boston college english phd acceptance rate

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Odds of getting into an English PhD program?

Hello everyone, this is my first time posting here.

Currently, I’m a 27 year old secondary school teacher. However, I always had it in my mind that I would go back for a PhD in English. The problem here is that I’m not sure my resume is good enough.

Here are a few of my highlights:

Originally, coming from a low income area, I was never really supposed to make it to college. Still, I scraped by with an Associate’s from a CUNY community college.

Then, I’d pushed towards earning a Bachelor’s in English from UMass Amherst (3.1 GPA). Admittedly, I wasn’t the best undergrad student. Moving from the inner-city to a campus such as UMass was a really difficult adjustment. Socially, academically, ect…

Lastly, I earned a Master’s in Education from UMass Amherst again (this time 3.5 gpa). At the time time, I received a teaching license.

During all if this time studying, I worked as either a paraprofessional or 8th grade English teacher.

Considering all of this, do I have a shot at an English PhD program? My GPA was never at the top of the class. And, I still regret this. Nevertheless, I would like to apply to the following:

Boston University

Northeastern

Fordham University

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Boston College (BC)

BC can be found in Chestnut Hill, MA, a nonprofit private college which focuses on only a select few programs offered. There are around sixteen thousand students enrolled each year at Boston College.

Most of the students admitted to BC got an SAT score in the range of 1340 to 1500, or got accepted with an ACT composite score within the range of 31 to 34. We were able to estimate the Boston College (BC) average GPA (3.82 - 3.96) of admitted students by applying sampled GPA data on over 150 schools. Only 27 percent of applicants are accepted to this school due to the large number of applicants for enrollment. When applying historical data, we have projected that the Boston College (BC) acceptance rate 2021 will be around 27%. You can get more information from the admissions office website at bc.edu .

Overall Boston College (BC) Acceptance Rate - Fall 2020

The overall acceptance rate for Boston College was reported as 27.2% in Fall 2020 with over 35,600 college applications submitted to BC. Both in state and out of state applicants are included in these figures. We do not have data on transfer acceptance rates currently.

Accepted Applicants Profile

• BC ACT Scores: 31 - 34
• BC Average GPA: 3.82 - 3.96

How Hard Is It to Get into Boston College?

Applicant selectivity: high.

The selectivity of applicants for undergraduate admissions to BC is considered high, with many applicants scoring in the top percentiles on the SAT or ACT exam, as well as having an excellent high school GPA.

Historical Trend and Acceptance Rate 2024 Projection

Acceptance rate by year.

• 2016-2017: 31.1%
• 2017-2018: 32.4%
• 2018-2019: 27.9%
• 2019-2020: 27.2%
• Projected BC Acceptance Rate 2024-2025: 26.8%

How Does Boston College (BC) Compare?

The acceptance rate for Boston College is more than 100% lower than the national average of all colleges which is around 56.7%.

Nearby Similar College Acceptance Rates

Admissions Rates & Enrollment Rates - Details

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Number of Applicants, Percent Accepted, and Enrolled Students (Fall 2020)

Average ACT/SAT Scores of Applicants to Boston College (BC) (Fall 2020)

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Boston College: Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics

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Boston College is a private research college with an acceptance rate of 27%. Considering applying to Boston College? Here are the admissions statistics you should know, including average SAT/ACT and GPAs of admitted students.

Why Boston College?

• Location: Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
• Campus Highlights: Located near dozens of other Boston area colleges , Boston College's beautiful campus is distinguished by its attractive Gothic architecture. The Jesuit, Catholic college has a partnership with St. Ignatius Church.
• Student/Faculty Ratio: 11:1
• Athletics: The Boston College Eagles compete in the NCAA Division I Atlantic Coast Conference .
• Highlights: BC's undergraduate business program is strong, and the school was awarded a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for its strengths in the liberal arts and sciences. The university ranks among the nation's top Catholic universities .

Acceptance Rate

During the 2018-19 academic admissions cycle, Boston College had an acceptance rate of 27%. This means that for every 100 students who applied, 27 students were admitted, making Boston College's admissions process highly competitive.

SAT Scores and Requirements

Boston College requires that all applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 60% of admitted students submitted SAT scores.

This admissions data tells us that most of Boston College's admitted students fall within the top 20% nationally on the SAT. For the evidence-based reading and writing section, 50% of students admitted to Boston College scored between 660 and 730, while 25% scored below 660 and 25% scored above 730. On the math section, 50% of admitted students scored between 680 and 770, while 25% scored below 680 and 25% scored above 770. Applicants with a composite SAT score of 1500 or higher will have particularly competitive chances at Boston College.

Requirements

Boston College does not require the optional SAT essay section. Note that Boston College participates in the scorechoice program, which means that the admissions office will consider your highest score from each individual section across all SAT dates. At BC, SAT Subject tests are optional.

ACT Scores and Requirements

Boston College requires that all applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 56% of admitted students submitted ACT scores.

This admissions data tells us that most of Boston College's admitted students fall within the top 5% nationally on the ACT. The middle 50% of students admitted to Boston College received a composite ACT score between 31 and 34, while 25% scored above 34 and 25% scored below 31.

