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How to Write the Boston University Essays 2023-2024

Boston University has one required prompt for all of its applicants. Applicants must choose one of two possible topics—the first asks you to reflect on a social or community issue, and the second asks how you hope to contribute to the BU campus community.

Since BU receives thousands of applications from academically strong students, your essays are your chance to stand out. In this post, we’ll discuss how to craft an engaging response to each of these options.

Read these Boston University essay examples to inspire your writing.

Boston University Supplemental Essay Prompts

All applicants, required.

Prompt 1: Boston University is dedicated to our founding principles: “that higher education should be accessible to all and that research, scholarship, artistic creation, and professional practice should be conducted in the service of the wider community—local and international. These principles endure in the University’s insistence on the value of diversity in its tradition and standards of excellence and its dynamic engagement with the City of Boston and the world.” With this mission in mind, please respond to one of the following two questions in 300 words or less:

• Option A: Reflect on a social or community issue that deeply resonates with you. Why is it important to you, and how have you been involved in addressing or raising awareness about it? (300 words)
• Option B: What about being a student at BU most excites you? How do you hope to contribute to our campus community? (300 words)

Prompt 1, Option A

Reflect on a social or community issue that deeply resonates with you. why is it important to you, and how have you been involved in addressing or raising awareness about it (300 words).

This sort of a combination of the community service prompt and the global issues prompt . Schools that use this kind prompt want to know about your level of engagement with the people and environments around you. BU especially emphasizes taking the knowledge you learn in the classroom and applying it to the service of the wider community, so definitely respond to this prompt if you feel like this is you.

Your response should illustrate your personal values through the lens of your perspectives on and interactions with your community. Keep in mind that often, the best way to respond to a prompt like this is with an anecdote. This prompt is not an invitation to list all your achievements in community service like you might on your resume—instead, you should share your experiences in a short illustrative anecdote. With the 300-word limit, it’s important that you convey relevant details from your story as effectively and concisely as possible.

This question is twofold. The admissions committee wants to learn about an issue in society or your community that deeply resonates with you, and that has motivated you to perform civic engagement and service. The prompt also asks you to reflect on how you’ve actively approached these issues and advocated for their resolution (or even attempted to solve them!).

To help you brainstorm about ongoing societal or community issues, ask yourself:

• What existing problems in my immediate community do I find personally and particularly frustrating?
• What issues have I taken a lead role in engaging with? How have I served my community?
• Have I been involved in any advocacy programs or campaigns in my community?

Additionally, there are a few other tips you can follow to stand out in this essay. Focus on one particular interest or concern if you can. Share responsibilities and accomplishments you had in your role. Highlight what you learned and how you’ll use those lessons moving forward. Don’t be afraid to call out different clubs, classes, programs, or initiatives on BU’s campus that connect with your particular interests and intersect with the types of service you do.

With only 300 words to spare, less is more—focusing on one key experience or aspect of your identity with an important relevant issue will demonstrate more thought and effort than just listing several experiences from your resume.

Prompt 1, Option B

What about being a student at bu most excites you how do you hope to contribute to our campus community (300 words).

The key to this “Why This College?” prompt is to first lay out the specific aspects of the University that excite you, and then to supplement these aspects with the ways in which your personal traits and qualities will make you an excellent fit at the school’s community. Most importantly, you want to thoroughly research the aspects of BU that really resonate with you.

Remember to discuss both academic and extracurricular aspects, as college is about what happens both inside and outside the classroom! Note, the second half of this prompt is new this year—it asks how you plan to contribute to the BU campus community. Be sure to address this half of the prompt by explaining how your personal values and interests align with BU. Discuss how you hope to showcase these values and interests in BU’s lively community.

Here are some possible avenues:

• If you have a particular interest in conducting research, you might use this essay to dote on BU’s extensive undergraduate research opportunities. Maybe you’ve always been interested in studying mental illness, as it’s something you’ve both witnessed and had to reckon with personally for your entire life. You could talk about BU’s Approach Motivation and Participation (AMP) Lab , where you would have ample opportunity to interact with participants dealing with things like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
• If you want to study business and are applying to the Questrom School of Business, you might talk about wanting to join the Questrom Honors Program , where you would be given unique opportunities to attend seminars on niche business topics of your interest, like green technology and intellectual property, and participate in networking events with alumni. Remember to talk about your own experiences in business, whether that was through DECA or through starting your own business. Be sure to also mention why Questrom would be a perfect avenue to continue pursuing your current passions.
• Maybe you’re an aspiring English major with a love for theatre. The Shakespeare Society would be a great place to combine your passions, as the group puts on 2-4 Shakespeare productions per year.

If you’ve visited the campus or have attended a summer program at the University, you should definitely note that in the essay. Include sensory details and specific moments, whether it was visiting the halls that Dr. Martin Luther King once studied in, lying down on “BU Beach” and catching the breeze, or simply sitting outside of Marsh Chapel and observing the great diversity on campus as people walked along Commonwealth Avenue.

That being said, don’t make the focus of your essay anecdotal; you want to be sure to include details about concrete resources at BU that would help you achieve your goals.

One final piece of advice is that you should avoid mentioning generic aspects of BU that could apply to many other schools, such as its location in Boston or low student-to-faculty ratio. You want to show the admissions committee that you’ve seriously reflected on how well you’ll fit at BU, and you can do that by mentioning specific, unique BU resources that support your aspirations.

Where to Get Your Boston University Essays Edited

Do you want feedback on your BU essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays.

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Read 2 Transfer Student Essays That Worked

Strong transfer essays can help pave the way to admissions offers.

Read 2 Transfer Essays That Worked

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Though it isn't a golden ticket, a strong transfer essay may boost an applicant's odds of admission.

There are as many reasons to transfer colleges as there are transfer students. But regardless of why someone wants to move to a new institution, the process for doing so usually requires an admissions essay.

Colleges With the Most Transfer Students

Josh Moody Jan. 28, 2020

In a 2018 National Association for College Admission Counseling survey , 41.5% of colleges polled said a transfer applicant's essay or writing sample is of either considerable or moderate importance in the admission decision.

A compelling, well-written transfer essay doesn't guarantee acceptance – many other factors are at play, such as an applicant's GPA. However, a strong essay can be a factor that helps move the odds in the applicant's favor, says Kathy Phillips, associate dean of undergraduate admissions at Duke University in North Carolina.

Know What Colleges Are Looking For In a Transfer Essay

Some schools have prospective transfer students use the Common App or the Coalition Application to apply. In addition to the main essay, students may be required to submit a second writing sample or respond to short-answer questions, though this isn't always the case. Prospective students can check a college's website for specific guidance regarding how to apply.

Whatever application method they use, prospective students should be aware that writing a transfer essay is not the same as writing a first-year college application essay, experts advise. First-year essays are more open-ended, says Niki Barron, associate dean of admission at Hamilton College in New York. When applying as first-years, prospective students can generally write about any experience, relationship or goal that has shaped who they are as people, she says.

This contrasts with transfer essays, where the focus is typically narrower. Barron says she thinks of transfer essays as more of a statement of purpose. "We're really looking to see students' reasons for wanting to transfer," she says.

Katie Fretwell, the recently retired dean of admission and financial aid at Amherst College in Massachusetts, says prospective transfer students are in a position to be a bit more reflective about their educational goals because of their additional year or years of experience post-high school. The essay helps admissions officers get a sense of whether an applicant has done "an appropriate level of soul-searching about the match," she says.

Transfer Essay Examples

Below are two transfer essays that helped students get into Duke and Amherst, respectively. Both institutions are very selective in transfer admissions. For fall 2018, Duke had a transfer acceptance rate of 8% and Amherst accepted 4% of its transfer applicants, according to U.S. News data.

Hover over the circles to read what made these essays stand out to admissions experts.

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 3 tips for writing a stellar why boston university essay.

College Essays

If you're applying to Boston University, you'll need to respond to the Why Boston University essay prompt. The Why BU essay is a required element of your application and a great way to show the BU admissions committee why Boston University is the right fit for you, and vice versa.

In this article, we'll break down the Why Boston University essay prompt, give you ideas for what to talk about in your own essay, and offer tips for writing an essay that's sure to wow the admissions committee.

The Why Boston University Essay Prompt

The Why BU essay prompt is short and simple:

In your Why BU essay, you have 250 words to explain to the admissions committee why you love Boston University and why you're a great fit for the school.

