Boston University, known for its rigorous academic life and vibrant campus life, sets high expectations for their applicants. In this article, we will explore the Boston University SAT scores and requirements. Be sure to check out our other article that discusses Boston University’s ACT stats and requirements!
What is the average SAT score at Boston University?
Boston University SAT scores are highly competitive. The average score at BU hovers around 1440 out of the maximum SAT score of 1600. The 25th percentile for SAT scores at BU is 1350, and the 75th percentile is 1500.
These statistics show that 25% of Boston University students scored below a 1350, and 25% scored above a 1500. This range reflects the high standards of the institution but also demonstrates that there is no one score that applicants must achieve for admission.
What is the average SAT English score at Boston University?
The SAT is broken down into two sections: the English, or reading and writing section, and the math section. Each is scored out of 800 for a combined total of 1600 for the overall SAT score.
Boston University’s average SAT English score is 700. Meanwhile, the 25th percentile score hits 660 and the 75th percentile score reaches 730. Therefore, an SAT English score lower than 660 would place you in the lowest 25% of scorers, and a score greater than 730 would place you in the highest quarter of BU’s SAT English scores.
What is the average SAT Math score at Boston University?
The average SAT Math score at BU is 740, forty points higher than the English section score. The 25th percentile of scores falls at 690, and the 75th percentile reaches 770. Although these scores are notably higher than the English section scores, there is still no hard and fast expectation that applicants reach this score.
From these statistics, we can see that 25% of BU admits achieve a 690 or below on their SAT math section. In addition, the top 25% of SAT scorers at BU achieved a 770 or above on the math section, likely with some perfect scorers among them. Nevertheless, achieving a perfect score is not at all a requirement to be admitted to Boston University.
What are Boston University’s SAT requirements?
Boston University will maintain a test-optional policy for students applying for admission through fall 2025 and spring 2026. That said, applicants are still welcome and encouraged to submit standardized test scores that they are proud of.
Boston University also accepts self-reported test scores. Of course, official test scores sent from the testing agency are also permitted. That said, bear in mind that these score reports can take some time to be processed and sent to the admissions committee. In addition, if you are accepted into BU and choose to enroll, you must send an official score report to verify your scores.
Note that BU does not require the SAT essay, nor do they expect or require SAT Subject Tests.
What percentage of Boston University applicants submit the SAT?
Among students admitted to BU, 23% submitted SAT scores. Another 12% submitted ACT scores, while the remaining approximate 65% presumably omitted standardized test scores from their application.
From these statistics, we can see that SAT remains a popular standardized test for admitted Boston University applicants, with more than twice as many students choosing to submit the SAT as the ACT. That said, the most popular choice was to go test-optional, so this is clearly a viable path to admission. Regardless, BU’s admissions officers do not enforce any preference for the SAT or the ACT.
Should I go test-optional?
Submitting standardized test scores is a personal decision based on the individual applicant’s strengths and other application materials. Because BU is currently test-optional and many admitted students did not submit test scores, you are not at a disadvantage if you choose to omit scores from your application.
However, a strong SAT score can only strengthen an application. For this reason, we encourage all students who are able to take the SAT, more than once if desired. If the test does not go well, you need not submit your scores. Therefore, it is in your best interest to take the SAT at least once if doing so is accessible to you.
Does Boston University superscore the SAT?
Boston University superscores both the SAT and ACT. In other words, for both the SAT and ACT, BU uses the highest score of each section, regardless of test date, so as to best represent you as an applicant. As a result, you may want to submit multiple test scores so that they can be superscored. This is unless your highest scores were all achieved on a singular test day, or you only took the SAT once.
For more information about Score Choice, please visit the College Board website. More information about superscoring and other testing FAQs can be found on BU’s FAQ page.
What’s a good SAT score for Boston University?
Boston University does not have specific SAT score requirements or cutoffs. Instead, they evaluate applications within the applicant’s background and the context of their other application materials.
That being said, most admitted Boston University students have high standardized testing scores. Because the average Boston University SAT scores hover around a 1440, shooting for a score at or above 1440 would put you in a good position. Meanwhile, the upper 25% of Boston University students scored a 1500 or higher. Therefore, achieving a 1500 or above on your SAT would definitely strengthen your BU application.
| Section | 25th | 50th | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 1350 | 1440 | 1500 |
| English | 660 | 700 | 730 |
| Math | 690 | 740 | 770 |
Can I get into Boston University with a low SAT score?
Getting into Boston University with a low SAT score is difficult, but possible. “Low” is a relative term, of course. Below-average scores for Boston University are still quite high compared to the national averages.
To be specific, the average SAT score is around 1050. In contrast, the lower quartile SAT score at Boston University is a 1350. This means that Boston University students in the lowest 25% scored up to 300 points higher than the national average. With this in mind, it would be in an applicant’s best interest to aim for the lower quartile, if not higher.
That said, it is possible to get into Boston University with an SAT score below a 1350. Applicants who demonstrate strong academic and extracurricular performance can stand out in other ways. A student with a below-average score who demonstrates leadership and initiative through a community service project may be judged more favorably than an applicant with an above-average score who doesn’t demonstrate initiative outside of studying and testing.
Therefore, while scores are important, they are not the only thing an upcoming college applicant should devote their time to. Extracurricular passions and projects, as well as coursework and college essays, are just as important as the SAT, if not more so.
When should I take the SAT for Boston University?
The latest date by which SAT or ACT scores must be received for fall-term admission is January 4. For students who plan to submit applications during their senior year, it is advisable to take the SAT during the preceding junior spring semester.
What is Boston University’s SAT code?
Boston University’s SAT code for submitting official test scores is 3087.
While Boston University no longer requires its applicants to submit standardized test scores, those who do and gain admission to this prestigious university are often high scorers. However, choosing not to submit scores will not harm an applicant. In the end, whether or not to take and submit the SAT is a personal decision for each student to make based on their strengths, priorities, and goals.
If you are instead considering taking the ACT, check out our article about Boston University ACT scores!
