Blog

Creating a compelling application essay for Boston College requires more than just writing—it demands thoughtful reflection and alignment with the university's core values. Each essay prompt presents a distinct opportunity to highlight your personal growth, intellectual curiosity, and readiness to contribute to the vibrant community at Boston College.



Crafting Your Boston College Application Essay

What is Boston College?

Boston College ranks 36th in the U.S. News' Best National Universities ranking and excels in the quality of undergraduate education, ranking 8th overall. For admissions, the average SAT scores range from 1330 to 1500, and ACT scores range from 31 to 34. The acceptance rate for the fall 2020 intake was 26%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1, with 65% of classes having fewer than 20 students. Popular majors include finance, economics, biology, political science, and child psychology. The total undergraduate enrollment is 9,445, with a nearly equal gender distribution. About 76% of students reside in university-owned or affiliated housing, and Boston College provides substantial financial aid, averaging $46,772 per student.

 

Boston College Application Essay Options

Option 1:

Students at Boston College are encouraged to consider critical questions as they pursue lives of meaning and purpose. What is a question that matters to you, and how do you hope Boston College will help you answer it?

Choosing this prompt requires setting a profound question that reflects your wisdom and knowledge. Your chosen question should be supported by philosophical, humanities, and experiential reasoning, illustrating your academic and extracurricular involvements.

 

Option 2:

In 2020, we faced a national reckoning on racial injustice in America – a reckoning that continues today. Discuss how this has affected you, what you have learned, or how you have been inspired to be a change agent around this important issue.

This prompt addresses the ongoing national discourse on racial injustice in the U.S. You can share personal reflections, lessons learned, and actions taken to address this societal issue, showcasing your engagement and awareness.

 

Option 3:

At Boston College, we hope to draw on the Jesuit tradition of finding conversation partners to discuss issues and problems facing society. Who is your favorite conversation partner, and what do you discuss with that person?
 

This question, while seemingly open-ended, allows you to highlight your engagement in scholarly or social issues through conversations with mentors, scholars, teachers, or friends. It’s an opportunity to showcase your intellectual curiosity and collaborative spirit.

 

Option 4:

Socrates stated that “the unexamined life is not worth living.” Discuss a time when reflection, prayer, or introspection led to clarity or understanding of an issue that is important to you.
 

This philosophical prompt invites you to demonstrate your intellectual maturity through self-reflection. Use examples to show how introspection has shaped your understanding of significant personal or societal issues.

 

Option 5:

Each year at University Convocation, the incoming class engages in reflective dialogue around a common text. What book would you recommend for your class to read and explore together – and why?
 

Books can reveal insights into your personality and values. Whether recommending a well-known or niche book, justify your choice by exploring new interpretations or implications that resonate with your academic interests and personal growth.