While 250 words is enough space to express yourself clearly, you'll want to be concise and clear in your messaging so you can communicate effectively and get a strong reaction from your essay readers.

What Is the Purpose of the Why BU Essay?

Many schools require a "Why this college" essay . Why? Because colleges want to see that you really want to attend their school. Students who love their schools are more likely to be active and happy students—and, later, active and happy alumni. Your essay should show the admissions committee that you really love Boston University, which will make them feel more confident you'll be a great addition to the campus.

If your essay is generic or not specific to Boston University, the admissions committee will worry you're not invested in attending. They might even think you don't care about getting into their university, which could cause them to pass over your application in favor of that of another student who really wants to attend.

Basically, Boston University wants to make sure you know and value what they offer, and they also want to assess how you'll take advantage of the many opportunities on BU's campus to further your academic and professional career.

What Should I Write About in My Why BU Essay?

So what should you write about in your Why BU essay? You'll need to identify concrete reasons why BU is your dream school. Here are three ideas for topics you could use.

#1: A Specific Course or Professor You'd Like to Study With

One of the ways to demonstrate your excitement for attending BU is by highlighting a specific course you'd like to take or professor you'd like to study with . Universities don't share their course schedule or their professors, so the offerings at BU are unique to BU. If you highlight a particular class, this shows why you're interested in taking advantage of BU's academics.

You should have a concrete reason for wanting to take this class or study with this professor. Tie your interest to your long-term professional goals so that the admissions committee sees how attending BU will help you invest in your future.

If you go the professor route, make sure you highlight why this professor is so special to you. Are they a leader in their field? Have they done interesting research lately? Are they known for teaching in a unique way?

Whatever the reason, be sure it's strong —you don't want to feel as if you're inventing something!

#2: An Interaction You Had With a Current or Former Student

Talking about BU with a current or former student stresses your passion for the university and highlights that you've taken the initiative to learn more. Students are able to speak to the vibe on campus as well as why Boston University is a great place to spend four years.

Name-dropping a current or former student will show that you really believe Boston University is the right school for you.

When you're recounting your conversation, remember that your reasons don't have to be particularly highbrow or impressive . You can talk about how you were excited to learn about the intramural kickball teams, for instance. Just pick specific reasons that your conversation resonated with you.

#3: A Program You're Excited About Participating In

Boston University has a number of unique programs, including an Honors College, Film/Television department, and several Engineering programs. If you want to participate in a specific program, you can talk about that in this essay.

Be sure to highlight specific features of the program that are important to you, whether that's getting to do experiential learning in the Honors College or taking part in BU's television channel. Whatever the program, take care to highlight a few specific features and explain why they're important.

3 Tips for Writing an Amazing Why Boston University Essay

You want your Why Boston University essay to be as strong as possible. Here are some tips to make that happen.

#1: Be Authentic

The point of a college essay is for the admissions committee to have the chance to get to know you beyond your test scores, grades, and honors. Your admissions essays are your opportunity to make yourself come alive for the essay readers and present yourself as a fully fleshed-out person.

You should, therefore, make sure that the person you're presenting in your college essays is your authentic self. Don't try to emulate what you think the committee wants to hear or try to act like someone you're not.

If you lie or exaggerate, your essay will come across as insincere, which will ultimately diminish its effectiveness. Stick to telling real stories about the person you truly are — not who you think BU wants you to be.

#2: Be BU-Specific

Nothing about your Why BU essay should be generic or impersonal. The more specific you can be when answering this prompt, the better.

Don't say Boston University has great academics, caring professors, and an interesting student body. The admissions offers don't need you to tell them that! Similarly, don't talk about why you want to go to school in Boston. There are hundreds of colleges in Boston — you need to highlight why this school in particular is the right one for you.

Everything you write about in your Why Boston University essay should be specific to Boston University, from the names of the professors and the courses to the feeling you had while visiting the campus. The more authentic you are, the more your passion for BU will stand out.

Do your research so you're able to give specifics.

#3: Submit Your Best Work

Your Boston University essay should be edited and proofread, free of spelling and grammar errors. Make sure to run your essay through a spelling and grammar check before you submit it.

It's a good idea to have someone else read your Why Boston University essay, too. You can seek a second opinion on your work from a parent, teacher, or friend.

Ask them whether your work represents you as a student and person. Also, have them confirm that you haven't missed any small writing errors. Having a second opinion will help your work be the best it can possibly be.

Recap: What to Know About the Why Boston University Essay

The Why Boston University essay is your place to demonstrate your passion for BU and why you hope to attend .

You should include the following in your essay:

• Specific examples of why BU is the right school for you
• Authentic statements about your interest in BU

You should not include these things, however:

• Examples that can apply to any university, not just BU
• Anything that indicates you're not that interested in attending BU

Good luck with your Why BU essay!

What's Next?

Need help mastering the other essays for Boston University? We have an article that breaks down all the essays you need to apply to BU .

Haven't started your Common Application yet? No problem! We've got you covered with tips and tricks to make your application stand out from the crowd .

Are you worried about standardized tests and their role in your college application? Read this article to find out when these tests might not matter for you . You should also take a look at this list of colleges that don't require SAT scores .

Hayley Milliman is a former teacher turned writer who blogs about education, history, and technology. When she was a teacher, Hayley's students regularly scored in the 99th percentile thanks to her passion for making topics digestible and accessible. In addition to her work for PrepScholar, Hayley is the author of Museum Hack's Guide to History's Fiercest Females.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, boston university transfer essay help.

Hey everyone! I'm currently in the process of applying as a transfer student to Boston University and I'm kinda stuck on writing my transfer essay. Any advice or examples from people who successfully transferred? Thanks in advance!

Hey! It's totally normal to feel stuck when writing transfer essays, but I'm here to help! Since transfer essays are different from freshman application essays, you should focus on your reasons for transferring, the growth you experienced at your current institution, and your future goals.

Start by identifying the specific reasons you want to transfer to Boston University. Is it the specific programs that suit your major/career goals? Are there research opportunities or internships that you can't find elsewhere? Or perhaps you believe the campus environment will be a better fit for you. Be specific in mentioning the courses, professors, or clubs Boston University has that would help you achieve your goals.

Next, discuss what you learned and achieved at your current institution. Emphasize how these experiences shaped you but also explain your desire for a different environment at BU. Talk about any academic challenges that you overcame, extracurriculars you were involved in, or leadership roles you took on. This is your chance to showcase your growth and potential.

Don't forget to address your future goals, both short-term and long-term. Explain how transferring to Boston University will help you achieve these goals and why you think their resources will lead to your success. Convince the reader that you will be a great addition to their community by sharing your ambitions and how they align with the university's values and offerings.

One last tip: be genuine and personal. A heartfelt essay will usually stand out more than a generic one. Use anecdotes to showcase your experiences and make your reasons for transferring relatable and unique. Remember to proofread and revise multiple times to sharpen your essay and make it as compelling as possible. Good luck with your transfer essay! You've got this!

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CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

Transfer-Profile

Boston university.

• Private 4 year
• 16.8K Full + Part time Students
• 1:11 Faculty to Student Ratio
• 13% Transfer Student Ratio

Financial Information

• Scholarships and Financial Aid: We aim to make BU affordable and accessible, and encourage all students interested in transfer admission to apply for need-based financial assistance. To do so, submit both the CSS Profile™ and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Applying for financial assistance by BU’s established deadlines ensures that you will receive full consideration for all aid for which you are eligible. Complete financial aid information can be found at bu.edu/finaid.

Application Deadlines for Transfer

Transfer application requirements.

