Should I Early Decision or Wait?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Boston University
1

BU is my top choice and I really have a lot of interest for it, making me consider the Early Decision. However, I am concerned with my GPA and ACT score.

My GPA is 3.2 (UW) and 3.3 (W)
My current ACT is 26 but I am retaking it on October 25th.

  1. Should I ED even though my scores are in the "reach" range for BU or should I wait to increase my GPA as much as I can for the first term and increase my ACT?
  2. If I get my ACT score back after November, can I still change my ACT score from the 26 I put down if I ED?

For more info, here is a link to what I have so far in academics and E.Cs
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/discussion/comment/18845476#Comment_18845476

Thank you for all your help!

2

Your chances of getting in would be far more likely if you apply ED. The average GPA for ED is 3.5 and the ACT range for ED is 26-30. Regular is 3.7 and 27-33 (in my admissions session they said 30-33 though). I would strongly suggest ED if you are willing to commit, but that may be a stretch even.

3

Thank you for your response. It makes me feel a lot more comfortable for my choice to early decision BU.

I am taking the ACT again on Oct. 25 in hopes to increase my composite score. Does BU accept super-scored ACTs? Also, if I receive my ACT score after the Early Decision Nov. 1 deadline, is it possible to change my ACT score after I send in the application?

4

I would make sure that you can afford BU before applying ED as once you are accepted you are bound to enroll in the school.

5

They do superscores, but DEFINITELY consider finances. This school is crazy expensive.

6

@smokinact an inadequate financial aid offer is usually the one reason a student can legitimately decline an ED acceptance, but pulling applications while waitig for aid decisions will limit choices if the offer is not good enough