This is the official discussion thread for Boston University Class of 2029 RD applicants. Ask your questions and connect with fellow applicants.
Hello, Does BU admit by major or in a specific college.
Also are there any data of admission % by major ? Specifically looking between these four choices (all in CAS college) -
Philosophy and Neuroscience
Philosophy and Psychology
Psychology
Undeclared
thanks for the help
My son applied to BU as an “Undecided” major. He was admitted to the College of General Studies, which sounds like a cool program but starts in January. He wanted a September start and turned it down.
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I believe you need to apply to a college, but not major. You can go undecided in that college. So yes it will matter.
CGS is a spring start and summer in London - at least that’s how our neighbor’s was. It’s a way for them to get in some kids who maybe weren’t quite there but the school still thinks add value - to fill empty spots come Spring. But a downside is the curriculum is fixed for two years.
The biggest issue with BU is ED - they want the wealthy. So they can cherry pick the wealthy - and it’s the wealthy who apply ED. Hence most if the class comes ED.
Good luck.
As a reference point, an admit to CGS had over a 4.0 average, 34 ACT, 5s and 4s on 4 APs, and 800s on SAT subjects tests, so it’s not really for low stats kids. It’s just another way to admit students, like Northeastern’s NUIn first semester. NU was more generous with merit aid than BU, so it was a pretty easy choice.
I didn’t say low stat kids. I said kids that didn’t make their cut - whether rigor (4 APs isn’t a lot for that level of school unless that’s all that’s offered), wealth - only 37% of first year got need aid per the last CDS, applying ED or any # of things. Don’t forget a decent chunk over half of kids are there ED.
So yes it’s for kids the school didn’t think were there but could add value. If you don’t ED and or are not full pay, I’d surmise that’s a penalty.
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That’s fine- you can !!
Are you full pay ? Are you ED ?
Think about this - 57% or so of of students there are ED. And only 37% get need aid - and they are aware, not blind so they can cherry pick.
I love what you’re saying - a low submission school and great score. But BU, per their own reporting, doesn’t necessarily agree.
Anyway, it’s just my belief but it’s ok you think differently. Only admissions really knows. Last year a student complained that they got into MIT but not BU. Different criteria being sought perhaps. Perhaps that student had too much $$ need for BU.
I hope your student landed in a good spot for them.
No need to debate you. My child that turned down BU graduated summa cum laude with a combined major. No regrets.
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Hi everyone! I got deferred during ED round and I’m writing my LOCI. I applied to all my RD schools as undecided, but my schools from Nov 1st have a major. I was wondering if I should mention that I’m ok with being admitted into their General Studies college. Or is it a bad look if I go undecided? LMK your thoughts!
In my opinion, per BU you need a college but not a major. So undecided is fine as you’ll select a college.
And I would personally not mention CGS. You were deferred - not rejected or waitlisted.
If they feel you are right - either academically or financially (ie you don’t need aid as they are need aware) but they can’t admit you as a fall entry, they will make that determination.
It’s a limited program and you don’t want to give them a reason to put you there without consideration for regular entry.
Anyway, that’s how I see it.
Good luck.
Question for those applying regular decision and their 1st semester of senior year hasn’t ended yet: In your application checklist, does it appear that your senior grades are missing? C25’s guidance counselor attached 1st quarter grades to the initial app but in the BU application portal it appears they’re still asking for senior year grades. Our 1st semester transcript won’t be ready until early February.
We are in the same boat. School sent first quarter, but they are still listed as missing. The semester ends January 31.
did you email admissions to ask if they’ve received 1st quarter for the time being? C25 hasn’t but I’m debating if they should.
We haven’t but I might have S25 do the same.
Has anyone heard anything from any BU AOs about the deadline for the optional Glimpse video submission? (Some other schools expressly state that applicants can submit videos up to a week after the application deadline, but we have not been able to locate any information about BU’s policy). Thanks!
Did your student receive a notice that first semester grades were being required or are missing? Or are you just seeing it in the portal? My S25 has not received anything.