• Minimum GPA: On average, transfer students who are admitted earned a 3.5 GPA or higher in college courses.
• Official Transcripts: All transfer applicants must submit official copies of their secondary school transcripts. Submit official transcripts of all college or university coursework completed at the time of application.
• SAT Scores: Boston University does not require standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) for transfer admission.
• Letters of Recommendation: Please request one academic instructor who is directly familiar with your work to complete a recommendation.
• Essay: Boston University welcomes hundreds of transfer students to campus each year. We want to learn more about you and your reasons for transferring, in particular what you hope to accomplish at BU. We require one essay of no more than 600 words.
• Application Fee: Our application fee is $80 and can be paid via the Common Application or Coalition Application.
• Interview: Interviews are not required for admission with one exception: applicants to nonperformance majors in the School of Theatre must schedule an interview with that program.
• Other Requirements: The College of Fine Arts requires a portfolio or an audition as part of its application. If you are applying to any other school or college, please do not submit portfolios or other samples of personal work. They will not be considered.
• Apply Here: http://www.bu.edu/admissions/apply/transfer/

Transfer Credit Policy

• Minimum Grade: BU generally awards credit for liberal arts courses completed with a grade of C or better at a regionally accredited institution. Transfer credit is awarded at the discretion of the BU school or college to which you are admitted.
• Credits (Min/Max): If you have taken classes without enrolling in a degree program, or will have less than 12 credits, you should apply as a freshman. The maximum number of credits accepted from two-year and four-year institutions varies by school and college.

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How to Write a Winning College Transfer Essay

December 27, 2021

Much like snowflakes, DNA profiles, or interpretations of a David Lynch film, no two college transfer applicants are alike. Even if two prospective transfers to Boston University are both named Fred and each hail from Farmington, CT, their paths, and the contours of their academic journeys are probably quite different from one another. Perhaps Fred #1 is a first-generation college student who, for financial reasons, had to complete his freshman year at the local community college. Perhaps Fred #2 underachieved a touch in high school, gained admission into a less-selective state school where he excelled freshman year and is now highly-motivated to study at top school. Each Fred possesses an equally valid story to tell the BU admissions office, and doing so adeptly may well be the key to their acceptance. After all, 42% of all U.S. colleges—and close to 100% of highly-selective schools—cite the essay as being “important” to their transfer application decisions.

To cite another relevant statistic, 37% of all college students transfer at some point in their academic career and each has a worthwhile pathway to chronicle. Whether you’re Fred #1, Fred #2, or someone not even named Fred (imagine that!), you need your transfer essay to be so strong that it leaps right off the page and captures the attention (or, even better, heart) of an admissions officer. In the following article, the College Transitions team will explain precisely how to master this essential component of the transfer application.

Which Transfer essay prompt should I pick?

Starting in 2020-21, the Common App granted its member institutions the option of allowing their transfer applicants to select one of the seven current Common App essay prompts (that are available to freshman applicants).

Some schools will offer you this option, while others will simply ask you the equivalent of “Why are you applying to our university?” If you are given the choice between prompts, it is generally best to select the one that is most broad (note: a broad prompt is good, a broad essay is not) and allows you to compose an essay containing the following essential elements:

• 1) Why your prospective transfer school is a perfect fit for you.
• 2) Why your journey has led you away from your current institution.
• 3) What unique attributes and talents you will bring to campus.
• 4) How your past achievements and efforts can bolster your case.
• 5) Share your academic and career ambitions.

Let’s dive in and take a more thorough look at each component, beginning with #1.

1) Why this college is the perfect fit for you

Share with your prospective new academic home exactly what makes them attractive to you. Smaller class size, a particular academic program, a more diverse environment, or the opportunity to for hands-on learning/research opportunities are just a sampling of the legitimate selling points you can cite. Mention specific courses that you are eager to take at their institution, certain distinguished professors who you desire to study under, and unique clubs, activities, or campus traditions in which you are excited to partake. Take advantage of this chance to impress admissions officers with you expansive knowledge of their institution as well as a highly-specific accounting of how you will take advantage of your 2-3 years there. Doing so will separate you from the pack of similarly-qualified transfer applicants.

2) Why you want to leave your current college

Make sure that the reasons that you communicate for wanting to transfer do not end up sounding like a nasty Yelp review of your present school. While you may want to leave College X because the professors are all centenarian windbags and your roommate is breeding capybaras to sell on Craigslist (is there really a market for that?), remember that the school to which you are applying wants to feel wanted. Think about it—would you rather listen to your girlfriend/boyfriend rant about their ex or hear them tell you what makes you awesome? Admissions officers considering a transfer student feel the same way.

3) What unique attributes you will bring to campus

Even in the transfer admissions process, admissions officers are tasked with enhancing the diversity of their undergraduate student body and adding individuals who are likely to be contributing members of the campus community. Is there a particular club that you are eager to join or do wish to start your own? Do you desire to assist a professor in conducting research? Are you an a cappella star or club volleyball diehard? What books do you read for pleasure? Do you have a hidden talent or area of expertise? Are you an introvert or extrovert (both can be selling points)? What ideas, activities, or dreams keep you up in the middle of the night? Give the admissions reader a full picture of what your life will look at their school and how you will make more of an impact (in any form) than many of your fellow applicants.

4) Talk about your academic and extracurricular record

This is also a perfect opportunity to demonstrate your record of involvement on your current campus. It is far easier to sell yourself as someone who will be a contributing member of the campus community if you displayed these qualities at your previous college. Students with an eye on transferring are sometimes so focused on escaping their first institution that they fail to become involved in anything outside of the classroom and thus miss out on valuable opportunities to demonstrate leadership and passion—the very traits needed to transfer to a prestigious school. Write about what you are most proud of—a challenging physics exam you mastered, a philosophy paper you wrote arguing the compatibility of science and religion, or how you started a campus chapter of an organization dedicated to fighting pancreatic cancer.

5) Share your academic and career ambitions

The more you can use your essay to communicate your genuine passions and what makes you tick, the better. Doing so gives your essay broader context and deeper meaning, as it explains the true significance of all of the info shared in steps #1-4. If you want to major in biology, where do you see that taking you down the road? Are you considering graduate or medical school? Do you want to work in research in a specific area? You don’t have to be 100% sure of your career and future academic path at 19 or 20 years old, but as a transfer student, you should share where your experiences and interests may someday take you.

College Transfer Essay – Do’s and Don’ts

• Make a coherent and well-researched case for why the school to which you are applying would be a perfect fit for you.
• Explain how you spend your time outside of school whether it’s participation in a club or sport, paid work, or a hobby to which you are extremely dedicated.
• Paint a picture of the reasons why this new university is the right place to pursue your academic interests.
• Give the committee a sense of your talents and character/personal qualities. If your school does not offer interviews, this essay will be primary vehicle through which you can forge a personal connection to a fellow human being.
• Bash your current school or overly-focus on the negative.
• Make excuses for past academic performance of lack of outside the classroom involvement.
• Say that you want to attend a new school for the prestige, the pretty campus, or for a personal reason (close to home, girl/boyfriend attends, etc.).
• Forget to do adequate research on your prospective academic home. Details matter!
• Application Strategies
• College Essay

Andrew Belasco

A licensed counselor and published researcher, Andrew's experience in the field of college admissions and transition spans two decades. He has previously served as a high school counselor, consultant and author for Kaplan Test Prep, and advisor to U.S. Congress, reporting on issues related to college admissions and financial aid.

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Miraculous BU Transfer Essay That Worked

Here we will discuss a BU transfer essay that worked; this was an essay a client of ours had done with us. The client’s GPA was a little less than the average transfer applicant’s, but that’s why we compensated with a good essay.

You can also find more information about the school’s transfer program here.

BU Transfer Essay That Worked

Boston university welcomes hundreds of transfer students to campus each year. we want to learn more about you and your reasons for transferring, in particular, what you hope to accomplish at boston university. (600-word maximum).

