
Boston University (BU) is a transfer-friendly institution that welcomes hundreds of transfer students to its campus each year. The transfer acceptance rate at BU has experienced sizable swings in recent years, ranging from 29% to 54%. In 2023, 5,829 students applied for transfer admission, and 1,691 were accepted, yielding a transfer acceptance rate of 29%. BU requires a minimum college GPA of 3.5 and a minimum high school GPA of 3.5. To enhance your transfer application, aim to complete a full load of challenging college classes (14-16 units) each semester.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Acceptance of transfer students | Boston University accepts transfer students |
| Transfer application requirements | College-level Calculus course, minimum GPA of 3.5-3.86, college transcripts, portfolio or audition for College of Fine Arts applicants, SAT/ACT scores |
| Transfer acceptance rate | 29% in 2023, 39% in 2021, 42.84% in 2025 |
| Number of transfer applicants accepted | 1,691 in 2023, 2,426 in 2021, approximately 2,000 annually |
| Notification dates for transfer applicants | Fall: mid-April to mid-June; Spring: mid-November to mid-December |
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What You'll Learn

Boston University's transfer acceptance rate
Boston University does accept transfer students. To apply as a transfer student, you must have completed the equivalent of a US secondary school education and have at least one full-time semester (12 or more credits) at another college or university. Transfer students must select a major when applying and cannot apply undeclared. Additionally, BU does not require standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) for transfer admission. However, applicants to the College of Fine Arts must complete an audition or submit a portfolio, and applicants to the Questrom School of Business must have taken a college-level calculus course.
International applicants, including those from Chinese universities, may need to submit additional credentials and documents. For Chinese universities, this includes a Verification Report of China Higher Education Student's Academic Transcript and official transcripts in English and Chinese sent directly from the Center for Student Services and Development, Ministry of Education, P. R. China (CSSD).
While I cannot find the exact transfer acceptance rate for Boston University, one source mentions a rate of 40% for January enrollment.
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Application requirements
Boston University (BU) accepts transfer students and offers both a fall and spring transfer option. The application deadline for fall applicants is March 15, while the deadline for the spring semester is November 1.
- Transfer students must select a BU school or college when applying and may not apply undeclared.
- Prospective students must have completed at least 12 or more credits of college coursework (one full-time semester) and earned exceptional grades in their first year at a community college or a 4-year university.
- Applicants to the College of Fine Arts must complete an audition, submit a portfolio, or both.
- Applicants to the Questrom School of Business need to have taken a college-level calculus course or completed an AP/IB-level calculus course in high school.
- International applicants must submit TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test examination scores.
- Applicants from Chinese universities must submit a Verification Report of China Higher Education Student's Academic Transcript in English, as well as official transcripts in English and Chinese.
- Applicants must submit an essay of no more than 600 words explaining their reasons for transferring and what they hope to accomplish at BU.
- An application fee of $80 is required, but BU offers fee waivers to support students and ensure that the fee does not pose a barrier to anyone who wishes to apply.
It is important to note that BU does not require standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) for transfer admission. Additionally, some programs may not offer January admission, and certain programs, such as Art, Nutrition, Dietetics, and Physical Therapy, are not open to transfer students.
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Application process
Boston University (BU) accepts transfer students each year, offering both fall and spring transfer options. The transfer acceptance rate has experienced sizable swings in recent years, ranging from 29% to 54%. In 2023, 5,829 students applied for transfer admission, and 1,691 were accepted, yielding a transfer acceptance rate of 29%.
To apply as a transfer student, you must have completed the equivalent of a US secondary school education and have at least one full-time semester (12 or more credits) as a degree candidate at another college or university. If you are currently in a US high school and are part of a dual enrollment program, you should apply as a first-year student.
Transfer students must select a BU school or college when applying and declare a major. BU does not require standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) for transfer admission. However, applicants to the Questrom School of Business need to have taken a college-level Calculus course or completed an AP/IB-level Calculus course in high school. Additionally, College of Fine Arts applicants must complete an audition, submit a portfolio, or both.
To enhance your transfer application, aim for a GPA of at least 3.71, ideally closer to 3.86. The minimum college GPA requirement is 3.5. You will also need to submit official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities. International applicants from Chinese universities must submit additional documentation, including a Verification Report of China Higher Education Student's Academic Transcript and official transcripts in English and Chinese.
BU requests that students submit syllabi from all college courses taken during the application process for credit evaluation. You can also use resources like Transferology and BU's online Transfer Equivalency Database to facilitate credit transfer.
If you previously applied and were denied admission to BU, you may reapply only after completing one full academic year of coursework elsewhere. Admitted transfer students cannot defer their offer of admission to a future term.
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Transfer credits
Boston University (BU) accepts transfer students and welcomes hundreds of them to campus each year. The transfer acceptance rate varies each year, with 39% of applicants accepted in 2021 and 29% in 2023. BU remains a transfer-friendly institution, accepting thousands of applicants each year.
Transfer applicants are required to submit syllabi from all college courses taken during the application process. Students can receive a credit evaluation from BU by submitting their syllabi early in the application process. BU facilitates credit transfer through Transferology and its online Transfer Equivalency Database.
For courses to be accepted for credit, they must be equal in depth and breadth to courses taught at BU, and a grade of C- or better must be achieved. The maximum number of transferable credits is 60. All transfer students must enrol as full-time students and spend a minimum of four semesters at BU to earn a degree.
Transfer applicants from Chinese universities must submit the following documents directly from the Center for Student Services and Development, Ministry of Education, P. R. China (CSSD): Verification Report of China Higher Education Student’s Academic Transcript in English, and official transcripts in English and Chinese from CSSD.
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Student testimonials
Boston University welcomes hundreds of transfer students to its campus each year. The university is transfer-friendly and has a large, welcoming transfer community.
"I was initially nervous about transferring to a new university, but BU offers so many resources to ensure that you feel welcome and succeed here. I was able to get tutoring and advising support, and I'm really happy with my decision to transfer." — John, transfer student
"I'm so glad I decided to transfer to BU. The Hub transfer requirements really helped me complete my graduation requirements, and I was able to get involved in the vibrant transfer community on campus. I definitely feel like I made the right choice." — Maria, transfer student
"Transferring to BU was a smooth process, and I was able to get all the support I needed. The admissions team was very helpful, and I was able to connect with other transfer students who made me feel welcome. I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue my education at such a great university." — Sarah, transfer student
"I had a great experience transferring to BU. The admissions process was straightforward, and I was able to get a fee waiver, which was a huge help. I'm thrilled to be part of the BU community and take advantage of all the opportunities the university has to offer." — David, transfer student
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Boston University accepts transfer students.
Transfer students are required to have a minimum college GPA of 3.5 and a minimum high school GPA of 3.5. They must also submit their official transcripts from high school and college. Additionally, applicants to the College of Fine Arts must complete an audition and/or submit a portfolio.
The acceptance rate for transfer students at Boston University varies year to year. In 2023, the acceptance rate was 29%, and in 2021, it was 39%. On average, BU accepts approximately 2,000 transfer applicants each year, with around 800 enrolling.
No, Boston University does not require standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) for transfer admission.
Competitive transfer applicants to Boston University typically have GPAs above 3.5, and ideally, around 3.86. Additionally, it is recommended to complete a full load of challenging college classes (14-16 units) each semester and get involved in extracurricular activities and community groups.











































