Applicants will be notified via email no later than May 20
Application Requirements
PrintPlease note: Boston College does not conduct interviews as part of the admission process.
Common Application
For our undergraduate admission process, Boston College uses the Common Application. We require that all candidates submit their application electronically.
commonapp.org
Selecting an Academic Division
Candidates are required to apply to one of the University's four undergraduate academic divisions: the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences, Carroll School of Management, Lynch School of Education and Human Development, or Connell School of Nursing. Boston College strongly encourages students to apply to their first choice undergraduate division, as this can be challenging to change later in the undergraduate process. Students do not have to declare a specific major at this time (with the exception of Nursing). Learn more about choosing an academic division.
The Office of Undergraduate Admission deeply values the contributions made by a diverse community of scholars. Learn more about Boston College's notice of nondiscrimination.
Boston College Required Personal Statement
The Boston College Personal Statement must be submitted along with your application to Boston College at www.commonapp.org. Please do not mail or email your essay response.
Boston College Required Personal Statement
Boston College strives to provide an undergraduate learning experience emphasizing the liberal arts, quality teaching, student formation, and engagement of critical issues. Please provide a statement that addresses your reasons for transferring and why you are choosing to apply to Boston College. (650 word limit)
Standardized Testing
Boston College requires standardized testing as part of our application review. We accept the ACT (College Code: 1788) or SAT (CEEB Code: 3083) and we do not require any Optional Writing portion. If you submit multiple scores, we will superscore the tests for our evaluation.This requirement can be waived if an applicant graduated from high school more than five years prior to applying.
- Official standardized test results must be sent directly from the testing agency to Boston College. If having score reports sent from the College Board or ACT to Boston College presents a financial hardship, applicants should have their high school guidance counselor contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission. Alternatives may be explored on a case-by-case basis.
- SAT subject tests are not required. You are welcome to submit SAT Subject Tests for consideration with your application. Subject Tests, particularly in foreign languages and the sciences, may be used for placement during the first year. Learn more about advanced placement at Boston College.
- It is your responsibility to ensure that we receive all of your standardized testing by the stated application deadlines. For spring term admission, we will accept October standardized testing results.
In addition to the ACT or SAT, international applicants must submit TOEFL or IELTS examination scores. Learn more about standardized testing requirements for international applicants.
It is your responsibility to ensure that we receive all of your standardized testing by the stated application deadlines.
Official Transcripts
The quality of your academic achievement is one of the most important measures of your preparedness for Boston College; special consideration is given to the balance and difficulty of the program you have carried.
In addition to the official high school transcript (sent directly from the high school) or Certificate of GED, official transcripts of all courses taken in all semesters at other colleges or universities (post-high school graduation) must be submitted. Faxed transcripts or transcripts issued to students are not considered official and cannot be accepted.
Supporting Materials
In addition to the Common Application, Boston College requires that you also submit the following forms. These forms can be printed and mailed (see below for address) or submitted electronically at www.commonapp.org.
Academic Evaluation
An instructor's recommendation is helpful in assessing your academic achievement and your contributions to your school. Complete the Personal Information section and submit it to a college professor or instructor who has recently taught you in an academic subject. Applicants who have been out of school for more than one year may present this form to an adviser or employer for completion.
Official College Report
This report is necessary to assess your personal standing at all of the institution(s) you have attended on a full-time basis. Complete the personal information section and submit it to the Dean of Students at each institution you have attended full time. The completed form must be sent directly to Boston College by the evaluator. Failure to submit all required information and documentation will result in an incomplete application.
If you have a mark on your disciplinary record, we strongly urge you to submit a separate statement explaining the circumstances of the incident.
Mid-Term Report (recommended, but not required)
This report collects information about courses in which you are currently enrolled.
Application Fee
The application fee or an application fee waiver request* must be submitted in order for your application to be reviewed. Your application fee should be submitted with your Common Application at www.commonapp.org.
*Fee Waiver Request
If submitting the $80 application fee presents a financial hardship for your family and you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you may apply for an application fee waiver using our Transfer Application Fee Waiver Request Form.
Mailing Address
We strongly encourage you to electronically submit your application, fee, and supporting materials. If your school(s) does not support the online submission of the required documents, please use the appropriate mailing address listed below.
Application Mailing Address:
Boston College Transfer Admission Processing Center
P.O. Box 67485
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
Courier Service (FedEx, DHL, UPS):
Boston College Transfer Admission
Document Processing Center
124 Heritage Avenue Suite #14
Portsmouth, NH 03801
Application Status
You can check the status of your application on the Agora Portal using the Boston College username and password that was emailed to you after you submitted your application. It is your responsiblity to check the status of your application and submit any missing documents prior to the application deadline.