As an Asian-American woman who grew up in a traditional culture with severe expectations of me and my gender, I would not be myself without truly pursuing my passion. Despite social norms, I managed to jump the cliff and defy expectations by accepting my passion for innovative computer science and business. At Boston University, I would like to join the community as both a computer scientist and a future business person without being held back by societal stereotypes. Specifically, I would like to use every resource available at BU to fuel my plan to launch my own SaaS startup company.  By transferring to BU, I hoped to maximize the resources provided for me to create a better solution for modern public high schools. The software will be an AI-powered learning tool that teaches itself the patterns in student learning progress. The program will keep track of student success as well as patterns of behavior such as eye movement, stress, and repeated mistakes to generate data of the types of learning structures that help students and the ones that don’t. Instead of having to run around in the dark, teachers will better know how to cater their classes towards their students based on the data provided by the self-learning software.  Having a product idea and creating something useful was only part of the equation, however. On the other hand, I wanted to learn how to combine my knowledge in computer science and artificial intelligence with my passion for business and entrepreneurship. The process would ultimately help me create something that would help many students who feel jaded and hopeless about education. My ultimate goal through attending BU as such is to create and develop something that many schools can integrate easily to maximize student productivity and alleviate mental health issues from school.  BU’s professors and faculty also play a major role in my reasons for transferring. To make the most out of my entrepreneurial journey, I plan to learn from professors with the most fitting background suitable for my SaaS startup. Professors such as Sarah Bargal and their research paper “Emotion Recognition in the Wild from Videos using Images” parallel the project that I want to undertake perfectly. To be able to recognize expressions with about 60% accuracy is an astounding leap from the average, and I would like to one day replicate similar results for my own SaaS company. Learning from their experience would help me make the most out of my learning beyond the traditional textbook and homework environment. In attending BU, I would hope to TA for professor Sarah Bargal’s Introduction to AI course and perhaps have the opportunity to connect with them more to discuss their research and learn how to develop my future SaaS company better.  Organizations such as Innovate@BU would help me connect with other fellow entrepreneurs and help me harness my business mindset. Having grown up in my traditional Asian culture, it was hard to find acceptance for my passion for business and entrepreneurship. Innovate@BU not only provides the vital networking I need to meet similarly passionate businesswomen but also a home to pursue my dreams without scrutiny. I also plan to join the AIR initiative to collaborate with researchers working on creating decision-making software. Such work would be very useful for my AI-based educational software, as I plan for my software to gradually teach itself improving best practices in education to streamline the traditional learning setting. 

Additional Information (optional): Please use this space if you have additional information, materials, or writing samples you would like us to consider. 

One of the biggest reasons I want to transfer to BU is because I needed a place fitting for undertaking my ambitious SAAS company project. As an Asian American woman in a predominantly white and masculine field and school, I’ve found that there was little acceptance for my passions. I’ve always known networking is important for the lifeblood of my business plan, but I’ve come to realize that it’s also critical for my well-being. The culture I grew up in as well as the societal expectations of me as an Asian woman don’t leave much room for me to fully embrace an entrepreneurial spirit, and I believe BU would be a better place to manifest this passion freely without judgment. Transferring to BU would also allow me to change my major into computer science; I’ve wanted to make this switch, but my current school lacks the flexibility to reorient my major.   Another major point I wanted to address is the course content in my current school. Some courses such as my Racial Justice course contained major errors in the grading system and overall organization of course work; this led me and the rest of the class to significantly drop our grades beyond our control such that no student could receive a grade higher than a C. What happened specifically is that the professor had disregarded a major point of the daily assignments and how they must be turned in. No mention of the critical details was said until the end of the quarter, to which the file submission systems could not accept anything. It is a very rare occurrence that students will not be able to do anything to receive the highest score only because of grading errors on the professor’s fault, and I do not want to place too much blame on my professor, but this disorganization in grading seemed to repeat itself subtly in my other classes as well. It was the Racial Justice course, however, that seemed to suffer from this issue the most. 

Okay, so let’s cover a few important key points here. The BU transfer essay that worked has a few details that you’ll want to consider for your own. We’ll dissect it and discuss how you should be using these points.

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Table of Contents

• Show Interest in the College Through its Critical Role.
• Don’t Skimp Out on the “…what you hope to accomplish at Boston University” Part.

Does BU Mean More to You Than Just a School?

Show interest in the college through its critical role ..

You should have a good reason for attending BU if you want to show that you will take an acceptance there seriously.

Let’s say that you want to get accepted into BU, but you were also accepted into Stanford, MIT, Harvard, and Princeton.

Why would you reject the latter four and accept BU in a heartbeat?

Well, the truth is that most people would not. However, this is a good mental exercise that will force you to get creative. Is there anything about BU that is absolutely crucial to your success? What is the downfall to your career should you not accept an acceptance from BU?

Our client focused on the clubs available at the school as well as the specific research provided by the professors. Getting this deep into the details helps applicants demonstrate their interest through the amount of research they’ve done.

Don’t Skimp Out on the “…what you hope to accomplish at Boston University” Part .

It seems to be a very common mistake that many of our applicants make: they don’t go into detail about what they want to accomplish specifically at Boston University.

In this essay, our client got very deep in the waters with what exactly the professors at BU are good at and how that can help with her project in the future. She gets to this quite early on so that the admissions office knows exactly what to expect from her as a student. Early in the essay, she covers how she wants to create a SaaS company that sells software for students using the power of AI. Her essay later covers how she wants to use the resources such as the professors and the clubs available at the school to learn more about how she can execute this initiative on a good start.

The benefit of getting very specific here is that you’ll be able to prove that you mean business. The reason our client was able to write a good BU transfer essay that worked was because she was specific; this tells the admissions office that she has thought of this beforehand. She has the experience and the mental fortitude to succeed, and that’s exactly the student they’d want in their school.

As a note, you shouldn’t write about your secondary goals as your primary ones. Some people may have the goal of making more friends or hanging out in the Boston area, but that’s not mostly what you’re here for –at least, we’d hope so! You want to focus mainly on the academic goals that you want to accomplish at BU.

To Our client, BU was more than just a place to pursue her academic career. as stated in the introduction of her first essay, she grew up in a household where it was difficult to declare oneself as a strong and independent person capable of taking on the world of business and entrepreneurship. They were instead held back by the traditional Asian gender norms which dictate she must take on a more gender-based role for her career.

Note: The BU transfer essay that worked in this example is just one example of a sad background. It is not mandatory to have a sob story.

This severe background contrasted with BU being the solution that would provide her with the experience she needs to succeed in business and programming demonstrates a clear distinction between the two worlds: her home life is unprogressive, and BU is.

The subtle dichotomy presented her puts BU in a place that makes it more important to her than just a career stepping stone; it makes it also a place for her to achieve personal growth. This is a major part of the college experience and those who have a place in BU for both personal and career growth are going to be more favorable.

Overall, if you want to get accepted, you should try to learn from the BU transfer essay that worked here in our example.

Have any other burning questions about getting accepted into BU? Want to know more about how to write a BU transfer essay that works and gets you accepted? Contact us for more information! Our team of experts will give you a free consultation and get you the help you need to succeed!

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Boston University Supplemental Essays 2022-2023

Do you need help writing your Boston University supplemental essays? Then this Boston University supplemental essay guide is for you.

First, we’ll look at each of the Boston University essay prompts to help you figure out how to write strong Boston University supplemental essays. Then, we’ll also describe how the Boston University supplemental essays fit into the overall Boston University admissions process. 

But first, before we dive into how to write the Boston University essay, let’s learn more about Boston University. 

Boston University

Boston University (BU) is a private university located in Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1839, Boston University has a total undergraduate enrollment of just over 18,000 students. Also, Boston University is ranked #41 in National Universities according to U.S. News. Lastly, the Boston University acceptance rate is 14% , making Boston University a highly competitive school. 

If you’re wondering how to get into Boston University, we can help. The key to standing out in the Boston University admissions process is writing strong Boston University supplemental essays. 

So, ready to learn more about the Boston University essay prompts for the Boston University supplemental essays? In this Boston University essay guide, we’ll explore a key component of the Boston University application – the Boston University supplemental essay. 

Boston University Essay: Quick Facts

• Boston University Acceptance Rate: U.S. News ranks BU as a most selective school. The Boston University acceptance rate is 14%. 
• 1 (~250 word) essay
• Additional information, materials, or writing samples (Optional)
• Boston University Application: Applicants must submit their Boston University application on the Common App website. Be sure that your Boston University supplemental essays are ready before you apply. 
• Early Decision I: November 1
• Early Decision II: January 4
• Regular Decision: January 4
• Boston University Essay Tip: With only one required Boston University supplemental essay, we recommend answering the Boston University essay thoroughly and thoughtfully. 

How many essays are required for Boston University? 

There are two Boston University essays that are required for admission. The first required essay is the Common App essay, and the second required Boston University essay is their version of the “Why this College” essay. We’ll provide the prompt for this Boston University supplemental essay in the next section of this guide. 

In addition to the two required Boston University essays, there is one optional Boston University supplemental essay listed on the Boston University application. This Boston University essay is optional, but it can be useful to provide further context for your application. We’ll list the prompt for this optional essay in the next section of this guide. Later, we’ll discuss what to include in this additional essay if you choose to submit it along with your Boston application. 

What are the Boston University Essay Prompts? 

You can find the prompts for the first Boston University essay on the Common App website . We will also include them later in this essay guide.  

