Navigating the Boston College Transfer Application Process

For students seeking a change in their academic environment, transferring to a prestigious institution like Boston College is a worthwhile goal. However, understanding the intricacies of the Boston College transfer application requirements can be challenging. This comprehensive guide explores the key aspects of transferring to Boston College and offers practical tips to enhance your chances of acceptance.

Understanding the Transfer Landscape at Boston College

Each year, around 200 students transfer into Boston College. The Committee on Transfer Admission reviews each application individually, placing primary emphasis on the college record. However, the high school record, essays, recommendations, activities, and work experience are also critical components of the application. As in freshman admission, the transfer admission process is highly selective. Students most successful in the transfer process will be competitive out of high school and have strong college records.

Transfer Acceptance Rate: The transfer acceptance rate at Boston College stands at 12.7%. In 2022, there were 2,405 transfer applicants, and 339 individuals were accepted. This figure underscores the competitive nature of the transfer admissions process. Prospective transfer students must present a strong application that not only meets but exceeds the standards set by the admissions committee.

Why Transfer to Boston College?

Academic Excellence: Boston College is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and distinguished faculty. The institution offers a broad spectrum of undergraduate programs designed to challenge and inspire students.
Vibrant Campus Life: The university provides a rich campus experience, including a variety of student organizations, athletics, and cultural events. This vibrant community fosters personal growth and lifelong friendships.
Location: Located in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, Boston College offers the perfect blend of a suburban campus with easy access to the bustling city of Boston. The location provides ample opportunities for internships, research, and cultural experiences.

Key Components of a Strong Transfer Application

Several factors contribute to a successful transfer application to Boston College.

Academic Record: A strong academic record is paramount. Boston College looks for students who have excelled in their current institutions. Maintain a high GPA and take challenging courses to demonstrate your academic readiness. To have a shot at transferring into BC, you should have a current GPA of at least 3.7 or above to be a truly competitive applicant to Boston College.
Compelling Personal Statement: Your personal statement should reflect your reasons for transferring and how Boston College aligns with your academic and personal goals. Highlight your achievements, experiences, and what you hope to contribute to the Boston College community. Please provide a statement that addresses your reasons for transferring and why you are choosing to apply to Boston College.
Letters of Recommendation: Secure strong letters of recommendation from professors or academic advisors who can attest to your academic abilities and character. These letters should provide insights into your potential for success at Boston College. An instructor's recommendation is helpful in assessing your academic achievement and your contributions to your school. If you have been out of school for more than one year you may submit a recommendation from an advisor, supervisor or employer for consideration.
Extracurricular Activities: Engage in meaningful extracurricular activities that showcase your leadership, commitment, and interests. Boston College values well-rounded individuals who can contribute to campus life beyond academics.
Clear Transfer Pathway: Ensure that your current coursework aligns with the requirements of the program you wish to transfer into. Utilize Boston College’s transfer credit policies to maximize the number of credits that will transfer.

Boston College's Academic Divisions

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. Students are only considered for admission to the division to which they applied. 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).

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 or the Lynch School of Education) and selectivity is very similar across the divisions. The university aims to enroll transfer students in numbers proportionate to undergraduate division size at the University. In other words, Morrissey, as the largest division, typically has the most spaces available to add new transfers followed by the Carroll School of Management, the Lynch School of Education and Human Development, and the Connell School of Nursing.

Important Considerations for Specific Schools:

Connell School of Nursing: Please note that due to current enrollment trends, Boston College is not accepting transfer applications to the Connell School of Nursing for Fall 2026 entry.
Lynch School of Education and Human Development (LSEHD): 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.
Carroll School of Management: Please be advised that transferring into the Carroll School of Management once enrolled at Boston College is not allowed.

Required Application Materials

Boston College requires additional materials to supplement your application and provide context into your post-secondary achievements. BC requires a number of completed documents for consideration.

