Boston University: Sat Requirements For International Students

Boston University has an acceptance rate of 11%, making it extremely selective. The university has a holistic admissions process and does not base its decisions solely on standardised test scores. However, for students who do submit test scores, a high SAT or ACT score is vital to getting past the first round of filters. Boston University is currently test-optional for first-year applicants applying for admission through fall 2028 and spring 2029, but prospective students must decide for themselves whether or not to include standardised test scores with their application. International students are required to submit the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test as the primary means for evaluating English-language proficiency.

Boston University SAT requirements for international students

Boston University has announced that it will remain test-optional for students applying for admission through Fall 2028 and Spring 2029. This means that submitting SAT scores is not mandatory for international students applying to the university. However, international applicants must submit additional credentials, including secondary school records, a counselor recommendation, and school report form, English proficiency testing results, documentation of financial support, and a copy of the data page of their passport.

While not mandatory, students who choose to submit SAT scores may do so through self-reported standardized test scores on their application. Alternatively, they can 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if there are discrepancies between self-reported and official standardized test scores, the student's enrollment may be rescinded.

If you are considering submitting your SAT scores, it is helpful to know that the average SAT score composite at Boston University is 1418 on the 1600 SAT scale. The 25th percentile SAT score is 1410, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1500. Additionally, Boston University has a Score Choice policy, allowing you to choose which SAT tests you want to send to the school. They will consider your highest section scores across all SAT test dates submitted.

In summary, while SAT scores are not required for international students applying to Boston University for Fall 2028 and Spring 2029, those who choose to submit their scores may do so through various methods. The university will then consider the highest section scores from all submitted test dates.

English proficiency testing for international students

Boston University defines an international student as a non-US citizen or non-US Permanent Resident Green Card Holder. International students are usually required to have an F-1 Student Visa or J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa to study in the US.

International students whose first language is not English must take one of the following English proficiency tests:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT)
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Duolingo English Test (DET)

Students who are most competitive for admission to Boston University will have a TOEFL iBT composite score of at least 90-100 and minimum scores of 20 in each section. The university will look closely at the score for each section as well as for consistency across all subscores within each single language proficiency test. The TOEFL code for Boston University is 3087.

For the IELTS, a total/overall score of 7 or higher will satisfy Boston University's English Language proficiency requirement for all programs. The university will also review component scores for consistency within each subject area.

For the DET, a total score of at least 125-135 is expected for students who are most competitive for admission. Boston University requires both the total score and all subscores of the test.

International students can also schedule an optional interview with InitialView or Vericant to demonstrate their English language proficiency. However, the submission of TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test results is also required.

It is important to note that Boston University does not offer need-based financial assistance to international students.

Application requirements for international students

Boston University defines an international student as a non-US citizen or non-US Permanent Resident Green Card Holder. The application requirements for international students are similar to those for domestic students, with a few additional criteria.

Credentials

As a first-year international student applicant, you must submit the following credentials:

• Secondary School Records
• Counselor Recommendation and School Report Form
• English Proficiency Testing Results
• InitialView and Vericant Interviews (Optional)
• Documentation of Financial Support
• Copy of Data Page of Passport
• Standardized Tests (Optional)

English Proficiency Testing Results

If your first language is not English, you must take one of the following tests:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT)
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Duolingo English Test (DET)

If English is your first language but you speak another language at home, you may submit English proficiency results to demonstrate fluency.

Documentation of Financial Support

All students studying on an F-1 Student Visa or J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa must submit financial documentation. You will need to complete the Confidential Statement for Financing Studies & Sponsorship Support Confirmation and provide documents confirming available funds for the annual costs of study. All documented sources of support must be:

• Current (within 12 months of starting at Boston University)
• Readily available or liquid (stocks or non-liquid investments are not acceptable)
• In the name of the owner of the bank account, which must match the name on the Confidential Statement

Standardized Tests

Boston University is test-optional for first-year applicants applying for admission through fall 2028 and spring 2029. This policy applies to all undergraduate schools and colleges at BU, as well as all scholarship programs. However, international students will be required to submit the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test as the primary means for evaluating English language proficiency.

Prospective students must decide whether or not to include standardized test scores with their application. When making this decision, students should consider their academic record, their contributions inside and outside the classroom, and their community involvement. Students can indicate whether they would like their standardized test scores to be considered when they apply, but this cannot be changed once the application has been submitted.

If you choose to submit standardized test scores, Boston University accepts self-reported scores on your application. You may also submit official test scores via the testing agency or through the self-report form on the MyBU Applicant Portal. If there are discrepancies between self-reported and official scores, your enrollment may be rescinded.

Other Requirements

In addition to the credentials listed above, international applicants must submit a Common Application or QuestBridge Application, a High School Transcript, and two essays. Boston University also requires a $80 application fee, although fee waivers are available.

Boston University's acceptance rate

Boston University has a very low acceptance rate, currently sitting at around 11% or 14% depending on the source. The university has become increasingly selective over the years, with an acceptance rate of around 50% as recently as 2014. For the 2023 intake, the university's overall acceptance rate was 10.7%, with an early decision acceptance rate of 25%.

Boston University is test-optional for first-year applicants applying for admission through fall 2028 and spring 2029. This policy applies to all undergraduate schools and colleges at the university, as well as all scholarship programs. However, international students are required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores as the primary means for evaluating English language proficiency.

For applicants who choose to submit test scores, half of those admitted to Boston University have an SAT score between 1400 and 1520 or an ACT score of 32 and 34. However, a quarter of admitted applicants achieved scores above these ranges, and a quarter scored below.

In addition to test scores, Boston University considers a student's GPA, high school class rank, and letters of recommendation to be important factors in the admissions process.

Boston University's location

Boston University (BU) is a private research university in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. The university is located in the Fenway-Kenmore, Allston, and Brookline neighbourhoods, with its main campus situated along the Charles River in the Fenway–Kenmore and Allston neighbourhoods. The Boston University Medical Campus is located in the South End neighbourhood.

The university's Charles River Campus follows Commonwealth Avenue and the Green Line, beginning near Kenmore Square and continuing for over a mile and a half towards the Allston neighbourhood. The main campus buildings are separated from the Charles River Esplanade parkland and the Paul Dudley White Bike Path by the busy Storrow Drive. A narrow strip of grassy lawn between the BU academic buildings and the busy road has been nicknamed "BU Beach". Pedestrian bridges allow safe crossings at Silber Way and Marsh Chapel, and there is an additional crossing at the BU Bridge.

The Fenway Campus houses the Wheelock College of Education and Human Development, formerly Wheelock College, which merged with BU in 2018. The university's medical campus is located in the South End neighbourhood of Boston.

BU's John Hancock Student Village is a large residential and recreational complex covering 10 acres between Buick Street and Nickerson Field. The Agganis Arena, home to the BU Terriers hockey team, is also located on the Student Village complex.

The Mugar Memorial Library is the central academic library for the Charles River Campus. The George Sherman Union (GSU) provides students with a food court featuring several fast-food chains. BU Castle, located on the west end of Bay State Road, is one of the older buildings on campus and houses the BU Pub, the only BU-operated drinking establishment.

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