Below are the Boston University essay prompts for the required and optional Boston University supplemental essays: 

We’ll examine the Boston University essay prompts in more detail later. First, let’s explore the Boston University essay: “Why this College” essay. 

Boston University Essay: Why This College Essay

This Boston University supplemental is their version of the “Why this College” essay. The purpose of this Boston University supplemental is to highlight what excites you the most about Boston University. So, this means you’ll have to include specific details in your response. We’ll explain how to write this Boston University supplemental in more detail later in this guide. 

Let’s take another look at this Boston University essay prompt: 

Before you start writing this Boston University supplemental, you first need to identify what interests you the most about becoming a Boston University student. Perhaps you want to live and learn in one of the best college towns , major in the liberal arts , or study architecture at Boston Architectural College . 

Whatever the case may be, you’ll want to use this Boston University essay to describe what excites you the most about Boston University. Also, bonus points if you can incorporate how attending Boston University will help you reach your goals in your Boston University supplemental. 

You might wonder how doing research can help you write your Boston University supplemental essays. The Why School essay shouldn’t just be about you. It should also explain why, out of all the colleges and universities you could possibly attend, you’re a fit at this specific university. 

Do your research

That means you’ll need to reference something specific about Boston University in your Boston University supplemental essays. To do this well, you’ll want to spend some time researching what interests you about Boston University. 

So, grab your computer or cell phone. Your next tip for writing the Why Boston University essay is to do your research. If you don’t already know a lot about Boston University, don’t worry. Spend some time on the Boston University website to learn more. Check out the pages on admissions , student life , and the mission of Boston University. 

As you research, look for things about BU that pique your interest. Then, incorporate those features into your BU essay. What is it about Boston University that has you excited about joining the campus community? When you picture yourself at Boston University, what are you doing? Who are you learning from? Finally, how are you involved on campus? 

Many colleges and universities have a “Why this College” essay prompt. However, you shouldn’t recycle your “Why this College” essay response for the Boston University supplemental essay. 

Remember, Boston University admissions officers are looking for applicants who want to attend Boston University. Moreover, they want to find students who would be a great addition to the campus community. So, you should use your response to this Boston University essay to show exactly that! 

Self-reflection

Additionally, self-reflection is a vital part of writing standout BU essays. Think about the story your application tells. What kind of person would you be on BU’s campus? Moreover, why should BU want you to join their community?

This self-reflection aspect is key to making your Boston University supplemental essays as strong as possible. In order to show who you are to the Boston University admissions office, you need to know who you are. 

This is where self-reflection comes in. So, think about yourself—your personal background, identity, and interests. What do you want the admissions office to know about you? What makes you unique? Finally, what can you bring to the table that no one else can? 

We’ll go over more tips for writing the Why School essay in the rest of this guide. 

Boston University Essay: Additional Information

Next, let’s look at the second of the BU supplemental essay prompts:

This BU supplemental essay is truly optional. However, it does give you a great opportunity to share any more details with BU to help them understand your application.

If there are any discrepancies in your grades, transcript, GPA, test scores (if applicable), or disciplinary history, you’ll want to use this additional information essay to address them. This is also your opportunity to explain how a lower-than-average GPA or lack of extracurricular activities doesn’t accurately represent who you are as a student or future college student. So, if you have any concerns about your application, use the second of the BU essay prompts to assuage BU’s hesitations.

You could also use this additional information essay to submit a portfolio of writing. Additionally, you can use this space to highlight information that is not otherwise listed in your Boston University application. However, you should only do so if it will meaningfully enrich the rest of your candidate profile.

Finally, keep in mind the preferred format for the second BU supplemental essay. If you have something to include for this Boston University essay, make sure that you upload it as a PDF that does not exceed 2000 KB. 

How do I write an essay for Boston University?

With two required Boston University supplemental essays and one optional essay as part of the Boston application, you might be wondering where to start . How you write an essay for Boston University depends on which of the Boston University supplemental essays you want to begin with. Next, we’ll break down how to write your Boston University supplemental essays.

First, let’s look at the Common App personal statement. 

The Common App essay : 

The Common Application personal statement essay is the first required essay that is a part of the Boston University application. Out of all the Boston University supplemental essays, the Common App essay is the longest essay at 650 words. 

There are a total of seven essay prompts that you can choose from for your Common App personal statement.

Common App Essay Prompts 2022-2023

• Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If it sounds like you, then please share your story. 
• The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience? 
• Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome? 
• Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you? 
• Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
• Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
• Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design. 

All of the Common App essay prompts are open-ended, which allows you to fill in the blanks by telling your story. It also lets you highlight what makes you a unique applicant.

Acing your Common App essay is especially important, as it will be sent to every college you apply to through the Common Application portal. 

Choosing an essay prompt

If you are having a hard time choosing between the Common App essay prompts, you should start with a writing exercise. First, select 1-2 (no more than 3) essay prompts that interest you. Then, set a timer on your watch for 10 minutes and begin writing. Write down everything you can that comes to mind. Then, repeat the process for each essay prompt you selected. 

When you are finished with this writing exercise, review what you have created. Compare what you’ve written for each of the essay prompts you selected. Were you able to write a lot about one specific topic? Additionally, can you connect your response to your overall application narrative ? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then that is the Common App essay prompt for you.

Above all, you’ll want to select the prompt that makes the most sense for you . So, don’t try to force it. Instead, choose the prompt that best allows you to highlight what makes you unique. 

Now let’s turn our attention to Boston University’s Why School essay —the main supplemental essay requirement for the Boston University application. 

The Why School essay:

As we previously stated, the Why School essay prompt is fairly common and used by many colleges and universities. However, while multiple schools may ask for the same essay, you still should not recycle your responses. It’s easy to tell the difference between a well-crafted essay and one that you copied and pasted from a different application. 

The purpose of this essay is to show who you are and what interests you. Additionally, you’ll also want to describe how you will be a great fit for the Boston University campus in this essay. Writing a strong response to the Why School essay might sound hard, but it doesn’t have to be. Use the advice in this guide to help you build a strong Why School essay for BU.

Additional Information essay: 

Out of all the Boston University supplemental essays, the additional information essay is optional. However, you should not skip this Boston University essay if you have something in your personal or academic history that you might want to explain. 

Still, this BU essay is truly optional. If you don’t have anything to include, don’t use this space to repeat information contained elsewhere in your application. You won’t be penalized for not completing the second of the BU supplemental essays.

More tips for writing the Why Boston University essay

Need more tips for writing the Why Boston University supplemental? Let’s start from the beginning. 

Getting Started

As we mentioned above, the purpose of the Boston University supplemental essay is to showcase who you are, what matters to you, what your goals are, and how Boston University will help you get there. Next, we’ll offer more tips to make your Boston University supplemental essay as strong as possible. 

Before you start the writing process, it’s important to solidify your overall application narrative. Like a candidate profile, your application narrative should be one to two sentences that emphasize why you are a unique applicant. You can think of your application narrative, or candidate profile, as the theme of your application. 

One way to identify the theme of your application is to focus on what you are passionate about. So, let’s look at how you can highlight your passions in your college applications.

Determine Your Passions

If someone were to ask you what you are passionate about, could you easily answer that question? No? Well, now is the perfect time to pinpoint your passions! 

You might wonder how identifying your interests could help you write the Boston University supplemental essays. So, think back to the “Why School” essay prompt. The Boston University supplemental essay prompt asks you to write about two things: what excites you and how that connects to becoming a Boston University student. 

Let’s focus on the first part of that prompt – what excites you? Perhaps you’re a whiz at analyzing data and you’ve been interning in a government office to prepare for majoring in economics in college. Or, maybe your personal background influenced you to volunteer with refugee organizations. Whatever the case may be, you’ll want to reflect on your interests and passions. That way, you can talk about them with ease in your Boston University supplemental essays. 

Make A List

You’ve have reflected on your application narrative and identified your passions. Next, it’s time to make a list of what you have discovered about yourself. Write down 5-10 items that connect your interests and passions to your overall application narrative. 

With only 250 words, you won’t be able to talk about everything on your list in your Boston University supplemental essay. But that’s okay! You’ll use what is on this list to eventually narrow down what you do plan to include in your Boston University supplemental essay. 

Learn More About Boston University 

As we’ve discussed, research is a key part of writing strong Boston University essays. However, this research doesn’t have to feel daunting.

