Admission to Boston College has become increasingly competitive as more students with superior academic records, intellectual curiosity, and scholarly promise continue to apply. For the class of 2012, there were over 30,000 applications for 2,250 places in the four undergraduate divisions.
Although no minimum test score or class rank has been established, the Committee on Admission pays particular attention to students who have performed well in a demanding college preparatory curriculum, especially one that involves honors and AP courses. The Undergraduate Admission Office recommends that students pursue four years of coursework in English, social science, mathematics, foreign language, and laboratory science. Coursework completed in 8th grade will not be considered.
The majority of incoming freshmen to the University have achieved consistently high grades in their secondary schools and rank comfortably within the top 10 percent of their graduating classes. Competitive standardized test scores also have a bearing on the selection process. The test scores for the middle half of the class of 2012 ranged from 1950 to 2220 on the SAT I, and 30 to 33 on the ACT.
In selecting students, the Committee on Admission looks for demonstrated evidence of academic ability, intellectual curiosity, strength of character, motivation, creativity, energy, and promise for personal growth and development. The Committee also carefully considers recommendations by counselors and teachers, the required personal statement and extracurricular activities. Requests for financial aid do not affect decisions on admission.