Hey!! So I am looking at a bunch of schools, and I am going to be applying to Boston University regular decision this fall. My GPA and ACT scores are pretty much in their target range, but I’m applying as a human physiology major in the Sargent College. When I apply to BU, am I applying to the university as a whole, or am I applying to the Sargent College specifically, which is known for being a bit tougher? Also, will applying for the Trustee Scholarship and the Honors College hurt my chances of getting into the university regularly? Thanks guys!!!
You should try posting this in the Boston University forum.
which one is that?
Try posting this in the Boston University forum. In google, you can type in “Boston University College Confidential” to find the thread.
When you apply, you’re applying specifically to Sargent, though you are also considered by the university as a whole. If BU is anything like other schools (whose admissions process I’ve heard actual details about), the first round admissions will be looking at you generally as an applicant to BU, against BU’s general standards, but then if you get past that, you’ll be kicked over to Sargent for evaluation–there’s probably a supplement just for Sargent, no? There was one for COM. I know for sure other schools do it this way, so I assume that’s how BU does it. I had a really good GPA but an SAT on the low end of BU’s target range, but I got a full tuition scholarship (yay). I’m convinced what tipped me over the edge for both admission & my scholarship was the whole of my application (essays, supplements, background), and in particular my COM supplement for the journalism program. So the specific college looking at you holistically is a good thing, IMO, even if the program is more competitive, because they really consider your application. BU really reads your essays & considers fit for the college you’re applying to.
It goes the other way, too. I knew several students who applies to COM or CAS for a specific program but were rejected… and then kicked over to CGS. So sometimes if the college you’re applying to can’t take you but BU thinks you have potential, they will still accept you, but put you in CGS.
Can you even do Honors College and Sargent? BU is weird about program mixing. Applying as a Trustee Scholar won’t hurt your chances. If you don’t become a Trustee Scholar but they still think you’re strong, you’ll just get accepted anyway but without the full ride. I say it can only help to go for the competitive programs if you have the stats.
@proudterrier thanks so much for all the info!! i’m not sure if honors + sargent is an option, but figured i’d just try for both. if i happen to get into both but have to “pick”, i’d do sargent; their human physiology major is so impressive!