You don’t have to know everything about Boston University to write an effective Boston University essay. Instead, set aside 30 minutes to an hour to look over the Boston University website. While you research, make a second list of what intrigues you the most about Boston University. 

You’ll want to focus on specific details for this second list because you will need to reference them by name in your Boston University supplemental essays. Are there any particular courses, programs, or professors you can see yourself interacting with or learning from? Focus on the aspects of Boston University that make it a great fit for you. Then, write them down and use them in your BU essays.

Make Connections

Okay, so you’ve determined your passions, learned more about what Boston University has to offer, and have two lists to reference before you start your Boston University supplemental essays. Now what? 

This is arguably the most important tip for writing the Why Boston University essay. When you put the two parts of the Boston University essay prompt together, your response needs to address what excites you and why Boston University is the only place to help you reach your goals. 

To do this, you’ll need to make connections. So, think about how attending Boston University will help support you as you choose a major and pursue your passions. Then, reference the lists you’ve made and how you can connect the two in your essay. 

If you’re thinking about skipping this step – don’t. Lots of students will only focus on themselves in this Boston University essay. Instead, make sure that you show who you are, what you are interested in, and how Boston University will help you cultivate those interests. 

More Boston University essays to look out for 

Besides the two required Boston University essays, there are more Boston University essays to keep an eye out for. For example, when prospective students are submitting their applications, they can chose to apply for merit-based Boston University scholarships . These include the Trustee Scholarship or Presidential Scholarship, both of which require an essay. So, make sure you include these essays in your BU application strategy.

Out of all the Boston University scholarships, the Trustee Scholarship is the most prestigious. Next, let’s explore some of the requirements and essays you’ll need to tackle if you choose to apply. 

Trustee Scholarship requires applicants to: 

• Submit the Common App and all required materials by December 1.
• Complete a 600-word essay response to one of two essay prompts.

When you submit your Boston University application by the priority deadline, you will also need to writer a long essay responding to one of two prompts. The two prompts from which you will choose are listed below.

Boston University Trustee Scholarship essay prompts:

• Nobel laureate and BU professor Elie Wiesel once said: “There is divine beauty in learning…To learn means to accept the postulate that life did not begin at my birth. Others have been here before me, and I walk in their footsteps. The books I have read were composed by generations of fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, teachers, and disciples. I am the sum total of their experiences, their quests.” Is there a book, film, podcast, or life-experience that has made you feel more connected to your personal history/identity, and what is the most important thing you learned from it?
• Describe a time when you felt out of your comfort zone or marginalized in a situation. How did you respond to that moment and how has it informed your actions moving forward? 

Need additional Boston University essay tips for these Boston University scholarships? Our Boston University Scholarship guide can help. In it, you’ll find additional Boston University essay tips to help you write your Boston University essays. 

How to win Boston University Scholarships

Does Boston University care about essays? 

Yes. The Boston University supplemental essays are an important part of your application because they give you the ability to tell your story to the Boston University admissions office. 

Boston University admissions receives thousands of applications each year, which is why the Boston University acceptance rate is so competitive. So, to stand out in the Boston University application process, you’ll need to write compelling Boston University supplemental essays. 

Writing strong responses to the Boston University supplemental essays will help you ace your “how to get into Boston University” strategy. 

Now that we know more about the Boston University essays, let’s explore the connection between the Boston University supplemental essays and the admissions process. 

Boston University Supplemental Essays & the Admissions Process

The Boston University supplemental essays are an important part of the admissions process. As we noted above, there are two required Boston University essays including the Common App essay. There is also one optional Boston University essay in the Boston University application. 

You’ll want to use the Boston University supplemental essays to highlight why you are a perfect addition to the Boston University community. We’ll go over some final tips on writing the Boston University essay in the next section of this guide. 

Aside from the required Boston University supplemental essays, there are other materials you’ll need to gather for your Boston University application. Your Boston University application requires you to include the following items : 

Boston University Application Requirements

• Common App or QuestBridge Application 
• High School Transcript
• Senior Year Grades
• Counselor Recommendation and School Report Form 
• Teacher Evaluation
• Standardized Tests ( Test-Optional for Fall 2023/Spring 2024)

If you apply to the College of Fine Arts at Boston University, you’ll also need to include several additional application requirements. These include portfolios, auditions, and interviews with the College of Fine Arts admissions team. 

Holistic review

Once you submit your Boston University application, the Boston University admissions office will begin the holistic review process. This means that they will take your entire application narrative into account by reviewing your academic achievements, background, and life experiences within the context of your environment. 

It’ll take much more than just good SAT scores or a stellar GPA to get into Boston University. Because the Boston University acceptance rate is so competitive, you can expect the admissions process to be just as competitive. The key to standing out in the admissions process is making your Boston University supplemental essays shine. 

Boston University is looking for students that are highly motivated and intellectually curious. They also want to recruit students who will positively contribute to the larger Boston University community. So, your Boston University supplemental essays are the perfect way for you to address how you match these requests. 

To learn more about how to get into Boston University, visit the admissions overview page . 

Top 3 Tips for Writing the Boston University Essay 

1. start early.

The Boston University essays are a crucial part of your overall Boston application. This means you’ll want to spend as much time as possible getting the Boston University essays right. Make sure you start the writing process early, well in advance of the Boston University application deadline, so that you can craft the strongest Boston University supplemental essays imaginable. 

2. Do your research

The purpose of the Boston University supplemental is to learn more about you and how committed you are to attending Boston University. So, you’ll want to have an answer for both parts of the Boston University essay prompt, which means you’ll need to do your research. Start by looking at the school’s website and jot down what excites you the most about becoming a BU student. Even if you don’t get to use everything on your list in your Boston University supplemental essays, that’s okay. The more research you do, the better your responses will be to the Boston University supplemental essays. 

3. Be specific

This tip goes hand in hand with the one above. After you’ve done your research about what to highlight in your Boston University supplemental, you’ll want to include specific details in your Boston University essay to support your claims. You can mention courses, professors, programs or clubs/organizations at BU by name.  You only have 250 words to get your point across, so make sure you are as specific as possible in your Boston University supplemental essays. 

CollegeAdvisor resources on Boston University 

Looking for more resources on how to get into Boston University or how to write the Boston University supplemental essays? We’ve got you covered.

To review Boston University admissions requirements, the Boston University application, the Boston University acceptance rate, and more, read our “How to Get into Boston University” guide . 

How to Get Into Boston University (BU) Guide

As you prepare your own Boston University supplemental essays, we suggest reviewing past essay guides to get more ideas about how to write your college essays. Check out our 2021-2022 Boston University essay guide or 39 essay tips from admissions experts for more essay writing inspiration. 

Boston University Supplemental Essays Guide: 2021-2022

Finally, to get ideas on how to answer the “Why School” essay, watch our Boston Schools panel. 

Boston University & Boston College Panel

Boston University Supplemental Essays – Final Thoughts 

As we mentioned above, including well-crafted Boston University supplemental essays in your Boston University application will help you stand out in the admissions process. Writing a thoughtful response to the Boston University supplemental prompt takes time, so be sure to start the process early. You’ll want to give yourself enough time to write, edit, and revise your Boston University essay before the application deadline. You can also let someone else read your Boston University supplemental essays to give you feedback and ideas on how to make them stronger. 

We hope this guide gave you a better understanding of what to include in your Boston University supplemental essays. Remember, Boston University is looking for applicants that are smart, ambitious, innovative, and proactively seek out new experiences. Try to incorporate these values and make connections in your Boston University supplemental essays to show how BU will help you reach your goals as well as how you will be a great addition to the BU community. 

We’re here to help

So, if you are still struggling to write your Boston University supplemental essays, we can help. Register with CollegeAdvisor.com today to get personalized guidance on your entire college application process, including the Boston University supplemental essays.

This article was written by Claire Babbs . Looking for more admissions support? Click  here  to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how  CollegeAdvisor.com  can support you in the college application process.

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How to Write a College Transfer Essay (With Examples)

Lisa Freedland is a Scholarships360 writer with personal experience in psychological research and content writing. She has written content for an online fact-checking organization and has conducted research at the University of Southern California as well as the University of California, Irvine. Lisa graduated from the University of Southern California in Fall 2021 with a degree in Psychology.

