Savanna Hoffman
Boston University is a prestigious private institution in the US, ranked 70th globally and 43rd in the nation, with an acceptance rate of 14%. The university offers a range of popular majors, including social sciences, business, biological sciences, engineering, and more. For international students applying to Boston University, there are specific requirements and credentials that must be submitted. While the SAT or ACT is no longer an application requirement for any student, international applicants must supply a photocopy of their passport and submit test results from TOEFL or IELTS directly to the university. Additionally, international students enrolled in an international curriculum with national exams are required to submit these results. Boston University also encourages international applicants to participate in an interview through InitialView or Vericant.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| SAT Requirement for International Students | Not mandatory, but can be submitted with the application if the student feels it reflects their academic ability |
| Submission of Standardized Test Scores | Optional, but students can indicate whether they want their scores to be considered |
| Submission of Official Test Scores | Can be submitted via College Board or ACT, or through the self-report form on the MyBU Applicant Portal |
| Submission of Self-Reported Test Scores | Accepted, but an official score report from the testing agency is required before enrolling |
| Submission of Multiple Test Scores | Recommended to take advantage of superscoring |
| Submission of TOEFL or IELTS Scores | Mandatory, to be sent directly from the testing agency |
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What You'll Learn
Boston University's standardized test policy
Students have the ability to indicate whether they would like their standardized test scores to be considered when they apply. This decision cannot be changed once the application has been submitted. Boston University accepts self-reported standardized test scores on the application form. Applicants may also submit official test scores via the testing agency or through the self-report form on the MyBU Applicant Portal.
It is important to note that if there are discrepancies between self-reported and official standardized test scores, the applicant's enrollment at Boston University may be rescinded. Additionally, an official score report from the testing agency will be required before enrolling at the university.
For the SAT, applicants can use Score Choice to select which results they want to send to Boston University. The university will only consider the highest SAT scores submitted. For the ACT, Boston University will only accept scores that include the Science subsection, while the Writing subsection remains optional.
International students applying to Boston University have additional requirements. Test results from TOEFL or IELTS must be sent directly to the university. Boston University accepts scores from the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition but does not accept IELTS Indicator or TOEFL ITP Plus at this time. Furthermore, international applicants must supply a photocopy of the photo/data page of their current, valid passport. This can be uploaded via the Common Application website or the MyBU Applicant Portal.
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Self-reported SAT scores
Boston University has a test-optional policy, meaning that applicants can decide whether to include test scores with their application. If applicants choose to submit their SAT scores, they can self-report their scores on their application or submit official scores via the testing agency or the self-report form on the MyBU Applicant Portal.
It is important to note that if applicants submit self-reported SAT scores, they must also provide an official score report from the testing agency before enrolling at Boston University. If there are discrepancies between the self-reported and official scores, the applicant's enrollment may be rescinded.
Boston University superscores the SAT, meaning that they consider the highest score from each section, regardless of the test date. Therefore, applicants who have taken the SAT more than once can select which results they want to send to the university using Score Choice.
While the SAT is not a requirement for admission, applicants who choose to submit their scores may do so through self-reporting or by providing official scores. It is essential to ensure that the self-reported scores match the official scores to avoid any issues with enrollment.
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Official SAT scores
Boston University has a test-optional policy, which means that applicants can decide whether to include their SAT scores with their application. If you choose not to submit your SAT scores, you will not be penalised for it.
However, if you do decide to include your SAT scores, you can submit them either as self-reported scores or as official scores. Self-reported scores can be submitted through the self-report form on the MyBU Applicant Portal. Official scores must be submitted via the testing agency or College Board.
If you submit self-reported scores, you will still need to submit official scores before enrolling at Boston University. If there are discrepancies between the self-reported and official scores, your enrolment may be rescinded.
If you have taken the SAT more than once, you can select which results to send to Boston University using Score Choice. Boston University will only consider the highest SAT scores submitted.
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Interviews for international students
Boston University is test-optional for first-year applicants applying for admission through Fall 2028 and Spring 2029. This means that prospective students can decide whether or not to include standardised test scores, such as the SAT, with their application.
International students applying to Boston University are encouraged to participate in an interview through InitialView or Vericant. These interviews are a great opportunity for applicants to learn more about life at Boston University and ask any questions they may have.
International applicants must submit additional credentials to those required of domestic students. These include:
- A photocopy of the photo/data page of their current, valid passport.
- Evidence of English proficiency: Boston University accepts results for the Duolingo English Test (DET), the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT), or IELTS. Students who are most competitive for admission will have a composite score of at least 90-100 and minimum scores of 20 in each section for the TOEFL iBT, and a total score of at least 125-135 for the DET.
- Financial documentation: All students who will be studying on an F-1 Student Visa or J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa are required to submit financial documentation. This includes documents confirming available funds for the annual costs of study, such as an online deposit account or a signed bank letter verifying the ability to pay educational expenses.
- A thoughtful and comprehensive review that takes into account the applicant's academic achievements and activities inside and outside the classroom within the context of their academic environment, life experiences, and background.
International students applying for grades 9, 10, and 11 at Boston University Academy must meet additional criteria. These students are required to submit:
- Evidence of English proficiency: BUA requires a minimum total score of 100 on the TOEFL; TOEFL and SSAT scores should be submitted prior to scheduling an interview and an official score report needs to be received by January 15.
- A written explanation of the student's anticipated living arrangements: unless there are extenuating circumstances, at least one parent must plan to move to the US with their child.
- Teacher recommendations: at least one recommendation must be written by a non-family member.
Students will also be asked to sit for a timed writing assessment on the day of their interview.
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Application fee waivers
Boston University (BU) offers application fee waivers to some international applicants, but they are limited. The standard application fee is $80.
Common Application Fee Waiver
If you apply through the Common Application, you may request a fee waiver in the "Profile" section of the app under "Common App Fee Waiver". You will need to provide a brief explanation of your economic circumstances and how the application fee is a burden to you. The application then asks for your counsellor to verify your need for a fee waiver, either by a written note, a signature, or through the Common Application's system.
Direct Email Request
If you do not fall into the above category but still need a fee waiver due to financial hardship, you can email the BU admissions office directly at [email protected]. Your email should include a simple request and an overview of your financial circumstances. Remember that fee waivers are granted on a case-by-case basis and do not guarantee admission.
Automatic Fee Waiver
BU will automatically waive the application fee for the following individuals:
> [To be confirmed by Boston University]
Additional Information
- Your request for a fee waiver will not impact your admissions decision.
- BU does not require standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) for transfer admission.
- BU superscores both the SAT and ACT.
- First-year international students are eligible to apply for the Trustee Scholarship, Presidential Scholarship, and Alumni & Friends Scholarships.
- BU does not offer need-based financial assistance to international students.
- All students who will be studying on an F-1 Student Visa or J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa are required to submit financial documentation.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the SAT is no longer a mandatory requirement for application to Boston University. However, students can submit their SAT scores if they feel they are reflective of their academic ability.
You may submit your official SAT test scores via the testing agency or through the self-report form on the MyBU Applicant Portal.
Yes, you can select which results you want to send to Boston University using Score Choice. The University will only consider the highest SAT scores submitted.
International students must submit their TOEFL or IELTS scores to Boston University. The TOEFL code for the University is 3087.