Boston College does not require the ACT writing section. Note that BC participates in the scorechoice program, which means that the admissions office will combine your highest score from each individual subtest across all ACT dates.

In 2019, the average GPA of Boston College's incoming freshmen class was A/A-.

Self-Reported GPA/SAT/ACT Graph

​ The admissions data in the graph is self-reported by applicants to Boston College. GPAs are unweighted. Find out how you compare to accepted students, see the real-time graph, and calculate your chances of getting in with a free Cappex account.

Admissions Chances

One of the country's top Catholic universities, Boston College has a highly competitive admissions pool with a low acceptance rate and high average GPAs and SAT/ACT scores. However, Boston College, like nearly all highly selective colleges and universities, has a holistic admissions process involving other factors beyond your grades and test scores. A strong application essay and glowing letters of recommendation can strengthen your application, as can participation in meaningful extracurricular activities and a rigorous course schedule . Students with particularly compelling stories or achievements can still receive serious consideration even if their grades and test scores are outside of Boston College's average range.

To apply, students must use the  Common Application or the Questbridge Application and complete the BC writing supplement. Boston College has an Early Decision program that can improve admission chances for students who are sure the university is their top choice school. Students with interests in studio art, music, or theater can use Slide Room to upload files of their visual or performing art to the Common Application. Note that interviews are not part of the Boston College application process. 

All admissions data has been sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics and Boston College Undergraduate Admissions Office .

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College Intel

Boston College Admissions

Boston College was once described by  The New York Times  as a university on a mission to become “ the nation’s Catholic intellectual powerhouse ,” and “the center for the study of Roman Catholic theology in the United States.” With its $3.3 billion dollar endowment and its status as a leading Jesuit institution of higher learning, BC has arguably attained this lofty mission. Not only has the private research university drawn the likes of former Secretary of the Treasury Alicia Munnell and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate John Hume as faculty, but former Secretary of State John Kerry, CEO of CVS Health Karen Lynch, and actress and comedian Amy Poehler are all alumni. Depending on who you ask, such alumni are called either “Eagles” (in reference to the prestigious Division I athletics program’s mascot) or “Heightsmen and Heightswomen” (which stems from campus’ nickname, The Heights).

Most undergraduates enroll in the Robert J. Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences, which is the oldest of BC’s schools and programs. Other programs accepting undergraduates include The James A. Woods, S.J. College of Advancing Studies for students following nontraditional academic paths, and the Carroll School of Management, one of the most rigorous and highly-ranked undergraduate business programs in the country. The William F. Connell School of Nursing and the Carolyn A. and Peter S. Lynch School of Education and Human Development also run undergraduate programs. Associate degrees will soon be offered by the newly-minted Messina College, a two-year residential program, beginning in the 2024-25 academic year. And don’t let the “College” moniker fool you, Boston College also operates graduate schools for law, theology & ministry, and social work.

For Boston College’s Class of 2027, 36,525 students applied, but only 15% were admitted, the lowest acceptance rate in the school’s history .

The Boston College Core Curriculum  is shared among all undergraduates to “acquire a common intellectual foundation” across the student body. Coursework is required in the following disciplines: “Arts,” “Cultural Diversity,” “History,” “Literature,” “Mathematics,” “Natural Science,” “Philosophy,” “Social Sciences,” “Theology,” and “Writing.” By taking a “Complex Problems and Enduring Questions” course, taught by two faculty from different departments to encourage an interdisciplinary exploration of the subject material, students can satisfy two core requirements at once.

In 1863, Boston College’s charter was formally approved by the state of Massachusetts after decades of opposition from Boston’s Protestant establishment. The school initially served the city’s growing Irish immigrant population, and the first curriculum was strictly Jesuit, with required coursework in the Classics, philosophy, and Christian theology. In the 20th century, BC moved to its current location in gorgeous Chestnut Hill. A registered historic district, the main campus has buildings in the Gothic Revival style and houses a two million volume library system with some of the largest collections of Jesuit historical manuscripts in the United States.

If one were to arrive on campus today, one would find a spirited student body composed of an elite cache of learners who bring their talents to  The Heights , the student-run newspaper,  The Stylus , the undergraduate literary magazine, and the Cross and Crown Honor Society, for seniors who have distinguished themselves with academic prowess and leadership. If one attended a highly-anticipated game of the men’s hockey or women’s lacrosse teams, both of which have brought home national championships, one might hear everyone sing along to “For Boston,” the university’s fight song (and the first college fight song in U.S. history!).

Boston College has been no exception to the recent decline in acceptance rates for elite institutions in the United States. 5,511 applicants were accepted to the Class of 2027 from a pool of 36,525. This 15% acceptance rate was the lowest in the school’s history and is over twice as low as the Class of 2021 acceptance rate, which stood at 32%. According to  Boston College Admissions , the BC experience is composed of a blend of “liberal arts,” “Jesuit, Catholic tradition,” and a “formative education” that cultivates holistic personal growth. Prospective applicants should consider that demonstrating an investment in Jesuit values, regardless of one’s own faith, is integral to crafting a competitive application. If you’re wondering how to best go about conveying your spiritual character, consulting with Ivy Coach will answer all of your questions and take you one step closer to sporting the school’s signature maroon and gold!

