Boston University Applicant Portal Guide: A Comprehensive Overview

Navigating the college application process can be daunting, and understanding the intricacies of each university's applicant portal is crucial. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Boston University (BU) Applicant Portal, with specific attention to the BU Metropolitan College Applicant Portal, Configuration Portal, and WebAdMIT. It aims to answer common admissions questions, provide helpful resources, and enhance your understanding of the application process, ensuring a smoother and more efficient experience.

Accessing the BU Metropolitan College Application

The BU Metropolitan College application comprises three core sections: Personal Information, Academic History, and Supporting Information. These sections gather essential details about applicants, including biographic information, standardized test scores, and relevant experiences. Applicants can directly access the BU Metropolitan College application and the BU Metropolitan College Applicant Help Center for a detailed review of the applicant experience.

Enhancements and Updates

The BU application portal undergoes regular enhancements to improve user experience and streamline the admissions process. Here are some key updates:

Duolingo Test Scores: Applicants can self-report their Duolingo test scores directly within the application.
Title Field Removal: The "Title" field has been removed from the application.
Visa Information Update: The "Refugee" answer option has been removed from the Visa Information question; the correct option, "I-94 Refugee," remains available.
WebAdMIT Configuration: Work Groups in WebAdMIT can be configured to control user access to specific panels on the Applicant Details Page. Removing access to a panel for a Work Group also restricts access to the fields within that panel when creating exports, lists, or PDF manager templates.
Report Accessibility: Reports not shared with Work Groups from the Report Settings page are only accessible to WebAdMIT Administrators.
TOEFL PBT Removal: The TOEFL Official PBT fields have been removed from the application.

BU Web Account vs. Full BU Account

It is important to distinguish between a full BU account and a BU Web Account. Individuals applying to academic programs, registering for online learning programs, or utilizing specific BU resources will create and use a BU Web Account. This account allows them to maintain online materials, monitor application status updates, and access online registration for special programs. Undergraduate applicants should follow the Undergraduate Admissions process outlined on the BU website. Participants in BU-sponsored programs may also be provisioned with a BU Web Account for similar purposes.

New Student Housing Application

For incoming freshmen, the New Student Housing Application is a crucial step in securing on-campus residence. The application process involves several steps, each designed to gather necessary information for housing assignments.

Welcome Page and Residence License Agreement

The first step is the Welcome Page, which provides introductory information about the application process. Applicants must sign the Residence License Agreement to proceed. This is done by entering your BU ID number.

Medical and Dietary Preferences & Living-Learning Communities

Applicants can indicate any medical or dietary preferences that should be considered during housing assignments. They can also apply for Living-Learning & Specialty Communities, listing up to three communities of interest.

Residence Preferences

Applicants are required to list their top five choices for residences. More information about available residences can be found on the BU website.

Dining Plans and Additional Questions

Students can select from various dining plans available for those living in dormitory-style residences. Additional questions are included to gather more information to aid in the assignment process. Note that while BU strives to accommodate preferences, no requests are guaranteed.

Roommate Search

The application offers a roommate search feature, allowing students to find compatible roommates. By keeping the "Show in search results" box checked, students can view profiles and be visible to others seeking roommates.

Roommate Requests

Students can search for roommates by details or by profile. The "Search for Roommates by Details" option is for those who already have someone in mind. The "Search for Roommates by Profile" allows students to find matches based on answers to the Student Profile questions.

Boston University Application Status Portal Activation

QuestBridge Finalists' applications are sent to college partners starting October 21. Boston University typically requires about a week to import these applications into their system. Once the MyBU portal account is activated, applicants can access the Boston University QuestBridge Questionnaire.

QuestBridge Questionnaire

The QuestBridge Questionnaire asks questions specific to the BU application, including the applicant's major of interest. Completing this form is a mandatory step in the application process. Note that National College Match candidates are not eligible to apply to the College of Fine Arts.

Transcripts and Test Scores

Official high school transcripts must be submitted to BU Admissions by the high school counselor.

Test-Optional Policy

Boston University is a test-optional institution, allowing students to decide whether or not to submit their standardized test scores. Students can indicate their preference on the Boston University QuestBridge Questionnaire.

Read also: History of the BU Bridge

Submitting Test Scores

Self-reported scores are accepted for students applying through the QuestBridge National College Match. However, official SAT or ACT score reports are required prior to enrolling at Boston University. These reports must be sent directly from the College Board or ACT using the following codes:

SAT code: 3087
ACT code: 1794

Superscoring

BU superscores both the SAT and ACT. This means that BU will use the highest score from each section, regardless of the test date, to calculate the best possible composite score. For the ACT, BU will recalculate a new composite score using the highest score from each section.

Social Security Number (SSN)

Boston University Admissions and Financial Assistance use the Social Security number (SSN) to match the BU QuestBridge Questionnaire with the CSS Profile and FAFSA records accurately. It is crucial to report the SSN correctly on all three forms to avoid any matching issues.

Divorced or Separated Parents

If the applicant's parents are divorced or separated, each parent must complete their own CSS Profile with separate log-in credentials.

FAFSA Information

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is a crucial component of the financial aid process.

FAFSA Code: 002130
Submit as soon as it becomes available.

Early Decision (ED) and Regular Decision

Finalists who ranked Boston University for the Match and did not match to a binding college partner may be considered for Early Decision or Early Decision 2. Note that ED and ED2 are binding admission processes. Applicants must complete the Early Decision Agreement, which will be provided within the MyBU portal. All Finalists who ranked BU for the Match but did not match will automatically have their applications moved into the Regular Decision process.

Midyear Report and Application Status

Applicants should submit the Midyear Report when available and any relevant updates. The QuestBridge application will remain the application of record. Do not submit a Common Application in addition to the QuestBridge application.

Withdrawing Application

If an applicant no longer wishes to be considered, they must contact BU Admissions to withdraw their application.

Regular Decision Requirements

Step 1: Select Boston University on the QuestBridge Regular Decision Form on the Application Management page between November 4 and December 11. Only check the box if you fully intend to submit a complete application to Boston University.
Step 2: Activate the Boston University Applicant Portal. QuestBridge will send Finalistsâ applications to Boston University on December 16, and it may take a couple of days for BU to import them into their system. The Questionnaire is available in the MyBU portal account. Instructions for setting up the account will be provided shortly after BU receives the Questbridge application.

Submit along with official transcripts, School Report, and one teacher recommendation (additional teacher recommendations are allowed but not required). 2024 Federal Tax Returns and Forms (only requested after Mar).

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