In recent years, a small number of Boston College applicants have faced challenges in meeting our application deadlines through no fault of their own. Natural disasters, political unrest, local school strikes and other unexpected events can add a level of complexity to the college application process. To the extent possible, Boston College is committed to working with students to extend deadlines, if necessary. Impacted students should contact us directly to discuss their circumstances.
Fall Enrollment
Deadline: March 15
Notification: May 20
Spring Enrollment
Deadline: November 1
Nursing & mid-year freshmen applicants are not eligible for spring enrollment
Notification: December 15
Applicants will be notified via email no later than December 15
Transfer of Credit and Course Selection
Transfer of Credit Policy
Boston College's transfer credit policies are established by the deans and faculty of each undergraduate division. Course evaluations are completed by the Office of Transfer Admission. In order for courses to be accepted, they must be equal in depth and breadth to courses taught at BC, and a grade of C- or better must be achieved. Course descriptions for all Boston College courses and information on requirements according to academic division can be found in the University Catalog.
The maximum number of transferable credits is 60 credits. All transfer students must enroll as full time students and spend a minimum of four semesters at Boston College to earn a degree. If you are interested in part-time studies, please visit the Woods College of Advancing Studies for more information.
Transfer Course Selection Guide
Prospective students often call asking two important questions. First, which courses they should be taking at their current institutions to increase their chances of acceptance to Boston College? And second, which courses would most likely be accepted for credit should they be admitted and choose to enroll at Boston College?
Appropriate course selection is one of the most important factors in presenting a strong transfer application. The following guides are intended to help students interested in transferring to Boston College choose courses at their current institutions. Any questions regarding the selection and evaluation of courses, either before or after enrollment, should be directed to the Office of Transfer Admission.
Course Selection Guide for the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences
We recommend that applicants complete 30 credits by the end of their first year and suggest that those courses fall within the academic areas listed below:
Mathematics
One course: 3 semester hours total of Calculus, Finite Mathematics, or Linear Algebra
English
Two courses: 6 semester hours total: 3 semester hours in Literature and 3 credits in Writing/Composition
Natural Science
Two courses: 6 semester hours of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Earth/Environmental Science (lab not required for non-science majors)
History
Two courses: 6 semester hours of Modern World History (1500-1750/1750-present)
Fine Arts
One course: 3 semester hours of Fine Arts, Music, or Theatre
Other
Two courses: 6 semester hours of foreign language* or electives from any division at Boston College.
*Intermediate proficiency in a foreign language is required for all students in the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences. We strongly recommend that students pursue a foreign language in their first year of studies if they do not fulfill this requirement through AP or SAT II exams.
We recommend that applicants complete 60 credits by the end of their second year and suggest that those second-year courses fall within the academic areas listed below:
Social Science
Two courses: 6 semester hours of Economics, Political Science, Psychology, or Sociology
Theology
One course: 3 semester hours of Theology*
Philosophy
One course: 3 semester hours of Philosophy*
Other
6 courses: Electives of choice from any academic division at Boston College; at least four should be in Arts and Sciences
*Boston College requires that students take at least one course (3 semester hours) each of Philosophy and Theology core requirements at our University
Course Selection Guide for the Carroll School of Management
The Carroll School of Management is accredited by the AACSB International (The Association of Advance Collegiate Schools of Business). Students from sending institutions which do not hold the same professional accreditation may only transfer Accounting I and II, Micro/Macro Economics, Business Law I, Statistics I, and Computer Science.
We recommend that applicants complete 30 credits by the end of their first year and suggest that those courses fall within the academic areas listed below:
Mathematics
Calculus or higher (Class of 2021 and earlier)
English
Two courses: 3 semester hours in Literature and 3 credits in Writing/Composition
Statistics
One course: 3 semester hours
History
Two courses: 6 semester hours of Modern World History (1500-1750/1750-present)
Economics
Two courses: 3 semester hours of Microeconomics and 3 semester hours of Macroeconomics
Other
Four courses: Electives of choice from any academic division at Boston College*
*Students in the Carroll School of Management also complete a 3 credit course in Management Ethics that transfer students must complete upon enrolling at Boston College
Intermediate proficiency in a foreign language is required for all students in the Carroll School of Management in the Class of 2021 or earlier. We strongly recommend that students pursue a foreign language in their first year of studies if they do not fulfill this requirement through AP or SAT II exams.
