Boston University ACT Score Averages

Hi guys! I was wondering what the average ACT score for Boston University applicants is? I want to know how competitive I might be if I apply. Appreciate your help!

Hello, happy to assist! Boston University is pretty competitive when it comes to test scores. For the most recent admission cycle, the ACT middle 50% range for Boston University was between 32 and 35. What this statistic means is that 25% of admitted students scored below 32, while another 25% scored above a 35, and the remaining 50% fell within this range.

However, it's important to note that test scores are only one piece of the puzzle. Although they do matter, they aren't the entire basis for admission. BU will look at many other factors including your GPA, course rigor, essays, extracurriculars, and letters of recommendation. The best strategy is to present a balanced application that has a solid academic profile and demonstrates your passions and character.

Please keep in mind that this doesn't mean that you're guaranteed to be accepted if you fall within this range - you still want to craft the other aspects of your application carefully. Nor does it mean that if your score is below this range, you won't get accepted. Each application is reviewed holistically, and there can be latitude with lower scores, so long as you demonstrate strengths in other areas.

If you want to know how your application as a whole stacks up at Boston University, I'd check out CollegeVine's free chancing engine, which accounts for all quantifiable elements of your application, including not just test scores but also GPA, course rigor, and extracurriculars to give you personalized odds of acceptance at Boston University and hundreds of other colleges: https://www.collegevine.com/admissions-calculator

This tool will also give you suggestions on how to improve your chances, whether by raising your ACT score slightly or some other step, like earning a leadership position in one of your extracurriculars.

Or, if you want tips on how to strengthen the more intangible aspects of your application, I'd check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which breaks down how to tackle Boston University's school-specific supplemental essays: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-boston-university-essays/. Especially at selective schools like Boston University, the essays are a great opportunity to showcase what you have to offer beyond the numbers.

Good luck with your journey!