Between 1980 and 1990, Boston College saw acceptance rates fluctuating between 31% and 45%, showcasing a moderately competitive admissions landscape. However, by the mid-1990s to early 2000s, the average SAT scores experienced a significant surge of approximately 100 points, with the 50th percentile scores elevating from 1120-1270 to 1210-1360. Notably, the most lenient year in terms of acceptance was 1991, witnessing a 56% acceptance rate.
Fast forward to 2023, and the Boston College acceptance rate has dwindled to a mere 15%, aligning with a trend of intensifying competitiveness. The average SAT score of successful applicants now exceeds 1500. While gaining admission to Boston College no longer requires a Doug Flutie-level Hail Mary pass, aspiring students must present considerably stronger credentials compared to previous decades.
What is The Boston College ED Acceptance Rate?
For the Class of 2027, Boston College extended admission offers to approximately 30% of applicants, constituting roughly half of the incoming freshmen cohort. Notably, the Early Decision (ED) acceptance rate for the Class of 2026, encompassing both the ED I and ED II rounds, stood at 28%.
What is The Boston College Acceptance Rate?
Boston College experienced a surge in applications for its 2023-24 freshman class, with a total of 36,525 applicants vying for admission. Among these candidates, the Boston College acceptance rate stood at 15% for the Class of 2027. Over recent admissions cycles, the admit rates have followed a declining trend:
- Class of 2026: 17%
- Class of 2025: 19%
- Class of 2024: 26%
This downward trajectory underscores the increasing competitiveness of the admissions process at Boston College.
What is The Boston College SAT, ACT, and Class Rank?
For the Class of 2027, the average SAT score among admitted applicants stood at 1511, while the average ACT score was 34. Impressively, 94% of accepted students ranked within the top decile of their high school class. In the preceding Class of 2026, enrolled students boasted an average ACT score of 34 and an average SAT score of 1482.
What is The Admission Insights at The Boston College?
- In the 2023 admissions cycle, 12% of admitted students were first-generation college attendees, showcasing Boston College’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity.
- Furthermore, the admitted cohort reflected significant diversity, with 44% identifying as AHANA (individuals of African, Hispanic, Asian, or Native American descent), a notable increase from the previous year.
- Academically, the admitted students showcased impressive standardized test scores, with an average SAT score of 1510 and an average ACT score of 34.
- Additionally, international students constituted 9% of the admitted class, highlighting the university’s global reach and appeal.
What is The Boston College Demographics?
Let’s delve into the diverse demographics of Boston College’s undergraduate population:
Geographically, the Class of 2026 showcased a varied representation:
- New England: 29%
- Mid-Atlantic: 30%
- Midwest: 9%
- South/Southwest: 11%
- West: 11%
- Other U.S.: 1%
- Outside the United States: 9%
As is typical with selective colleges, students from less densely populated regions, such as Wyoming, South Dakota, and Alaska, often benefit from enhanced admissions prospects. In the previous year, the Class of 2025 hailed from 45 different states.
Among the 168 international members of the Class of 2026, the most common countries of origin were:
- China
- South Korea
- Canada
- U.K.
- Brazil
- Hong Kong
- India
- Spain
- U.A.E.
- Vietnam
Ethnically, the current undergraduate student body at Boston College reflects the following breakdown:
- Asian American: 11%
- Hispanic: 11%
- African American: 4%
- International: 9%
- White: 57%
- Two or more races: 4%
In terms of gender distribution, the Class of 2026 comprises 8% more female students than males:
- Male: 46%
- Female: 54%
When examining the types of high schools attended by the Class of 2026, the breakdown is as follows:
- Public: 50%
- Catholic: 21%
- Private: 29%
What is The Boston College Yield Rate?
Boston College boasted a yield rate of 34% last year. While this figure reflects the enthusiasm of admitted students, it falls slightly below the yield rates of some other prestigious private universities like Vanderbilt, Rice, and Carnegie Mellon.
What is The Admission Criteria at The Boston College?
Boston College emphasizes the importance of two key factors in their admissions process: the rigor of the secondary school record and GPA. Additionally, they consider several other aspects as “important,” including class rank, essays, recommendations, extracurricular activities, talent/ability, character/personal qualities, legacy status, religious affiliation, and volunteer work. Factors such as first-generation status, race/ethnicity, and work experience are also taken into consideration.
In the words of Boston College’s admissions officers:
they review each application with thoroughness and thoughtfulness, considering grades, standardized test scores, extracurricular involvement, recommendations, and the applicant’s ability to express themselves through writing.
The Boston College Application Process Key Tips
If you’re considering applying to Boston College among the 36,000+ hopefuls for the next admissions cycle, keep the following in mind:
- No Interviews: Boston College does not offer interviews, so it’s crucial to leverage your essays and recommendations to establish a personal connection with the admissions officers.
- Demonstrated Interest: While Boston College doesn’t consider demonstrated interest in their admissions process, it can still be beneficial to engage with the university by connecting on social media, visiting campus, or attending college fairs. These interactions can help you determine if BC is the right fit for you.
- Supplemental Essay: Be sure to allocate enough time and effort to complete the supplemental essay required by Boston College. This essay provides an opportunity to showcase your personality, interests, and fit for the university.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Boston College has evolved significantly over the years, becoming increasingly selective with each admissions cycle. As the number of applicants continues to rise, prospective students must be well-prepared and informed about the admissions process. With a holistic approach to reviewing applications, BC considers various factors to ensure a diverse and talented student body. While the admissions journey may seem daunting, applicants can increase their chances of success by showcasing their academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities through their application materials. As you embark on this exciting journey, remember to stay true to yourself and demonstrate why Boston College is the perfect place for your academic and personal growth.