Is it easier to apply and enroll for September or January?
The admission process is generally very similar in terms of selectivity for each semester. Selectivity does vary a bit by semester because transfer enrollment figures depend on how many openings there are at the University, which can fluctuate from one semester to the next.
How many students apply for admission?
We generally have about 1500 applicants for September and 500 for January.
If I applied as a freshman and was not accepted, should I apply?
Similar to freshman admission, the transfer admission process is highly selective. Students most successful in our transfer process will be competitive out of high school and have strong college records. Although you are welcome to re-apply, please be aware of the selectivity of our process.
Should I schedule an interview?
No. Boston College does not interview as a part of the admission process. Students are welcome to call to set up an appointment to speak with a counselor who will answer specific questions that applicants bring, but the meetings are not evaluative in nature.
When will I be notified of my admission decision?
Students applying for September submit applications no later than March 15th and will be notified no later than June 1. Students applying for January submit applications by Nov. 1 and will hear no later than December. 15.
Is it easier to be admitted to one major over another?
Students must apply to one of the four academic divisions at Boston College (The College of Arts and Sciences, the Carroll School of Management, the Connell School of Nursing and the Lynch School of Education) and selectivity is very similar across the divisions, with the exception of the Carroll School of Management. In recent years, few seats have been available in the Carroll School of Management, thus allowing us to enroll only a handful (5-10) of new sophomores and juniors. Please be advised that applying to a different undergraduate division with the intent of transferring into the Carroll School of Management once enrolled at Boston College is not advised.
Can I defer my admission?
Yes. Accepted students can defer for up to 2 years. However, the student must pay their enrollment confirmation fee to hold their place in the class but they may NOT enroll in classes during the deferment period. No exceptions will be made. Enrollment in courses would change the academic record on which their admission decision was rendered.
Can I reactivate my application from a previous admission cycle?
No. If you wish to re-apply to Boston College you must submit all new documents and a new application fee.
If I apply as a transfer and do not get in can I reapply in the future?
We recommend that a student wait one full year before reapplying so that they have time to improve their academic record in order to have the best chance of being admitted should they attempt to apply again. Please note: we do not hold or store past applications therefore students reapplying must submit all new documents and another application fee.
RESIDENTIAL LIFE
Will I get housing as a transfer student?
Housing availability is variable. For the past two semesters we have been able to offer the incoming transfer students at least one semester of guaranteed housing to begin their time at Boston College. Once enrolled, students need to check with the Office of Residential Life regarding future availability. Prior to the last two semesters housing availability was very limited and most transfer students lived off campus.
Will applying for on-campus housing hurt my chances of admission?
No. Students should apply for housing if they wish to live on campus. Your housing request in no way impacts our admission decision.
For more information on the Office of Residential Life, click here.
FINANCIAL AID
Does applying for financial aid affect my chances of acceptance?
Absolutely not. Boston College operates under a need blind admission process and ability to pay is never considered by the admission committee.
For more information about Costs and Financial Aid, click here.
Do I need to have completed specific courses to apply?
There are no required courses you must complete before you can be considered. Many students will take courses that fulfill Boston College Core requirements and/or the first courses for their major. We recommend a strong liberal arts focus for all disciplines.
From which colleges and universities does Boston College accept credits?
We accept credits from most accredited colleges and universities around the world. Courses are evaluated on a course by course basis so there may be individual courses that may not be accepted but the general policy is that courses are acceptable if they are taken at an accredited college or university and are equal in depth and breadth to a course taught at Boston College.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Do international students have to take both the SAT and the TOEFL?
Students whose first language is not English must have a current TOEFL score (within the last two years) and either the SAT I or the ACT with writing in order to apply.
For more information for International Transfer Applicants, click here.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
What is a transfer student?
A transfer student is any who has COMPLETED minimally three college courses prior to the admission deadline for the semester they wish to apply. For example, we do not allow students to transfer for second semester freshman year because the admission deadline for the January term is November 1st and therefore no college courses would be complete for the applicant at that time. Most students will apply to begin as first or second semester sophomores or as first semester juniors. Please note that college courses taken during high school and the summer just following are not transferable.
Can I study abroad as a transfer?
In most cases, yes. However this process does take a great deal of planning. The earlier you begin at Boston College the easier it may be to go abroad. Those who enter as first semester juniors will have the most difficult time. New transfer students interested in study abroad should visit the international programs office during their first semester to discuss their plans.
Can I attend part-time?
Admission through the Office of Undergraduate Admission is for full time status only. For information on attending Boston College as a part time student, please go to the Woods College of Advancing Studies web site. Because the part-time program is in no way affiliated with the Office of Undergraduate Admission, all questions about the part-time program must be directed to the Woods College.