Boston University

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School Says - General Information
Boston University offers you a bustling, thriving intellectual atmosphere where you'll find diversity in all aspects of life - from geographic and ethnic diversity to diversity of thought and interests. Just steps away from some of the best museums, shopping, and restaurants in Boston, our campus offers both buzzing city streets and beautiful tree-lined paths along the Charles River. At BU, youÂ'll learn from a world-renowned faculty dedicated to undergraduate education. Even as a freshman or sophomore, you'll find yourself in small classes (our average class size is 27 students) and you can choose your major from more than 250 programs of study, which include biology, broadcast journalism, business, computer engineering, elementary education, international relations, physical therapy, psychology, and theatre, to name a few. You can also choose to enter as an "undecided" major and take up to two years to figure out what you want to study. Your classes will include students from all 50 U.S. states and more than 100 foreign countries, which means that no matter what youÂ're learning about, you'll get a global perspective. You can choose to get involved with one (or more!) of our 500+ campus organizations, including Alianza Latina, Chordially Yours, Engineers Without Borders, the Outing Club, the Debate Society, or the In-Line Skating Team. At Boston University opportunity knocks every day Â…are you ready to open the door?

School Says - Student Body
Boston University students excel every day, participating in academic clubs, cultural or religious organizations, cutting-edge research, community service groups, and professional internships. There are 500+ student organizations and more than 50 intramural and club sports that students can participate in throughout the year. A separate student government exists at each school and college to manage student affairs, and the Student Union, the governing body that presides over all of the university's student governments, includes members who represent all branches of the university.

School Says - Admissions
The Board of Admissions evaluates each prospective student individually. The board's main focus centers on the merits of a student's high school record, but required standardized test scores (SAT and SAT Subject Tests or ACT), personal qualities and integrity, interests, teacher and counselor references, and other relevant attributes are also considered carefully. All candidates must have graduated from high school or earned an equivalency diploma to be considered. For admission to the College of Fine Arts, students must either audition or submit a portfolio. A few select programs require interviews.

Students should consult the Boston University website at www.bu.edu/admissions for additional information. Boston University also considers students with transferable credit from other institutions for admission. Boston University considers applicants for September or January admission, depending on the program of interest.

Boston University offers early decision (which is a binding agreement), early admission, and deferred admission options. All applications for early decision must be submitted by November 1 and applications for regular decision must be submitted by January 1. Accelerated program and select scholarship applications must be submitted by December 1.

Transfer students seeking January admission must submit their application forms by November 1. Those seeking September admission must submit their application forms by April 1.

Transfer students cannot be admitted to the Accelerated Liberal Arts Medical or Dental Programs or the Science & Engineering Program. Transfer students also may not apply for January admission to the College of Fine Arts School of Theater. They also cannot apply as "undeclared" to any school or college.

Boston University accepts qualified applicants regardless of age, color, disability, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender to all of its activities and programs.

School Says - Campus Life
Boston provides an environment rich in intellectual and cultural stimuli; no other city in the world can compete with Boston's remarkable concentration of higher education facilities. Boston attractions include numerous museums, libraries, major league baseball at Fenway Park, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and a thriving theater district. The city has an atmosphere of excitement, the result of the many college students who live here. In fact, students make up 20 percent of Boston's population during the academic year. Boston is the quintessential college town. The city provides many opportunities for internship and research positions as well. The Boston University Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) helps students locate research positions both within and beyond the university; BU Career Services works to provide students with internships or part-time jobs in any number of fields.

School Says - Cost Aid
Tuition for the 2009-2010 academic year was $37,910; standard room and board was $11,848. Additional mandatory fees equaled $530. Allowances for the cost of books, supplies, travel, and other incidental expenses brought the total cost of attendance for a resident student to $53,000. Costs for the 2010-2011 academic year have not yet been announced.Boston University Financial Assistance offers comprehensive services to help students and their families finance the cost of a BU education. The university offers a wide variety of financial assistance programs and provides resources to help inform students and their families about payment strategies and financing options. Merit awards, need-based grants, loans, student employment, and a payment plan are all offered.

Because Boston University believes scholars should be encouraged and recognized for their efforts and abilities, the university is committed to offering a variety of scholarships to selected freshmen. University need-based grants are offered based on several factors, including calculated financial eligibility, academic achievement, and the availability of funds for a student's program of study. While every effort is made to assist students with limited resources, the university does not have sufficient funds to offer a grant award to every admitted student who has calculated financial eligibility. Those who present the strongest academic credentials are most likely to be offered grant or scholarship aid.

Students Say - Academics
Boston University shrugs off the dichotomy that generally separates public and private institutions, offering both the diversity and choice that only a large school can, while also offering the friendliness, security, and personal attention you'd expect from a pricey, private college. The key to BU's success is the varied yet close-knit academic departments: "Boston University is a huge institution full of opportunities to learn and experience the city, but it's also made up of small academic and extracurricular communities that offer students a home away from home." A junior adds, "BU has so many choices when it comes to majors and classes that I find myself struggling to pick just four classes a semester." In addition to coursework, "internship and study-abroad opportunities are easily accessible," and there are "dual-degree and MA/BA opportunities within our many colleges and schools." Despite their prestigious names and careers, "Professors at BU are here to teach, not to research. Students are their primary concern, and that shows through their work." Outside of class, professors "have office hours, but are more than happy to meet if that doesn't match with my schedule," one student shares. When it comes to the nuts and bolts of administering this stellar educational experience, students should be mindful that BU is "a large university with tons of offices" so it can be "difficult to quickly get an answer to a pressing question." At the same time, "The administration does not stay in their offices; they are readily accessible and easy to converse with." Of particular note, the "Dean of Students...is a great resource on campus and is actively working to participate in events with the students."

Students Say - Campus Life
Academics come first at Boston University, but social life is a close second. With an urban campus located "in the heart of Boston," students love heading off campus and "exploring places like Chinatown, Quincy Market, the North End, and Boston Common." If you want to mix and mingle with other under- graduates, there's no better atmosphere: "Whether it is on our campus or across the river at Harvard or across town at Northeastern, there is always some kind of social event to attend." On campus, dorms are comfortable, cafeteria food is good, and "there are 525 clubs and organizations that are constantly meeting." Of particular note, "There is a great community service center, which offers many different programs that cater to your schedule." While many students spend their free time in the city, campus activities at BU include such sundry offerings as "free concerts at our own mini club, BU Central, or the laser light show at the BU Beach." In addition, "the different culture clubs at BU will occasionally host themed dances...which are fun and a great opportunity to learn about the culture of your fellow peers." Sports enthusiasts on campus are plentiful-especially when it comes to BU's champion ice hockey team-and "students with the sports pass, which is normally included in tuition...can even pick up hockey tickets for free and just enjoy the game."

Students Say - Student Body
Set in one of the world's best college towns, you'll meet kids "from all over America and all over the globe" at Boston University. At the same time, BU draws "a lot of people from the Northeast coast, and especially from the Boston area," who already know and love the city. Size and diversity make the social experience inclusive and accepting: "There are no real stigmas or cliques on campus because everyone is so diverse." No matter how unique your interests, you're sure to find like minds: "There are an amazing amount of clubs that meet every night of the week-including quidditch, astronomy, camping, religious/ethnic clubs, and many, many more." In fact, many students tell us, "We have such a large student body that there really is someone for everyone here." At the same time, academics are priority number one for most students. A current student explains, "BU is so diverse, but one thing that so many people have in common is a drive to succeed. Grades are competitive and students are driven to succeed, not only in school but also in internships."

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