We recommend that applicants complete 60 credits by the end of their second year and suggest that those second-year courses fall within the academic areas listed below:
Accounting
Two courses: 6 semester hours of Accounting I and II
Organizational Behavior
One course: 3 semester hours of Organizational Behavior (or equivalent)
Business Law
One course: 3 semester hours (or equivalent)
Natural Science
Two courses: 6 semester hours of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Earth/Environmental Sciences (lab not required for non-science majors)
Theology
One course: 3 semester hours of Theology*
Philosophy
One course: 3 semester hours of Philosophy*
Other
Two courses: Electives of choice from any academic division at Boston College
*Boston College requires that students take at least one course (3 semester hours) each of Philosophy and Theology core requirements at our University
Course Selection Guide for the Lynch School of Education and Human Development
Boston College does not recommend that students apply to the Lynch School of Education and Human Development (LSEHD) if they have completed more than one year of study at another college or university, due to the specialized curricula students are expected to follow in this school. Students who have completed more than one year at another college or university should note that it will likely take at least two to three years to complete the LSEHD requirements.
We recommend that applicants complete 30 credits by the end of their first year and suggest that those courses fall within the academic areas listed below:
Mathematics
One course: 3 semester hours total of Calculus, Finite Mathematics, or Linear Algebra
English
Two courses: 6 semester hours total: 3 semester hours in Literature and 3 credits in Writing/Composition
Natural Science
Two courses: 6 semester hours of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Earth/Environmental Science (lab not required for non-science majors)
History
Two courses: 6 semester hours of Modern World History (1500-1750/1750-present)
Other
Three courses: Electives of choice
*Students in the Lynch School of Education and Human Development also complete a 1 credit course Professional Development Seminar that transfer students can complete upon enrolling at Boston College
Course Selection Guide for the Connell School of Nursing
Boston College does not recommend that students apply to the Connell School of Nursing if they have completed more than one year of study at another college or university, due to the specialized curriculum students are expected to follow in this school.
All students entering the Connell School of Nursing will enter as first semester sophomores and will take three additional years (6 semesters) to complete the BSN.
For students who have completed a BS or BA program prior to applying and have all of the coursework listed below, it will take three years to complete our program. For any coursework that is specific to nursing, students must submit course syllabi to the Office of Undergraduate Admission in order for their work to be evaluated.
Applicants after their first year should have completed ten courses, which must include:
Anatomy and Physiology
Two courses: 6 semester hours of Anatomy and Physiology I and II (with lab)
Life Science or General Chemistry I
One course: 3 semester hours (with lab)
Statistics for Health Sciences
One course: 3 semester hours of Principles of Statistics of Health Sciences or equivalent
Other
Six courses: Core or elective courses of your choice from any academic division. We strongly suggest English Writing and Literature, two Social Sciences, two European or World History, or one course each in Theology and/or Philosophy.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 1,700 applicants for September and 400 for January.
If I applied as a freshman and was not accepted, should I apply?
As in 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 students are welcome to re-apply, please be aware of the selectivity of our process.
I'm an international applicant. Do I need to submit 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 or the ACT in order to apply. This applies to all international students, even those who attend schools where the primary language of instruction is English. The only way the TOEFL requirement will be waived is if the student scores 600 or above on the SAT EBRW or a 27 or above on the ACT English. If you have attended a U.S. high school for at least three years, and you are enrolled in a traditional academic curriculum without ESOL coursework, the TOEFL or IELTS exam is not required. If you feel further evidence of your English skills will enhance your application, you are still welcome to send those test scores.
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 Morrissey 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 and the Connell School of Nursing. 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 transferring into the Carroll School of Management once enrolled at Boston College is not allowed. The only way to enroll in the Carroll School of Management is to apply directly.
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. They may NOT enroll in classes during the deferment period as enrollment in courses would change the academic record upon which their admission decision was rendered. No exceptions will be made.
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 candidate 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.
Will I get housing as a transfer student?
Housing availability varies. In recent years, students entering in September have been awarded one year of guaranteed housing, while those entering in January have been awarded one semester of guaranteed housing to begin their time at Boston College. It is likely that students will spend at least part of their time at BC living 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.
What kind of undergraduate nursing program does Boston College offer?
Boston College offers a Bachelor of Science (nursing) at the undergraduate level through the Connell School of Nursing.
Am I able to attend the undergraduate Bachelor of Science (nursing) part-time?
No, the Bachelor of Science (nursing) program is only offered for full-time day students.
Does BC offer a RN to Bachelor of Science (nursing) program at the undergraduate level?
No, there is no formal RN to Bachelor of Science (nursing) program. However, students with an RN may apply as transfer students.
Do you allow nursing transfer students?
Yes. Boston College enrolls a very small cohort of nurses to the Bachelor of Science (nursing) program in the fall semester only. We usually enroll approximately three to five nursing students each fall, depending on how many openings are available. Several times in the last few years we have not admitted any students to our nursing program because it was at capacity.
I have already earned a Bachelor's degree from another college or university. May I apply to Boston College for a second bachelor's degree (nursing)?
Yes, the Bachelor of Science (nursing) program is the only program for which we allow students to pursue a second bachelor's degree. Please note that it will take 3 years to graduate with your Bachelor of Science (nursing).