Boston University Transfer Requirements: A Comprehensive Guide

Transferring to a new university is a significant decision, and understanding the specific requirements is crucial for a smooth transition. This article provides a detailed overview of the transfer requirements for Boston University (BU) and Boston College, two prominent institutions in Boston, MA. While both universities welcome transfer students, their specific policies, deadlines, and preferred qualifications differ. This guide will help prospective transfer students navigate the application process and increase their chances of acceptance.

Transferring to Boston College

Boston College welcomes transfer students into its full-time undergraduate programs. A transfer applicant is defined as any student who has completed a minimum of nine credits before the application deadline for the semester they wish to apply. Each year, nearly 250 students transfer to Boston College.

Holistic Admission Review

The Committee on Transfer Admission conducts an individual review of each application. While primary emphasis is placed on the college record, the high school record, essays, recommendations, activities, and work experience are also critical components of the application.

Application Requirements for Boston College

Application Form: 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. Boston College strongly encourages students to apply to their first-choice undergraduate division, as changing it later can be challenging. Students don't have to declare a specific major at this time, except for Nursing.
Statement of Reasons for Transferring: Applicants must provide a statement addressing their reasons for transferring and why they are choosing to apply to Boston College.
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.
English Proficiency Test Scores (for International Applicants): In addition to the ACT or SAT, international applicants must submit TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test examination scores. However, students who have attended high school for at least three years and are enrolled in a traditional university curriculum without ESOL coursework may not be required to submit an English proficiency exam. The TOEFL requirement will be waived if the student scores 650 or above on the SAT EBRW or a 29 or above on the ACT English.
Recommendations: 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.
College Official's 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.
Mid-Term Report: This report collects information about courses in which you are currently enrolled.

Boston College strongly encourages applicants to electronically submit their application, fee, and supporting materials. Applicants can check the status of their application in their Applicant Portal.

Transfer Credit Policy at Boston College

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. All transfer students must enroll as full-time students and spend a minimum of four semesters at Boston College to earn a degree.

Course Selection Guidance for Boston College Transfers

Appropriate course selection is one of the most important factors in presenting a strong transfer application. Boston College recommends 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 applying after one year of coursework, completing at least 30 credits is recommended. For those applying after two years, completing 60 credits is advised. 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.

Specific Program Notes for Boston College

Due to current enrollment trends, Boston College is not accepting transfer applications to the Connell School of Nursing for Fall 2026 entry. Transferring into the Carroll School of Management once enrolled at Boston College is not allowed.

Housing at Boston College

Students should apply for housing if they wish to live on campus. Your housing request in no way impacts our admission decision.

Selectivity of Transfer Admission at Boston College

The admission process is generally very similar in terms of selectivity for each semester. As in freshman admission, the transfer admission process is highly selective. Students most successful in their transfer process will be competitive out of high school and have strong college records. Typically, the earliest students may apply to transfer is during their second semester of college.

Special Circumstances

In recent years, a small number of Boston College applicants have faced challenges in meeting their application deadlines through no fault of their own. Natural disasters, political unrest, local school strikes, and other unexpected events can add a level of complexity to the college application process. To the extent possible, Boston College is committed to working with students or those writing recommendations to extend deadlines, if necessary.

Transferring to Boston University

Boston University (BU) is a large, private research university located in Boston, MA. BU has about 18,000 undergraduates and boasts strong STEM and business/economics programs. If you’re looking for a big school with big resources, an urban location, and cool study abroad options, BU might be a good fit.

Transfer Acceptance Rate at Boston University

Their transfer acceptance rate is 39%. To apply, you’ll need to have completed at least one semester of college. BU also wants you to make sure the major you’re interested in is even accepting transfers.

