Boston College

Yes — Boston College is highly selective, admitting about 16.2% of applicants in the most recent cycle. BC offered admission to roughly 5,632 of 34,779 applicants and enrolled about 2,394 first-years. The class also clusters near the top of the high school cohort: among enrolled students who reported a class rank, about 90% were in the top tenth of their graduating class.

Boston College does not publish an average admitted GPA, so there is no fixed cutoff. The better signal is class standing and course rigor: among enrolled first-years who reported a rank, about 90% were in the top tenth and roughly 97% in the top quarter of their class. Both the rigor of your high school record and your academic GPA are weighed as very important factors in BC's review.

No. Boston College is test-optional, so you can apply without submitting scores and still receive full consideration. Among enrolled first-years who did submit, the middle 50% scored 1460–1520 on the SAT and 33–35 on the ACT. Standardized test scores are listed as a considered factor — below grades and course rigor in BC's review.

Boston College offers binding Early Decision I and II — there is no Early Action option. The early rounds drew 4,288 applications, of which about 1,434 were admitted (roughly a 33% early admit rate, versus 16.2% overall). Because ED is binding, apply early only if BC is your clear first choice and you are prepared to enroll if admitted.

Tuition and required fees run about $73,508 per year, with on-campus housing and food adding roughly $19,290 more before books and personal expenses. Boston College meets 100% of demonstrated financial need; about 35% of first-years receive need-based scholarship or grant aid, with an average first-year aid package near $62,865.

Business is by far the most-conferred field at about 29% of bachelor's degrees, reflecting the strength of the Carroll School of Management. The social sciences follow at 18.8%, then the biological sciences at 10.4%, with psychology (8.5%), computer science (6.3%), and communication (5.3%) rounding out the most popular programs.

BC's review leans hardest on academics: the rigor of your high school record and your academic GPA are both rated very important. A tier below, extracurricular activities, talent, character, and demonstrated service are each weighed as important. The application essay, recommendations, and test scores are considered, while interviews and demonstrated interest are not factored in.