Boston College: What Applicants Should Know About University’s Most Selective Class in History
By Rona Aydin
Boston College has once again raised the bar for selectivity, reporting a record-low acceptance rate of just 12.6% for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle. As last year’s acceptance rate was 14.7%, this marks a 2.1% decline. The Office of Undergraduate Admission received over 39,000 applications, extending offers to approximately 5,000 students.
This year’s admission rate comes as no surprise as Boston College continues to establish selectivity. Over the last decade, admission rates have been nearly cut in half, evident through their 2018 acceptance rate of 28%.
In terms of academics, 95% of those admitted ranked within the top 10% of their graduating classes. Despite the University establishing a test-optional policy, 74% submitted standardized scores with an average SAT/ACT score of 1503 and 34.
As Boston College welcomes a highly selective class, students also hail from diverse backgrounds which include all 50 states, Washington, D.C., five United States territories, and 77 countries. Of those admitted,12% are first-generation college students and 9% are international students. A total of 48% are male while 52% are female. Through efforts to change its admissions landscape, Boston College has promised to increase its undergraduate need-based financial aid by 7.5% from the previous year, awarding $190 million in aid.
“Not only have these students distinguished themselves in the classroom, but they’ve given us great confidence in their ability to use their Boston College education to improve the lives of those around them, while also fulfilling their personal goals,” shares Grant Gosselin, Dean of Undergraduate Admission and Financial Aid.
It’s clear that while Boston College emphasizes academic rigor, it remains equally important to them that their prospective students are well-versed and can use their BC education to positively impact society in their selected fields.
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