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Bill Jack has over a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. Since 2008, he has worked at Colby College, Wesleyan University, University of Maine at Farmington, and Bates College.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, over 1.2 million students are enrolled in college as a transfer student. Students may transfer for a variety of reasons ranging from academics to athletics to geography.

If you are in the process of transferring colleges it’s likely that you will have to write a personal essay as part of your transfer admissions process. Ultimately, there’s no one way to write a college transfer essay. Everyone is unique, and this individuality should shine through in your essays.

However, there are some recommended things to include, and even a real example essay that was used to successfully transfer college! In this post, we’ll help you write a powerful transfer essay so you can tell your story to the admissions committee.

Jump ahead to…

• Do’s and don’ts
• Why did you choose your current school?

What are your main reasons for transferring out of your current school?

Why do you want to attend the transfer school.

• Example essay

Additional resources

• Key takeaways
• Frequently asked questions

College transfer essays: The do’s and don’ts

Before we start, we want to cover a few basics do’s and don’ts about what your transfer essays should be about.

• Elaborate on how your current school has helped you progress towards your goals. Positivity is always a good thing!
• Research your prospective school (e.g. specific classes, organizations, opportunities) for why you want to go there.
• Make sure to follow the standard/correct essay format! Transfer essay prompts may vary from college to college so you should make sure that you’re answering the exact question.
• Use up your limited word count by listing negative aspects about your current school. Instead, focus on how it has helped you grow, but how another school could further help you develop your interests/passions 
• List a group of random classes or opportunities available at your new school. Mention opportunities you’re (genuinely) interested in that relate to your goals and passions – make sure you’re telling a story through your essay.
• Copy your initial admissions essay (the one that you used when applying to colleges in high school) – you’ve changed a lot during your time in college so you will want to write a brand new essay.

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What is the goal of the transfer essay.

Potential transfer students should know that not all colleges and universities require transfer essays, so when in doubt definitely check-in with the college in question for clarification. For the purposes of this article and the sample transfer essay, we’ll be using this prompt:

Please provide a statement that addresses your reasons for transferring and the objectives you hope to achieve. 

Most colleges will be interested in learning why you want to transfer and how transferring will help you achieve your goals. However, specific prompts will vary from college to college, so you should definitely pay attention to the specific prompt you are asked to respond to.

Some of the common questions you’ll come across include:

• How will your transfer school help you accomplish your goals?

Below I’ll break down how to respond to each of these questions and include an example from a successful transfer essay.

Also see: Can you transfer into an ivy league school?

Why did you choose your current school? 

To answer this question, you’ll have to go back in time when you were in 12th grade and selecting your college. Did you choose the college because it had a program you liked? Maybe you really wanted to take classes with a specific professor? Maybe you thought you wanted to attend college in a specific part of the world? Whatever the reason you should lay it out in the most factual way possible.

Here’s how I responded to this question:

Just like Jeopardy, Criminal Minds is also a show that I have watched from a very young age, and one that I continue to watch quite regularly. Being exposed to this interesting world of FBI profilers for so long inspired me to want to dive into the world of psychology myself. Due to this, I originally chose the University of Wisconsin, Madison for its amazing psychology program, and because I wanted to try something new. Being from California, this “something new” came in the form of watching snow fall from the sky, seeing cheese curds being sold in all the grocery stores, and simply living somewhere far away from home.

Also see: How to write a 250 word essay

This is always an important question for transfer admissions officers: why did your current college not work out? We recommend that students be as honest as possible and stick to the facts (as opposed to simply complaining about your current school).

Students have very different reasons for changing schools, which often depend on what type of school you’re transferring from (a 2-year or 4-year). While many community college students transfer because their plans did work out and they’ve accomplished what they wanted to at their school, those transferring from four-year universities often do so for less positive reasons (which was my experience).

If the situation at your college didn’t exactly pan out as you thought it would, you should also try to talk about some of the ways you are making the most of the situation. This shows the admissions officers that despite the less-than-ideal circumstances, you have continued to learn, grow, and contribute to your community.

Here’s how I accomplished this:

Arriving in Wisconsin, I got exactly what I wanted: an amazing psychology program and the experience of being somewhere quite different from the place I called home. My classes were interesting, my professors were helpful and caring, and experiencing the first snow was quite exciting. However, as winter progressed, walking back from class everyday under the progressively gloomier sky seemed to be a cruel reminder that I was no longer in sunny Southern California. While eating dinner in our many dining halls, I always viewed the wide array of food available: quesadillas, Chinese food, burgers, even pecan pie. The food was all delicious, but going day after day without even seeing Korean food once made me miss those fun dinners with my family. Back at my dorm, my “home away from home”, it started to feel like anything but being at home. To feel more comfortable where I was, I decided to pursue things I liked, and that I was familiar with. My passion for psychology led me to join the university’s Psychology Club, where I was able to learn about recent revelations within the field of psychology, furthering my interest in the subject. 

Going through the admissions process as a transfer student is interesting, because you have learned a lot about yourself and your preferences at your first college. This should provide you with a great perspective on what you are looking for next.

The two major things you’ll want to accomplish when answering this question are why the transfer college in question is a good fit for you and how it can help you accomplish your goals as a student.

Specificity is always more ideal here so you can show that you have spent some time thinking about what you want and also how the new college fits.

Here’s how I did this:

I plan on using the knowledge I gain in psychology, either from organizations or classes, to help people. I want to one day apply this knowledge to research, to discover possible methods to help the people suffering from the psychological problems I study. Alternatively, I hope to use this knowledge as a criminal profiler, using my understanding of psychology to narrow down pools of suspects.  To be able to accomplish either of these, I need to develop a much deeper understanding of both people’s motivations for the things they do as well as of the many psychological issues people face. For these reasons, I am very excited at the prospect of exploring and enrolling in the classes offered by USC’s Department of Psychology. In particular, Psych 360: Abnormal Psychology would be an amazing introduction to psychological disorders and their causes. Psych 314L: Research Methods would then help me put this knowledge about disorders to good use by teaching me how to properly conduct research and find possible solutions for people’s problems.

College transfer essays: an example

Here we go! Throughout this article, I’ve shown you my college essay divided into sections, and now’s time for the full thing. I can honestly say that this essay had a 100% success rate! Without further ado, here is my full college transfer essay (and prompt):

Prompt: Please provide a statement that addresses your reasons for transferring and the objectives you hope to achieve. 

I wake up from my daily after-school nap to realize that it is already dinner time. As I walk downstairs, I smell the delicious fragrance coming from my mom’s samgyetang (Korean ginseng chicken soup), one of my favorite meals. Soon enough, everyone sits down to watch the newest episode of Jeopardy , a tradition we’ve had going on for as long as I can remember. As I take that first sip of samgyetang, and miss yet another geography question on Jeopardy – and wait for my family to inevitably tease me about it – I feel at home, like I am somewhere that I belong. Wherever I go, I hope I can encounter that same warm feeling. Just like Jeopardy , Criminal Minds is also a show that I have watched from a very young age, and one that I continue to watch quite regularly. Being exposed to this interesting world of FBI profilers for so long inspired me to want to dive into the world of psychology myself. Due to this, I originally chose the University of Wisconsin, Madison for its amazing psychology program, and because I wanted to try something new. Being from California, this “something new” came in the form of watching snow fall from the sky, seeing cheese curds being sold in all the grocery stores, and simply living somewhere far away from home. Arriving in Wisconsin, I got exactly what I wanted: an amazing psychology program and the experience of being somewhere quite different from the place I called home. My classes were interesting, my professors were helpful and caring, and experiencing the first snow was quite exciting. However, as winter progressed, walking back from class everyday under the progressively gloomier sky seemed to be a cruel reminder that I was no longer in sunny Southern California. While eating dinner in our many dining halls, I always viewed the wide array of food available: quesadillas, Chinese food, burgers, even pecan pie. The food was all delicious, but going day after day without even seeing Korean food once, it made me miss those fun dinners with my family. Back at my dorm, my “home away from home,” it started to feel like anything but being at home. To feel more comfortable where I was, I decided to pursue things I liked, and that I was familiar with. My passion for psychology led me to join the university’s Psychology Club, where I was able to learn about recent revelations within the field of psychology, furthering my interest in the subject. I plan on using the knowledge I gain in psychology, either from organizations or classes, to help people. I want to one day apply this knowledge to research, to discover possible methods to help the people suffering from the psychological problems I study. Alternatively, I hope to use this knowledge as a criminal profiler, using my understanding of psychology to narrow down pools of suspects.  To be able to accomplish either of these, I need to develop a much deeper understanding of both people’s motivations for the things they do as well as of the many psychological issues people face. For these reasons, I am very excited at the prospect of exploring and enrolling in the classes offered by USC’s Department of Psychology. In particular, Psych 360: Abnormal Psychology would be an amazing introduction to psychological disorders and their causes. Psych 314L: Research Methods would then help me put this knowledge about disorders to good use by teaching me how to properly conduct research and find possible solutions for people’s problems. With so many opportunities available at USC, I hope to not only help others feel more comfortable, but to find a second home for myself after all.