Application Requirements for Boston University

To apply to BU as a transfer student, you’ll typically need the following:

High School Transcript + Proof of Graduation
College Transcript
Transfer Report
Application Fee: \$85
Specific Requirements:
- For the College of Fine Arts: Audition or portfolio
- For the Questrom School of Business: A college-level calculus course
Standardized Test Scores: Not mandatory, but submitting scores is advisable.
Optional Recommendation Letters: You’re allowed one professional, one personal, and one academic. It’s recommended to use at least one.
Syllabi: Syllabi for current classes (to award credit if you get in)

Academic Expectations for Boston University Transfers

If you’re aiming to transfer to BU, strong grades and smart course choices are key. BU looks for students who shine academically, so keeping your GPA high is a must. Take courses that make sense for your goals and connect to your intended major to show your genuine interest.

Essay Requirement for Boston University

BU has one mandatory essay question for transfer applicants. It’s your chance to explain not just why you’re excited about BU, but also how transferring can help you accomplish your academic and professional goals.

Read also: History of the BU Bridge

Essay Prompt:

Boston University welcomes hundreds of transfer students to campus each year. We want to learn more about you and your reasons for transferring, in particular what you hope to accomplish at Boston University. (600-word maximum)

Essay Writing Strategy:

Origin Story: Start with what sparked your passion for the field you want to study.

Declare Your Intended Major: BU requires that transfer applicants choose a major.

Explain Why Your Current School Isn’t Working: Focus on what BU brings to the table that your current school doesn’t.

Provide Evidence: Name 2-3 upper-level courses you’re excited to take that tie directly into your major and your story. Explain why you like these classes and what they will teach you.

Highlight Professors: Find one or two at BU who are doing research in your area of interest and highlight why they’d be a great mentor. Talk about what excites you about their work and how you’d like to collaborate with them.

Extracurriculars: Discuss BU's study abroad programs and find a few academic-focused clubs or student groups at BU that align with what you’re passionate about studying.

Wrap It Up: Summarize how BU is the best place for you to thrive academically and personally.

Additional Information (Optional) for Boston University

Use the additional information section if you have additional information, materials, or writing samples you would like them to consider. However, it’s truly optional and typically reserved for extreme circumstances.

Boston University Transfer Deadlines

The BU transfer deadline for fall enrollment is March 15th. Once you get everything submitted, you’ll have to wait until May/June to hear back.

Transfer Student Curriculum at Boston University

All students who transfer into BU in Fall 2020 or later are required to complete the BU Hub Transfer Student Curriculum. Hub units must be earned at Boston University or through receiving a high enough score on an Advanced Credit Exam (ex. an AP exam). Only some advanced credit exams carry Hub units.

Some of the courses you transferred in from your previous institution(s) may count toward your major, while others may earn you credit toward the total credits required for your degree, but not toward your major. While you cannot petition for external courses to count toward your Hub requirements, sometimes you can petition for an external course to count toward your degree or major requirements.

Residency Requirement at Boston University

Students must complete a minimum of 48 Boston University credits for the undergraduate program. “Boston University credits” include those earned in Boston University summer courses and Boston University study abroad programs. Exceptions to the residency requirement may be granted on a petition basis to the Office of the Provost.

Internal Transfer within Boston University

During the course of your studies, you may decide that the College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) is a more appropriate home for your college education. If this is the case, you are encouraged to consult with an undergraduate advisor in the CAS Advising Center or an advisor associated with the major you wish to undertake.

Key Differences and Considerations

Nursing Programs: Note the specific restrictions on transfer applications to the Connell School of Nursing at Boston College for Fall 2026 entry. Boston University does enroll a very small cohort of nurses to the Bachelor of Science (nursing) program in the fall semester only.
Internal Transfers: Be aware that transferring into the Carroll School of Management at Boston College once enrolled at Boston College is not allowed.
Credit Policies: Understand the transfer credit policies at both institutions, including the maximum number of transferable credits and residency requirements. Boston College has a maximum of 60 transferable credits. Boston University requires a minimum of 48 BU credits for the undergraduate program.
BU Hub Requirements: If transferring to BU, understand the BU Hub Transfer Student Curriculum requirements.

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