Graduate Admissions Checklist

  1. Fill out an Application Form.
  2. Three Letters of Reference. Please refer to Graduate School site. Recommenders can only submit recommendations online if the applicant submits an application online. Please read the instructions on the online application for sending the online recommendation link to your recommenders.
  3. GRE General and Physics Subject Test Scores. You should have scores sent directly to BU from ETS. Designate Boston University as one of your score recipients. Please note that both the GRE General and GRE subject in physics scores are required.
  4. Official Transcripts from every college or university attended.
  5. Personal Statement. Please write a brief essay describing your qualifications and objectives. Include any research activities, publications, and independent studies you have completed.
  6. Resume or CV
  7. $70 Application Fee, made payable to Boston University. This is to be included with your Application Form.

In addition, international students must also include the following:

  1. Certified copies and official English translations of all records (transcripts) of academic achievement in each college or university attended.
  2. Signed International Student Data Form and appropriate financial and visa documentation.
  3. TOEFL Test Score. A minimum score of 600 (old), internet-based test: Reading section – 21; Listening section – 18; Speaking section – 23; Writing section – 22

Per University policy applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements of English proficiency are not eligible for admission.

The TOEFL requirement is waived only if you have received, or expect to receive, an undergraduate or graduate degree from a college or university in any of the following countries prior to enrollment in the GRS: the United States of America, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, or Ireland.

In addition to the TOEFL, the IELTS is also accepted as proof of English proficiency. The band score of 6.5 is suggested for admission to the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences; however, those seeking teaching fellowships should submit results of at least 7.0.

Apply Now!

For more detailed information about the admissions process, refer to the Graduate School Bulletin.

Application Deadlines 

Fall (September) admission: the deadline has been extended to Jauary 15, 2012.  Apply now.

Questions?

For administrative questions please contact our Graduate Admissions Administrator, Ms. Mirtha Cabello (cabello@bu.edu, 617-353-2623). Professor Richard Averitt  is the Graduate Admissions Chairman.

Please refer to the Graduate School website for the application checklist as well.