Boston University (BU) is a highly selective research university located in Boston, Massachusetts. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, and it is consistently ranked among the top universities in the United States.
Admissions Requirements
To be eligible for admission to BU, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- A high school diploma or equivalent
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
- Completion of 16 college preparatory courses, including:
- 4 years of English
- 3 years of Math
- 3 years of Science
- 3 years of Social Studies
- SAT or ACT scores: SAT scores between 1320-1530 or ACT scores between 29-33
AP Requirements
BU accepts AP courses for credit and placement. The university recommends that applicants take AP courses in the following subjects:
- English Language and Composition
- English Literature and Composition
- Calculus AB or Calculus BC
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- History
- Government and Politics
- Economics
Students who score a 4 or 5 on an AP exam may be eligible to receive college credit for the corresponding course. BU also uses AP scores to determine placement in higher-level courses.
How to Submit AP Scores
Students can submit their AP scores to BU through the College Board website. The university’s CEEB code is 3043.
Benefits of Taking AP Courses
There are several benefits to taking AP courses, including:
- Potential for college credit: Students who score well on AP exams may be able to receive college credit for the corresponding courses, which can save them time and money.
- Higher placement in college courses: Students who score well on AP exams may be eligible to be placed in higher-level courses, which can allow them to take more challenging coursework and progress through their college program more quickly.
- Improved academic skills: AP courses are rigorous and demanding, and they can help students develop the critical thinking, problem-solving, and writing skills that are essential for success in college.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are some common mistakes that students make when taking AP courses, including:
- Not taking enough AP courses: Students who want to maximize their chances of earning college credit and being placed in higher-level courses should take as many AP courses as they can handle.
- Not studying for the AP exams: AP exams are challenging, and students need to study diligently in order to score well.
- Not submitting AP scores to colleges: Students who want to receive college credit for their AP scores need to submit their scores to the colleges they are applying to.
How to Prepare for AP Exams
There are several things that students can do to prepare for AP exams, including:
- Start studying early: Don’t wait until the last minute to start studying for AP exams. Start studying well in advance so that you have plenty of time to review the material.
- Use high-quality study materials: There are a variety of high-quality study materials available for AP exams, including textbooks, review books, and online resources. Make sure to use materials that are up-to-date and that are designed specifically for the AP exam you are taking.
- Take practice exams: Practice exams are a great way to get a sense of the format of the AP exam and to identify areas where you need to improve. Take several practice exams and review your results carefully.
- Get help from your teacher: If you are struggling with a particular topic, don’t be afraid to ask your teacher for help. Your teacher will be able to provide you with additional support and guidance.