Boston University
A large private research university stretched along the Charles River, integrated into the city of Boston.
- Next deadline
- Nov 1, 2026Early Decision
- Essays
- 1Prompt
- Supplement
- Required2026-2027 cycle
- Platform
- Common AppAccepted platform
- Selectivity
- 11%Selective
- Enrollment
- 18,300Large undergrad
Build your Boston University application plan
Track the deadline, review every supplemental essay prompt, and shape each response around one clear admissions story.
Application deadlines
Supplemental essay prompts
- Why School300 words2026-2027
What about being a student at Boston University most excites you? How do you hope to contribute to our campus community?
How to approach Boston University's supplemental essays
Make fit concrete
Name one academic or community reason, then connect it to a scene from your life. The school detail should prove fit, not decorate the paragraph.
Use this as a blank structure for a Boston University why-school response, then replace every bracket with your own specifics.
- Open on [specific scene, object, problem, or conversation].
- Show what [choice/action/constraint] reveals about how you think.
- Connect that trait to [school program, community, lab, class, or value].
- End with the contribution you want to make at Boston University, not a compliment.
Need more help with this application?
Use our guides to plan your supplement, sharpen your Why Us research, and review your draft before you submit.
Frequently asked questions
How many supplemental essays does Boston University require?
Boston University has 1 supplemental essay listed for the 2026-2027 application cycle, in addition to the shared application essay.
Does Boston University accept the Common Application?
Yes — Boston University accepts the Common Application.
What is Boston University's acceptance rate?
Boston University's most recently reported acceptance rate is 11.0%.
When is Boston University's next application deadline?
Boston University's next listed application deadline is the Early Decision round on November 1, 2026.
What does Boston University's why-school essay prompt ask (300 words)?
What about being a student at Boston University most excites you? How do you hope to contribute to our campus community?
Sources and verification
We prioritize Boston University's official admissions pages for school-specific prompts and deadlines, then use application-platform and federal sources as cross-checks. This record is labeled for the 2026-2027 cycle but still needs a fresh verification pass.
Review official source →