Boston University is a popular college for any student looking for bright lights and big cities during their undergraduate studies. One of its most defining features is its location; nestled in the heart of downtown Boston, the city and campus are one, almost indistinguishable from each other. Their central location offers students plentiful opportunities to pursue internships and other professional opportunities as well. Boston University is known for being an academically rigorous school in a wonderful college town; if you want to learn more and are considering adding this school to your list, read on!
What is Boston University Known For?
Boston University is an R1 research university located in the Fenway neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts. Boston University is a large college, enrolling over 37,000 students while maintaining a student:faculty ratio of 10:1. They maintain a diverse campus, enrolling students from all 50 states and 140 countries. For all these reasons and many more, BU is currently ranked 41st among national universities by U.S. News and World Report.
What Majors are Most Popular At BU?
Psychology and Neuroscience
BU’s Psychology program is ranked 34th in the world by U.S. News and World Report. BU Is ranked 37th in the country, tied with Cornell, for their faculty’s research strength in the fields of psychology and psychiatry. The Psychology program focuses on three main areas of study: Brain, Behavior and Cognition; Clinical Psychology; and Developmental Science. BU uniquely offers a Study Abroad in London program for Psychology majors where students can pursue internships in Psychology and Health Sciences. Students can pursue their specialized interests in the field through elective coursework and undergraduate research with faculty or through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP).
Business
BU’s Questrom School of Business is ranked the 16th best Business school in the US by Poets & Quants and 38th by Bloomberg Business. BU students must complete a concentration within the Business majors, offering 12 pre-determined tracks and the opportunity to create their own concentration. Students can also pursue Dual Degrees in Business and either Economics, International Relations, or Communications. Questrom offers a number of Business-focused study abroad programs in 10 different regions across the world. Questrom also offers the ASCEND Fellowship, which provides additional support and mentorship to Business students from diverse backgrounds.
Communications
The College of Communications at BU is a top 10 Communications program in the country, according to USA Today, and their Film and Television program is ranked 13th of the Top 25 Best Film Schools in the Country by the Hollywood Reporter. They offer 5 undergraduate degree programs in Journalism, Public Relations, Advertising, Film and Television, and Media Science. The school’s faculty include best-selling authors, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, and Hollywood directors and screenwriters. Students in the College of Communications have limitless opportunities to get practical experience during their degree by pursuing internships, research opportunities, and having the ability to use cutting-edge technology in and outside the classroom.
Economics
BU’s Economics program is consistently rated in the top 25 programs nationally and top 50 programs globally. The department offers 3 undergraduate majors and an accelerated BA/MS in Quantitative Economics. Students can also pursue a double major in Economics & Mathematics or Economics & Computer Science. They also host the Institute for Economic Development, which focuses on solving the economic problems of developing countries.
Pre-Health
The final popular program at BU actually isn’t a major but instead a professional resource. Students who are interested in going into medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, veterinary, and nursing school will find academic, professional, and extracurricular support from their Advising team. Students interested in a medical career are welcome to study any undergraduate major they choose and will receive guidance from the Advising office to take the courses necessary to apply. BU also offers an early assurance program for BU students at the BU School of Medicine, The Goldman School of Dental Medicine, or School of Public Health.
What Does BU Look For In A Student?
Strong Academic Performance
With an average acceptance rate around 19%, BU is looking for academic powerhouses in the admissions process. Applicants typically average a 1350 SAT score or 32 ACT score, a 3.9-4.0 GPA, and rank in the top 10% of their class. Students applying to BU should work hard to take rigorous courses in various disciplines, earn strong grades, and test well. BU is still test-optional, however, less than half of applicants submit their standardized test scores.
Community Engagement
BU also looks for students who are involved in activities they are passionate about outside of the classroom. Their goal is to “bring together a diverse student body that is highly motivated, intellectually curious, and contributes to the BU community.”
Authentic, Well-Written Essays
Colleges value the Common App personal statement and ask students to complete subsequent supplemental essays in order to get to know you and hear about your life and accomplishments directly from the source. This is not the time to use ChatGPT to write an essay for you! Also, while writing in a voice that truly sounds like you, be sure to watch out for grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Finally, make sure to double check that you have the right college named in each essay. You would be surprised how many times counselors at Vanderbilt have probably read, “I want to go to Villanova because…” in a supplemental essay!