Common Application for Transfer Students: Transfer applicants to Boston College must complete the Transfer Common Application. For the undergraduate admission process, Boston College uses the Common Application. We require that all candidates submit their application electronically.
Boston College Writing Supplement: The Boston College Writing Supplement must be submitted along with your application to Boston College at www.commonapp.org. We would like to get a better sense of you. Please respond to one of the first four prompts below (400 word limit).
1. Strong communities are sustained by traditions. Boston College's annual calendar is marked with both long-standing and newer traditions that help shape our community. Tell us about a meaningful tradition in your family or community.
2. In her July 2009 Ted Talk, “The Danger of a Single Story,” Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie warned viewers against assigning people a “single story” through assumptions about their nationality, appearance, or background. Discuss a time when someone defined you by a single story.
3. Boston College’s Jesuit mission highlights “the three Be’s”: be attentive, be reflective, be loving - core to Jesuit education (see A Pocket Guide to Jesuit Education). If you could add a fourth “Be,” what would it be and why?
4. Human-Centered Engineering (HCE) Applicants only: One goal of a Jesuit education is to prepare students to serve the Common Good. Human-Centered Engineering at Boston College integrates technical knowledge, creativity, and a humanistic perspective to address societal challenges and opportunities.
Academic Evaluation and Official College Report: In addition to the Common Application, Boston College requires that you also submit an Academic Evaluation and an 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.
High School Transcript: All students are required to submit an official high/secondary school transcript. *In order to matriculate at Boston College, a student must submit a final high school transcript or a G.E.D.
School Report and Counselor Recommendation Form: Your counselor or school official should submit these forms. If your school uses its own school form, we will also accept that document.
Teacher Evaluations: You are required to submit two teacher evaluations as part of your application to Boston College.
Application Fee: The application fee of $80 or 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. Given the volume of applications Boston College receives, we strongly recommend that you submit the application fee online. If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you may apply for an application fee waiver.
Standardized Test Scores (Optional): Transfer applicants have the option of submitting an ACT (College Code: 1788) and/or SAT (CEEB Code: 3083) as an application credential. Boston College has a test-optional admission policy. To reduce the cost associated with applying to college, Boston College provides applicants with multiple options to report your SAT and ACT score results. Boston College "super scores" exam results for students who have taken the SAT or ACT multiple times. Enrolled students will be required to submit official test score reports for all self-reported scores upon matriculation. Official standardized test results sent at the time of application or upon enrollment must be sent directly from the testing agency to Boston College (SAT Code: 3083 and ACT Code: 1788). If having score reports sent from the College Board or ACT to Boston College presents a financial hardship, applicants should have their high school counselor contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission.
English Proficiency (International Applicants): All international applicants must demonstrate English proficiency by submitting TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test examination results. In addition to the ACT or SAT, international applicants must submit TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test examination scores. International students need to submit a TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE Academic score if their native language is not English or if they have been studying in English for less than four years.

International Students: Additional Requirements

All international applicants must demonstrate English proficiency by submitting TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test examination results. Students whose first language is not English must have a current TOEFL IELTS, or DET 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 650 or above on the SAT EBRW or a 29 or above on the ACT English.

Key Dates and Deadlines

Many universities accept transfer applications during each semester. The university offers a fall and spring transfer option. The Boston College transfer application deadline for fall applicants is March 15. The Boston College transfer decision date for fall applicants is May 20. Also, note that BC has two application deadlines for transfer applicants: - November 1 (for spring semester transfers)- March 15 (for fall semester transfers) Be sure to have everything submitted by these deadlines for full consideration. Please note, we do not begin downloading applications until mid-September. If you submit an early application, we will notify you once your application has been downloaded. As a reminder, portal credentials will not be distributed until mid-September. So if you apply early, don’t worry!

Transfer Credit Policies

Boston College's transfer credit policies are established by the deans and faculty of each undergraduate division. 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. Courses from regionally accredited institutions with a grade of C or better may be accepted for transfer credits; only courses with a minimum of three credits will be considered for transfer to satisfy a Woods College program requirement. For all students, transfer credits must be submitted for evaluation by the conclusion of your first semester of study at the Woods College. At the undergraduate level, courses with a grade of Pass, that equate to C or better, may be accepted for transfer as free electives only.

Recommendations for Course Selection

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? 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. We recommend that students take a variety of liberal arts courses that can be used to fulfill requirements in the core curriculum. Intermediate proficiency in a foreign language is required for all students in the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences. For students that apply after one year of coursework, we recommend that they complete around 30 credits. For students that apply after two years of coursework, we recommend that they complete 60 credits.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

We’re dedicated to providing need-based financial assistance and helping students obtain a variety of aid to meet their full, demonstrated financial need. Federal Methodology is used to determine a student’s eligibility for all federal and state aid, including the Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans.

Additional Tips for a Successful Transfer

Research Thoroughly: Understand Boston College’s transfer application requirements and deadlines. Visit their transfer admissions page for detailed information. Attend virtual or in-person information sessions to get a sense of the campus culture and expectations.
Craft a Strong Narrative: Your application should tell a cohesive story about your academic journey and why transferring to Boston College is the logical next step. Be honest and reflective in your personal statement.
Seek Guidance: Consult with academic advisors at your current institution to ensure you are on the right track.
Prepare for Interviews: If Boston College offers an interview as part of the transfer process, prepare thoroughly. Practice common interview questions and articulate your reasons for transferring clearly and confidently.
Demonstrate Interest: Show your genuine interest in Boston College through your application materials. Mention specific programs, professors, or opportunities that excite you about the institution.
Application Timeline: Pay attention to deadlines. Boston College typically has a specific timeline for transfer applications, including deadlines for submitting transcripts, recommendation letters, and other required documents.
Financial Aid and Scholarships: Research financial aid options available to transfer students. Boston College offers need-based financial aid, and transfer students may also be eligible for certain scholarships. Complete the FAFSA and any other required financial aid forms on time.
Campus Visits: If possible, visit the campus to get a feel for the environment. This can help solidify your decision and provide valuable insights for your personal statement. Engage with current students and faculty to learn more about the community and academic life.
Complete a minimum of one full-time semester (12 or more credits) at your current institution, but not more than 60 credits.
Submit the Common Application for Transfer students, which includes the Common Application, Boston College Writing Supplement, College Report, and a letter of recommendation from a professor.
Request official high school as well as college transcripts.