Boston University welcomes high-achieving, low-income students through its active collaboration with QuestBridge, an organization connecting top-tier colleges with exceptional youth from underserved backgrounds. When applying through Ivy League strategies and similar selective frameworks, understanding institutional requirements is essential. This partnership expands access to higher education for talented individuals who might otherwise face barriers, reinforcing BU’s dedication to supporting diverse and underrepresented scholars across the globe.

For students who select Boston University as part of their QuestBridge National College Match application, specific steps and documentation are mandatory. QuestBridge forwards finalist applications to BU on October 21. Following a standard processing period of two to three business days, the university emails candidates instructions to set up their MyBU Applicant Portal account. This portal serves as the primary hub for monitoring document submission progress and reviewing admissions updates.

Candidates must complete the specific Boston University QuestBridge Questionnaire within the portal, providing important details regarding their intended academic major. Applicants should note that National College Match participants cannot apply to any majors within the College of Fine Arts or the College of General Studies. Official high school transcripts must be submitted directly to admissions by school counselors by November 1, though files already uploaded through the initial Match application do not need duplicate submission.

Standardized testing policies at Boston University remain test-optional. Applicants decide whether to include SAT or ACT scores when filling out the BU QuestBridge Questionnaire. Self-reported scores are accepted during the initial Match review phase, but official score reports sent straight from the testing agency become mandatory prior to university enrollment. The institution superscores both exam formats. For the SAT and ACT, evaluators review the highest section results across all test dates to construct the strongest possible profile, recalculating new composite figures when multiple sittings occur. The institution uses SAT code 3087 and ACT code 1794.

Financial documentation forms a vital component of the file review. United States citizens and eligible noncitizens must submit the 2027-2028 FAFSA using code 002130 once available in mid-December. Additionally, the 2027-2028 CSS Profile, utilizing code 3087, opens on October 1. Submitting the student Social Security number on the CSS Profile is strictly required. For families experiencing separation or divorce, both biological or nonseparated parents complete independent CSS Profiles using separate login credentials. Students and custodial parents should initiate the profile first because noncustodial accounts require the student to select a participating school prior to submission. Individuals lacking contact with a noncustodial parent or facing unique extenuating circumstances may formally request a waiver for this specific requirement.

Finalists who rank Boston University through the Match but are not paired with a binding institution have several alternative pathways available. They may transition into Early Decision or Early Decision 2 programs by completing the appropriate agreement inside the MyBU Applicant Portal. Candidates interested in standard Early Decision must notify admissions via email within two days following the public release of Match outcomes. Those pursuing Early Decision 2 must communicate their intent by January 5. Finalists who do not choose a binding track automatically have their files moved into the Regular Decision evaluation cycle. These applicants should supply their Midyear Report alongside any notable academic updates as soon as they become accessible. Individuals choosing to withdraw their candidacy entirely should contact admissions directly.

Admitted QuestBridge Scholars matched with Boston University receive a comprehensive full scholarship covering educational expenses. Financial assistance originates directly from the university, containing zero student loans and no expected parental contribution. Outside scholarship funding replaces the institutional grant dollar-for-dollar, as financial aid cannot exceed the total calculated cost of attendance. Regarding student health coverage, the institution supplies financial support covering the annual cost of the BU Student Health Insurance Plan if scholars cannot successfully waive it. Affected individuals must finish the waiver process and receive a formal denial before qualifying for the increased scholarship allotment. Initial travel allowances follow standard baseline calculations, though scholars may petition for reimbursement of higher transit costs through a case-by-case appeal mechanism.

To retain this financial award, scholars must maintain continuous full-time enrollment of at least twelve academic credits per semester alongside a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average. Recipients must live in university housing located on either the Charles River or Fenway Campus. Furthermore, scholars must submit the FAFSA annually to retain eligibility for federal and state assistance programs, ensuring the institution continues meeting total demonstrated financial need.

Paper transcripts and mailed documents should be directed to Boston University Admissions, 881 Commonwealth Avenue, 6th Floor, Boston, MA 02215. Electronic inquiries go to qbridge@bu.edu. All document uploads should occur securely through the online portal. Boston University does not utilize the College Board IDOC Service, meaning all financial paperwork must upload directly through the MyBU system. General questions regarding QuestBridge submissions go to Isabella Luizzi, Associate Director of Admissions, at qbridge@bu.edu. Financial aid inquiries go to Julia Braver, Assistant Director of Financial Assistance, at jrbraver@bu.edu. For comprehensive updates, check the official portal.

News is prepared from public university announcements for general guidance. Policies change frequently; confirm current details with each university admissions office.