Test-Optional Policy

Boston College has a test-optional admission policy. Students who opt not to submit test scores will receive full consideration during our selection process.

At Boston College, internal research has shown that test scores, when used alongside other factors such as grades, curriculum rigor, writing, co-curricular involvement, and recommendations, add measurable value in predicting academic success. For this reason, students who complete the SAT or ACT are encouraged to submit their scores.

When submitted, the Admission Committee will carefully consider test scores in the context of students’ home, school, and community environments. Scores received from applicants are one factor among many that we consider within our holistic review and are never used as a sole determinant of admission.

Since Boston College first offered a test-optional admission plan during the 2020-21 application cycle, approximately 2/3 of admitted students submitted SAT and/or ACT test scores.

To reduce the cost associated with applying to college, Boston College has moved to a self-reporting test-score model. Students may send official score reports from a testing center, list their test scores on their applications, and/or upload scores through their Applicant Status Portals. All scores submitted to Boston College will be evaluated by the Admission Committee.

Enrolled students who provided scores with their applications will be required to submit official test score reports upon matriculation. At that time, students’ results will be verified.

Learn more about our test-optional policy:

How does the Admission Committee use test scores in context?

High schools and communities throughout the country and around the world vary widely. There are high schools and geographic regions where earning a 1500 on the SAT is commonplace and others where earning a score of 1300 places the student among the top of their peer group. Some students have the financial resources and time available to commit to test-preparation, while others do not. We consider these factors and more as we evaluate students’ past performance and potential for future success.

The Admission Committee also considers test scores in a national context. The majority of students admitted to Boston College rank within the top 10% of their high school classes. Similarly, students who have scored a 1350 on the SAT or a composite score of 30 on the ACT rank among the top 10% of national test takers.

Does Boston College “super-score” test results?

Yes, Boston College super-scores testing results, considering only the highest individual score from each test section during our review. Therefore, we recommend students list all SAT and/or ACT scores they have earned.

Can I submit additional test scores after submitting my Common Application or QuestBridge application?

Yes, students may submit self-reported test-scores after they apply via their Applicant Status Portals or by sending an official score report. Depending on when those scores arrive, scores may not be received in time to be included in our initial application evaluation. We can guarantee that scores reported or submitted along with an application will be reviewed.

Does this policy apply to international students?

Yes, submitting the SAT or ACT is optional for international students. However, international students are still required to demonstrate English language proficiency via TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test results. This English language proficiency requirement may be waived for students who speak English as their native language, have attended a US high school for at least three years in a non-ESOL curriculum, or submit standardized test results including scores of 650 or greater on the SAT EBRW or 29 or greater on the ACT English section. Learn more here.

Does this policy apply to home-schooled students?

Yes. However, because the Admission Committee has little context in which to evaluate home-schooled students’ academic results, standardized test results are extremely helpful to the Admission Committee. Home-schooled applicants are strongly encouraged to submit standardized test scores to allow us to put their applications in context with others in our pool. Other quantitative measures that students may also benefit from submitting include AP exam scores and/or college coursework. Official college transcripts should be submitted for all college courses completed.

Does this policy apply to athletic recruits?

Yes. The NCAA has removed the test score requirement for athletic eligibility in Division I sports. Recruited athletes are responsible for ensuring their NCAA eligibility.

Will students who do not submit standardized test results be eligible for the Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program?

 

Yes. All applicants who submit their admission applications by November 1 will be eligible for consideration of one of 18 Presidential Scholarships. Learn more about applying for the Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program.

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