Boston University (BU) is a large, private research university located in… Boston, MA. We know. Shocking! However, you might be more shocked to find out it was originally in Vermont. Crazy. BU has about 18k undergrads, and has strong STEM and business/econ programs. If you’re looking for a big school with big resources, an urban location, and some really cool study abroad options, BU might be your girl.
BU is a very transfer-friendly school, and a look on their transfer admissions website makes that clear – they even have you submit your current class syllabi with your application to help figure out where to award credit! Their transfer acceptance rate is 39%, and even though they’re eager to help you with credits, that doesn’t mean you have a 100% shot at getting in. 39 is less than 100. Like, less than half of that number. So, let’s talk about everything you need to have and do to be a solid applicant to BU.
Requirements
Let’s talk about what makes you a transfer at BU:
You have to have completed at least one semester of college before applying. Makes sense! BU also wants you to make sure the major you’re interested in is even accepting transfers, which you can check here.
To apply, you’ll need:
High school transcript + proof of graduation
College transcript
Transfer report
Application fee ($85)
Other things you might need:
Specific things for College of Fine Arts (audition or portfolio) or for the Questrom School of Business (a college level calculus course)
Standardized test scores (not mandatory but maybe you should?! It’s smart to submit scores.)
Optional rec letters, you’re allowed one professional, one personal, and one academic. We definitely recommend using at least one of these.
Syllabi for current classes (to award credit if you get in)
And some wisdom for you, if you’re aiming to transfer to BU, strong grades and smart course choices are key. BU looks for students who shine academically, so keeping your GPA high is a must. But it’s more than just numbers—take courses that make sense for your goals. Pick classes that connect to your intended major to show you actually like the thing you’re telling them you like.
Writing
BU has one mandatory essay question for transfer applicants, and it’s a classic. After going through the first-year application process, this should feel like familiar territory. Think of it as a mix of those “Why” essays you tackled before with a transfer twist. It’s your chance to explain not just why you’re excited about BU, but also how transferring can help you accomplish your academic and professional goals.
Boston University welcomes hundreds of transfer students to campus each year. We want to learn more about you and your reasons for transferring, in particular what you hope to accomplish at Boston University. (600 word maximum)
Start your essay with your origin story—what sparked your passion for the field you want to study? Think of it as your lightbulb moment. Maybe it was something like the backyard chemistry experiments you did, a compelling freshman seminar you took at your current school, or a work experience. From there, declare your intended major. BU requires that transfer applicants choose a major, so you can’t waffle on this. If you have no idea, think about what you’ve enjoyed academically and go from there.
This is also where you can touch on why your current school isn’t quite working for you, just don’t totally throw your current school under the bus. Instead, focus on what BU brings to the table that your current school doesn’t. Maybe it’s the location and proximity to opportunities or a specific program you’re excited about. This is not where we’ll talk about ~vibes~, because those aren’t super convincing reasons.
Maybe after a year in pre-med classes, you’ve decided you’re more interested in going into biomedical engineering, but your school doesn’t offer engineering majors. You want to be at BU because of their great engineering program, but you also want proximity to research labs in Boston. Don’t talk about how you hate your college town and everyone there is boring! That’s not a good reason! Keep it positive! Show that your transfer move is more about what you’re looking to gain than what you’re trying to leave behind.
Now, we want to provide BU with solid evidence that you a) know what they’re about and b) that their offerings are perfect for you. Name 2-3 upper-level courses you’re excited to take—not freshman seminars or intro classes, but ones that tie directly into your major and your story. If you’re applying as a history major because you’re interested in the Cold War, a bunch of classes about 19th century American history don’t make a lot of sense. Now, explain why you like these classes and what they will teach you. Don’t just say they’re cool, give reasons.
Next up: professors. Find one or two at BU who are doing research in your area of interest and highlight why they’d be a great mentor. Talk about what excites you about their work, whether it’s their research focus, publications, or projects. Then, explain how you’d like to collaborate with them—maybe you’re eager to join their lab, work on a specific research project, or learn from their expertise.
And finally, extracurriculars. BU is really into their study abroad programs, and they have global campuses in London, LA, DC, Paris, and Sydney. They’re really proud of these, and it would not hurt to talk about how, for example, as a journalism student, some time in DC would do wonders for your goals. After talking about study abroad (which we strongly encourage), find a few academic-focused clubs or student groups at BU that align with what you’re passionate about studying. Make sure these choices make sense with your academic goals and tie back to activities you’ve been involved in before. Don’t join a chemistry honors society if you’re interested in biomedical engineering!
Once you’ve laid out all your evidence, wrap it up with a summary sentence or two. You can talk about how BU is the best place for you to thrive academically and personally, and how it’s just the most perfectest place for you in the whole world.
Additional Information (optional): Please use this space if you have additional information, materials, or writing samples you would like us to consider.
Normally, we make y’all do all the optional stuff, but this time it’s truly optional. Additional information is typically reserved for extreme circumstances, and we don’t recommend using this to add extra bragging to your application. If it’s already in your application elsewhere (like in experiences), then you don’t need to rehash it here.
Now… wait
The BU transfer deadline for fall enrollment is March 15th. Once you get everything submitted, you’ll have to wait until May/Juneish to hear back. Don’t inundate the admissions office with requests or questions or follow-ups, just be patient and hope for the best!
Best of luck!
If you need help with your transfer applications, reach out to us today.