this out.