Boston College, a prestigious institution known for its research contributions and strong liberal arts education, sets high standards for its applicants. Standardized testing is an integral part of the college application process nationwide. This article explores Boston College’s specific ACT requirements and scores. Additionally, be sure to check out our other article on Boston College’s SAT expectations!
What is the average ACT score at Boston College?
Boston College maintains a high academic standard, reflected in its average composite ACT score of 34, out of the maximum possible 36 points. This is significantly above the national average of around 21. Further, the 25th percentile score was 33, and the 75th percentile was 35.
These statistics indicate that the lowest 25% of scorers achieved a 33 or below, while the highest 25% scored a 35 or above. These figures illustrate Boston College’s rigorous academic standards but also show that there is no single score that guarantees admission.
What is the average ACT English score at Boston College?
The ACT composite score is the average of the scores a student achieves on each of the four test sections: English, mathematics, reading, and science. In this post, we will break down Boston College’s ACT English and Math score statistics.
The average ACT English score at Boston College for the enrolled class was between 34 and 35, which are the 25th and 75th percentiles, respectively. The 50th percentile score is a 35.
These statistics show that 50% of students accepted to Boston College achieved a 35 or below on their ACT English section. Meanwhile, the other 50% achieved a 35 or below on their ACT English section. Overall, Boston College students perform very well on the English section of the ACT, with many achieving perfect or near-perfect scores.
What is the average ACT Math score at Boston College?
The average ACT Math score at Boston College falls between the 25th and 75th percentiles of 30 and 34. An ACT Math score of 32 would place you in the 50th percentile of students at Boston College. Therefore, 25% of admitted students who submitted ACT scored a 30 or below on their ACT Math section. In addition, 25% of admitted students achieved a 34 or above on their ACT Math section.
While these scores are slightly lower than the English section scores, they are still quite high. However, as with the other sections, there is no specific benchmark that applicants must meet.
What are Boston College’s ACT requirements?
Boston College has adopted a test-optional policy for the 2024-25 application cycle. This means that applicants are not required to submit standardized test scores. Applicants who choose not to submit scores will not be at a disadvantage in the admission process.
That said, students are welcome and encouraged to submit scores if they believe they will strengthen their application. If you have an ACT score you are proud of, feel free to submit it. High scores can only help!
Applicants can self-report their ACT test scores in their applications. Admitted students who plan to enroll will later be required to submit official test score documentation for verification.
Note that Boston College neither requires nor expects the Writing section of the ACT.
More details about Boston College’s SAT requirements can be found on their Application Requirements webpage.
What percentage of Boston College applicants submit the SAT?
Among students who applied to Boston College, 18% submitted ACT scores, while 34% submitted SAT scores. The remaining approximate 48% of admitted students did not submit any standardized test scores.
These statistics show that a significant number of applicants chose the test-optional route. In addition, the least popular option was to submit ACT scores. However, Boston College’s admissions office does not maintain a preference for either test.
Should I go test-optional?
Submitting a high SAT or ACT score can increase an applicant’s chances of admission to Boston College. We recommend that any student with the means to do so take the SAT or ACT, as a competitive score will boost their application. If your scores are not what you had hoped for, you can choose to omit them from your application without penalty.
Consider your scores in the context of Boston College’s averages: if they fall within or above the 25th to 75th percentile ranges, they are likely worth submitting.
Does Boston College superscore the ACT?
Boston College creates superscores, meaning that admissions officers focus their evaluations on the highest individual ACT subscores (English, Reading, Math, Science). This policy is enforced even if those subscores were achieved on different dates.
Boston College also allows applicants to use the ACT equivalent of the College Board Score Choice option. This means that applicants can select which test dates they want to submit scores from. This is a useful option for students who may want to submit one or two scores they are most proud of but would prefer to keep others private.
What’s a good ACT Score for Boston College?
Boston College does not have set ACT score requirements or cutoffs. In other words, the admissions team does not admit students simply by their test scores. In addition, there is no one score that an applicant must achieve to earn the attention of the admissions committee.
Nevertheless, the vast majority of admitted students have highly competitive scores. The statistics discussed in this article show that the average Boston College ACT score is around a 34, so aiming for a score within a point or two of that average will set up an applicant for success. The highest 25% of ACT scorers at Boston College achieved a composite score of 35 – a really “good” score at Boston College will inevitably be quite high.
| Section | 25th | 50th | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 33 | 34 | 35 |
| English | 34 | 35 | 35 |
| Math | 30 | 32 | 34 |
Can I get into Boston College with a low ACT score?
Getting into Boston College with a low ACT score is not impossible, especially since Boston College is now test-optional. An ACT score on the lower end of Boston College’s score range would still be quite high: the lowest quarter of Boston College scorers achieved up to a 33. With this in mind, it would be in the applicant’s best interest to aim for at least the lower quartile score of 33, if not higher.
Even with a score below Boston College’s average, an applicant is still not necessarily out of the running. Academic and extracurricular achievements play an important role in the judgment of applications, and essays are similarly important to an applicant’s success. In addition, if you are not proud of your ACT score, you can go test-optional.
Therefore, while standardized testing can be an important tool in the application process, it is not the only thing a student should focus on. Devoting time and energy to extracurricular projects and interests, as well as schoolwork, is arguably more important in the college admissions process.
When should I take the ACT for Boston College?
The optimal time to take the ACT is during the junior spring semester. This is so that you have enough time to receive your scores and evaluate your options. Although Boston College permits self-reported scores, it is still advisable to take your ACT early enough to have received your scores well before the deadlines for applications.
In addition, you may also submit test scores after the deadlines. However, there is no guarantee that these scores will be reviewed alongside the rest of your application.
What is Boston College’s ACT code?
Boston College’s ACT code for submitting official test scores is 1788.
In summary, while Boston College no longer requires applicants to submit ACT or SAT test scores, the standards for those who do choose to submit scores are still quite high. Choosing not to take the exams or to omit scores from an application will not harm an applicant, but sending a good score can only help.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to take and submit exam scores is a personal decision to be evaluated in the context of an applicant’s strengths, goals, and priorities. If you are considering the SAT instead, be sure to check out our Boston College SAT Breakdown!