And that’s it! This essay touches on all of the tips listed above, and should serve as helpful inspiration as you begin your writing. Hopefully, it gives you an idea of how to integrate everything you should mention in a cohesive essay. With that, I wish you good luck with your college transfer essays (and applications)!

Don’t miss: What looks good on a college application?

If you finish your essay and still have questions about the transfer process, consider checking out these Scholarships360 resources:

• How to transfer colleges
• How to transfer from a community college
• Top scholarships for transfer students
• How to choose a college
• What’s the difference between a private and public university?

Key Takeaways

• Explain why you want to transfer, what you need that you are not getting at your current school, and why you chose your current school to begin with
• Always present things in a positive light
• Share how the transfer school will help you achieve your goals and why you are a good fit for the school

Frequently asked questions about writing college transfer essays 

How are college transfer essays different from regular application essays, do all schools require transfer essays, can i reuse my old college essays for a transfer, what should you not say in a transfer essay, scholarships360 recommended.

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How to write an effective transfer application essay

After completing a semester or more at one university, you’ve decided to apply elsewhere as a transfer student. Maybe you earned an associate’s degree at a community college, and now you’re ready for more. Or maybe the university you chose for your freshman year didn’t live up to your expectations. Regardless of your motivations, you’ll probably need to write an essay for each of the schools you’re considering.

Let’s explore the elements of a strong transfer application essay!

The essay prompts.

While the wording may differ from school to school, transfer essay prompts are similar in theme. Here are some examples:

• Tell us in 500 to 750 words why you wish to transfer from your current or most recent institution. Why are you interested in Yale, and how do you think that being here would be a great next step in your education?
• Boston University welcomes hundreds of transfer students to campus each year. We want to learn more about you and your reasons for transferring, in particular what you hope to accomplish at Boston University. (600 words max.)
• Please provide a statement that addresses your reasons for transferring and the objectives you hope to achieve [at Brandeis]. (650 words max.)

These prompts all ask you to explain why you’re transferring schools (your past and present) and what you hope to accomplish at your new school (your future).

Your Past and Present

When you write your transfer essay, be careful not to badmouth your current or previous school. Instead, try putting a positive spin on your decision by focusing on what you’ve learned about yourself and your needs as a student.

Maybe you’ve realized you want to conduct independent research, but you can’t find the right faculty mentor. Or perhaps you’ve discovered a new intellectual interest that your current school doesn’t support. Jot down any ideas that come to mind!

When you feel ready to write this section of your essay, you can keep it pretty short. Briefly share why you chose to attend your current or most recent institution, describe what you’ve realized about your educational needs and goals, and explain why you’re looking to transfer.

Your Future

We’ve covered why you’re transferring… now, it’s important to show the admissions reader why you want to transfer to their school specifically . This will make up the majority of your essay, so make sure you do your research so you can connect your academic and personal goals to the school’s unique offerings.

Start by listing out your goals for the remainder of your college experience. How do you hope to deepen your understanding of a particular topic or field? If you have concrete career goals, what skills do you need to gain in order to succeed beyond college?

Next, match each of these goals to a particular opportunity at the school. The nitty-gritty information won’t be on the college’s home page, so see if your major or department has its own website. There, you can learn more about the curriculum requirements and opportunities within your particular major or academic focus. Which opportunities will you pursue? How do these opportunities align with your educational goals? What appeals to you about the way classes are run?

You can also include one or two personal goals. How will you challenge yourself in the coming years? How do you hope to grow as a person? Visit the student center website to find a club directory. Which student organizations will you join? How will joining these organizations help you enact your values? Check out the student newspaper. How do current students engage with the surrounding community? How do their actions inspire you?

Successful Essays

The most successful transfer application essays show the admissions reader how a student will enrich their school’s community. But you don’t need to be a creative visionary or a brilliant leader to contribute. Simply by engaging with a school’s resources and community, you’ll help further your peers’ education. So, the more specific you are about your goals, the easier it will be for the admissions reader to envision you at their school!

Related Content

Boston University (BU) 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Early Decision: Nov 1

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 4

You Have: 

Boston University (BU) 2023-24 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 1 essay of 300 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why

Boston University is dedicated to our founding principles: “that higher education should be accessible to all and that research, scholarship, artistic creation, and professional practice should be conducted in the service of the wider community—local and international. These principles endure in the University’s insistence on the value of diversity in its tradition and standards of excellence and its dynamic engagement with the City of Boston and the world.” With this mission in mind, please respond to one of the following two questions in 300 words or less:

1. reflect on a social or community issue that deeply resonates with you. why is it important to you, and how have you been involved in addressing or raising awareness about it.

This is your opportunity to not only show admissions that you’re paying attention to the world around you, but also demonstrate your creativity and vision. Start by brainstorming a few problems or challenges—big and small—that bother you or impact your life in some capacity. Maybe it’s rampant wildfires, trans rights, or accessibility issues in your community. The scope and scale of your problem can vary. With this prompt, it’s a good idea that you touch on when or where your passion first began and how it developed over time. Show that you’re not only informed and concerned, but also actively engaged in addressing the problem head on (in one to three innovative ways). This prompt gives you a wonderful opportunity to reveal something new about yourself through discussing your enthusiastic engagement with a given issue; in the process, you will showcase your curious, well-rounded nature to admissions—and huzzah for that!

2. What about being a student at BU most excites you? How do you hope to contribute to our campus community?

With this prompt, BU is marrying two classics: the Why Essay and the Community Essay. The point of this sort of prompt is twofold: to learn what makes you tick and to gauge your commitment to the school. So, the more time you spend researching the school and their unique offerings, the better you’ll be able to demonstrate both. Spend some quality time poring over the school website. Take notes on anything and everything that appeals to you across all aspects of student life: classes, professors, labs, clubs, speakers, location—literally everything! The point is to paint a picture for admissions that clues them into your passions and demonstrates how BU will help you cultivate them. Once you’ve completed your preliminary research, narrow the list to your top five or so items to focus on. Remember, your essay should not only reveal information about your interests, but also your vision for engaging with the campus community from your first day on campus.

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Every year, BU welcomes approximately 20 outstanding students to the Trustee Scholars Program. Many of our current Scholars had perfect 4.0 grade point averages in high school and ranked in the top of their class.

In addition to exceptional academic credentials, Trustee Scholars are intellectually and creatively adventurous and demonstrate viewpoints, experiences, or achievements beyond the usual. They are, in other words, not just top students, but extraordinarily well-rounded individuals. At BU, Trustee Scholars become part of a unique campus community that offers many intellectual, cultural, and social opportunities.

A Trustee Scholarship covers full undergraduate tuition plus mandatory undergraduate student fees, and is renewable for four years if certain criteria are met.

HOW TO APPLY

To be considered for a trustee scholarship:.

• Submit the Common Application and all required materials for admission to one of the undergraduate degree programs at BU  by December 1 .
• Complete the Trustee Scholarship essay on the Common Application as part of your application to BU.

The Trustee Scholarship Essay:

Please choose from one of the two prompts below and submit one essay, in 600 words or less, as part of your application through the Common Application.

• Nobel laureate and BU professor Elie Wiesel once said: “There is divine beauty in learning… To learn means to accept the postulate that life did not begin at my birth. Others have been here before me, and I walk in their footsteps. The books I have read were composed by generations of fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, teachers and disciples. I am the sum total of their experiences, their quests.” Is there a book, film, podcast or life- experience that has made you feel more connected to your personal history/identity, and what is the most important thing you learned from it?
• Describe a time when you felt out of your comfort zone or marginalized in a situation. How did you respond to that moment and how has it informed your actions moving forward?

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