Positive and Insightful Recommendation Letters
Include letters of recommendation from teachers that know you well and can write either glowingly positive recommendation letters or have watched you grow significantly and can speak to your overcoming difficulties successfully. These positive qualities will help the admissions committee better understand who you are as a student and as a person in an objective manner.
How Hard Is It To Get Into BU?
BU is a highly selective institution. The Class of 2028 saw almost 79,000 applicants, of which 3,298 enrolled. At a 19% admission rate, that would mean only 15,000 of those applicants will get a positive admissions decision every year. It is imperative to create a highly competitive application in order to stand out in the crowd.
What Else is Boston University Known For?
Location, location, location!
Boston University is located in the heart of Boston, with its campus spanning the Fenway, Allston, and South End neighborhoods. The campus buildings are integrated seamlessly into the city, making the entire of Boston feel like your college campus. Students can take a short walk to the White Bike Path to ride along the Charles River, attend a concert at the MGM Music Hall, or catch a Red Sox game at Fenway Park. Boston is also home to many different employers in the technology, retail, finance, and health sciences industries, making it a great place to get internships and eventually a job.
Undergraduate Research
BU is dedicated to providing students with many opportunities to conduct research, supported by the backbone that is the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP). The program matches undergraduate students with funded, faculty-led research experiences and stipends for students to conduct research.
Employability
BU ranks 12th in the country and 34th globally for the employability of their graduates. 91% of their recent graduates have found employment within 6 months of graduation, working at companies like Lockheed Martin, Wayfair, Nike, Massachusetts General Hospital, and ESPN. BU’s Center for Career Development supports students through funded internships, networking opportunities with Career Communities.
How Do I Learn More About BU?
The best way to learn more about an institution is to do your research. Some easy ways to begin are by reviewing their website, attending a virtual information session, or following the school’s social media pages. Students should also make an effort to visit their top schools in person and participate in a campus tour. Finally, admissions counselors have a wealth of knowledge and access to additional resources—a HelloCollege counselor can help you craft an introductory email to build connections with them!
Boston University FAQs
Is Boston University Religious?
Boston University is nonsectarian, meaning that it is not connected to a specific religion. The university does retain historical connections with the United Methodist Church and offers an undergraduate Religious Studies major and has a School of Theology on its campus. BU’s Marsh Chapel is also open for students to practice any religion or faith they practice.
What Is The Difference Between BU vs BC?
Boston University and Boston College are commonly compared to one another due to their similar locations, rigorous academic environments, and highly selective admissions process. Boston College is known for its Jesuit traditions, focus on a liberal arts education, and traditional, picturesque New England feeling campus. Boston University is known for its urban campus in the center of Boston and access to cutting-edge research.
Does BU Consider Demonstrated Interest In The Admissions Process?
Yes, Boston University considers demonstrated interest during the admissions process. Demonstrated interest can be expressed through opening their emails, going on a campus tour, participating in in-person or virtual events, or speaking to your regional admissions counselor. Demonstrated interest can often make or break a student’s application, so it is important to demonstrate interest early and seriously.
To learn more, check out our blog post all about demonstrated interest.
I see that BU offers a Glimpse Video Interview. Do I have to do it?
BU’s Glimpse Video submission allows students to submit a 60-90 second video introducing themselves to the admissions committee where you can share something about yourself that is not in your application. While it is optional, making the commitment to follow through on an optional activity is a great way to show how interested and committed you are to attending BU. To help prepare for this out-of-the-box assignment and others like it, consider working with a trusted admissions counselor.
Conclusion
Boston University has a wealth of resources, great academic programs, many points of access to research, and is located within a booming city. All of these great factors make it known for being an excellent addition to any student’s college list. As BU’s admissions process becomes more selective, it is important to put your best foot forward.
Hoping to became a Boston University Terrier? BU admissions are tougher than ever—don’t leave your future to chance. Schedule a free consultation today and learn how HelloCollege can help you build a standout application for one of the nation’s most competitive universities.
