Collegiate traditions, community involvement, and global impact – Boston College’s programs and student population can best be described through these three values.
Since its founding in 1863, Boston College has maintained an intimate connection to its Jesuit roots.
Nearly half of Boston College undergraduates study abroad at some point in their four years of attendance, and 246 students recently participated in an international service trip.
On campus, a week rarely goes by without some sort of celebration or social engagement. First-year students attend the First Year Academic Convocation, which includes a call to reflect upon one’s faith as it blends with academic pursuits.
Soon afterward, the Student Involvement Fair takes place on the first Friday of the school year. Here, undergraduates can learn about the 200+ organizations where they can make friends and become immersed in different pursuits.
One of the most exciting Boston College traditions is the Beanpot Hockey Tournament, which has embroiled the BC, Boston University, Harvard, and Northeastern hockey teams in a thrilling competition for the “Beanpot trophy since 1952!”
The event draws numerous undergraduates, alumni, and local hockey enthusiasts on the first two Mondays in February.
For those more artistically inclined, the annual Boston College Arts Festival, which takes place in late April, attracts more than 16,000 visitors to witness and participate in improv shows, art galleries, dance performances, and musical ensembles.
Those attending Boston College can expect a stimulating academic experience and social ventures designed to cultivate strong friendships and community bonds.
Ahead, we’ll share the details about Boston College’s early decision acceptance rate, the application process, and essential deadlines and decision dates.
If, upon researching Boston College’s programs, you believe that it is the best place to earn your college degree, it is undoubtedly recommended to apply early decision.
Boston College Early Decision Acceptance Rate
The early decision acceptance rate into Boston College is 28%, based on the most recent admissions data from the 2021-2022 cycle.
The school received a combined 4,428 applications for the ED I and ED II rounds, and the admitted early decision applicants filled more than half of the available spaces for the class of 2026.
Boston College received significantly more applications in the regular decision application round – 40,500, to be exact.
Only 15% of regular decision candidates were admitted compared to the early decision acceptance rate. Clearly, there are advantages to applying early decision to Boston College.
There are many reasons high school seniors may opt to apply early decision to Boston College.
For one, the school boasts a promising post-graduate employment rate, with nine of ten members of the class of 2021 gaining employment within six months of commencement.
Students seeking the opportunity to fulfill philanthropic endeavors will find a welcoming environment at Boston College, where 81% of undergraduates complete some form of volunteer work.
Those searching for a diverse learning environment with plenty of opportunities to get involved in campus organizations will likely feel compelled to submit their application materials early to Boston College.
Over a third of the undergraduate population is represented by historically marginalized demographics, and there are more than 250 clubs, 30+ NCAA Division 1 sports teams, and 40 intramural clubs to explore.
Boston College ED Decision Date
Awaiting early decision admission notifications can be a thrilling (though slightly nerve-wracking) time! Early decision I candidates can expect to receive a decision by December 15, while early decision II candidates will hear back by February 15.
Applying early decision I may be particularly advantageous in that candidates will learn their “fate” – at least in regards to Boston College – before their last semester of senior year begins.
When applicants receive their admission decision, they can expect one of three outcomes: admit, defer, or deny.
Any deferred candidates will then transition to the regular decision applicant pool – the decision date for this cohort of applicants is April 1.
One significant aspect of applying early decision to Boston College is that the school is need-blind and devoted to meeting 100% of need-based financial assistance.
Candidates admitted during ED I or II are automatically considered for one of 18 full-tuition, merit-based scholarships available via the Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program, which is highly competitive.
These 18 awards are only given to incoming first-year students; both ED and regular decision candidates are eligible, providing they submit all materials by a November 1 deadline.
The Gabelli Presidential Scholarship covers four full years of tuition; in cases where an accepted ED student will need more financial aid to cover other expenses (like room and board), Boston College will meet that need via additional scholarship monies.
The finalists for this prestigious opportunity will receive notification of their status sometime in early January.
From there, they will receive an invitation to interview at Boston College in mid-February. Final decisions are made shortly after all interviews are completed.
Boston College Early Decision Application Deadline
There are two early decision rounds for admission to Boston College, each with its own deadlines.
The early decision I deadline is November 1, while the early decision II deadline is January 3 – the deadline and notification dates are the only distinctions between the two early decision rounds.
Those who are 100% certain that they wish to attend Boston College are highly encouraged to apply ED; regardless, both early decision options are binding.
This means that candidates are not allowed to apply to any other ED cycles, and if they are admitted early decision to Boston College, they must rescind any outstanding applications to other institutions and start the enrollment process at BC. In fact, the Enrollment Confirmation Fee is required within ten days of receiving an admission offer.
The early decision options have only existed at Boston College since 2019 and were initiated out of a desire to attract more “best fit” applicants who prioritize BC as their first-choice school.
Previously, Boston College offered a non-binding early action policy. However, the binding nature of the early decision options shows promise in reducing the stress and anxiety many high school students face during their senior years.
Boston College additionally views its decision to institute early decision admission cycles as a way to keep up with the best practices of top U.S. colleges.
Currently, 21 of the top 40 best colleges (as ranked by the U.S. News & World Report) maintain early decision options.
Today’s college applicants can likely anticipate an increasingly competitive admissions process. The school continues to field record-breaking numbers of applications each year; for example, the regular decision applications increased by 37% in just a year.
As more BC-committed students research admissions statistics, they may be more inclined to submit their application materials during early decision rounds.
How to Apply to BC for Early Decision
Candidates submitting their application materials to Boston College admissions during early decision I or early decision II will share the same materials as regular decision candidates.
Other than the deadlines and notification dates, the only other distinction is that ED candidates must complete the Common Application Early Decision Agreement form. The applicant, parent/guardian, and school guidance counselor must all sign this form.
From there, application requirements are crystal clear. The admissions team, overall, is looking for exceptional academic achievement, as reflected by transcripts and standardized test scores.
Additional top-priority application items include thoughtful, expressive essay responses, elaborations on extracurricular commitments, and the appraisals of teachers and counselors who can speak to each candidate’s stand-out characteristics.
Early decision applicants will complete the Common Application and apply to one of Boston College’s four academic divisions: the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences, Connell School of Nursing, Lynch School of Education and Human Development, or the Carroll School of Management. While declaring a major is not required, students will only be admitted to the division to which they apply.
The next order of business is the Boston College Writing Supplement.
There are five available prompts, and early decision applicants may only respond to one within a 400-word limit. Prompts tend to touch on student purpose, responses to racial injustice, alignment with Jesuit traditions, and introspection.
While we mentioned that standardized test scores are considered indications of a candidate’s potential ability to thrive at Boston College, the school maintains a test-optional policy for first-time, first-year applicants through the graduating class of 2027.
There is no disadvantage should a candidate opt not to submit their SAT or ACT scores.
The high school transcript is the next required item and likely one of the most important. The most competitive early decision applicants have at least four credits in advanced-level courses within each of the following subjects: mathematics, social studies, science, English language arts, and foreign language.
Additional supporting materials include the school report, counselor recommendation form (completed by a guidance counselor), and two teacher evaluations (ideally from core subject areas).
There is an application fee of $80, though students demonstrating financial hardship can submit a fee waiver request.
Several other application materials may only pertain to specific applicants. For example, those wishing to major in studio art can submit an optional portfolio with their Common Application.
For early decision I, this portfolio is due by November 1, while early decision II candidates can send it through January 3.
Any international early decision applicants should submit proof of English proficiency via the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test examination scores.