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• Department of English

Department of English / Department of English is located in Boston, MA, in an urban setting.

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PhD in English

The English Department offers small graduate seminars in a variety of fields and topics each term. Students may also take approved courses in other Tufts departments, as well as enroll in classes in a consortium of schools that includes Boston College, Boston University, and Brandeis University, and in the interdisciplinary Consortium for Graduate Studies in Gender, Culture, Women, and Sexuality (GCWS) located at MIT. After undergoing supervised training to help them master the necessary skills, our PhD students gain valuable teaching experience, designing and offering their own courses as Graduate Instructors in Tufts' First-Year Writing Program. The Experimental College and the OSHER Program for Lifelong Learning provide additional opportunities for students to design and teach courses at Tufts. The strong training in pedagogy that the department provides and the experience our students gain as classroom instructors prepares our PhD candidates well for a competitive job market. Our recent PhD recipients have secured faculty positions, including on the tenure-track, as well as other academic positions, such as directing a writing center and in college and independent school administration. Our students have also been successful in winning prestigious post-doctoral fellowships, including multi-year teaching fellowships.

Program Requirements and Policies

Students entering with a BA will normally be evaluated and receive their MA after two years of classes.

Foreign Language Requirements

Students must demonstrate reading knowledge in  one approved foreign language  to receive a PhD in English at Tufts. Satisfaction of the Foreign Language Requirement should occur by the end of the third year, and may be completed by examination, by course, or any combination of the two. Graduate students may satisfy the language requirement by passing a two-hour examination in a foreign language. Exams are coordinated through the Office of the Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and are offered in September, January and April each year. Contact the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences  to make arrangements for taking an exam.  Native speakers of a language other than English may petition to waive the requirement by affirming that the language in question is relevant to their proposed area of doctoral study and by submitting relevant transcripts. Passing a course in "Reading Knowledge" will also be accepted as fulfillment of the foreign language requirement. Tufts offers two such courses, "French for Reading Knowledge" and "German for Reading Knowledge," which are only available during Summer Session. Boston University makes similar courses available to Tufts students during the academic year. Students may also present appropriate evidence of competence achieved in a foreign language in another graduate program.

Oral Examinations

During the semester after coursework is complete, students study for and take a two-hour oral comprehensive examination. No standardized list of texts is issued for this examination. Each student selects six fields from those below for which they will generate a set of works in consultation with faculty for the examination. One of the six fields may be a "special topic," which students design in collaboration with a member of the faculty.

• Old English Literature
• Medieval Literature
• Sixteenth-Century English Literature
• Seventeenth-Century British Literature
• Eighteenth-Century British Literature
• American Literature Before 1820
• Nineteenth-Century British Literature
• Nineteenth-Century American Literature
• Twentieth-Century British Literature or Twentieth-Century British and Irish Literature
• Twentieth-Century American Literature
• Twentieth and Twenty-First Century Global Anglophone Literature (other than British or North American)
• Twenty-First Century Transatlantic (British, Irish, and American) Literatures
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These PhD Program Profiles offer statistical portraits across key metrics, which we hope will provide prospective Boston University PhD students a clear sense of the program or programs in which they are interested. We aim to give prospective students a sense of the probability that they will be admitted, how long it is likely to take them to complete the program if they matriculate, what jobs might await them upon receipt of their PhD and so forth.

Each profile showcases a brief description of the program, and five-year (or more) trend data on: applications and offers, selectivity, entering cohort size, sex and ethnicity demographics, attrition rate, cumulative completion rate, median time to degree, and five- and ten-year out graduate employment outcomes.

Please note: Some of the profiles will reflect missing data in some categories. Missing data can be attributed to insufficient data for reporting purposes, data suppression in instances where low numbers make it impossible to ensure individual student confidentiality, or where data is not available for some reason.

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Northeastern’s acceptance rate for Boston campus drops to 5.2% 

With its acceptance rate now in the single digits, northeastern is among the most competitive colleges in the country..

By Abby Patkin

Northeastern University ’s acceptance rate dropped to a record low of 5.2% for the fall admissions cycle, the latest development in a yearslong transformation that has turned the former commuter school into an increasingly competitive global powerhouse . 

The 2024 rate marks a notable dip from just four years ago, when Northeastern admitted 20.5% of applicants for the fall of 2020, data from the university shows. Flash back to the fall of 2010, and Northeastern’s acceptance rate was an even loftier 37.9%.

Now in the single digits, Northeastern is among some of the most competitive schools in the country; by comparison, Harvard College accepted 3.6% of applicants this year, while Brown University matched Northeastern at 5.2%, The Boston Globe previously reported. 

More on Northeastern:

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Family of student seriously injured in fall sues northeastern sorority, northeastern university announces merger with new york’s marymount manhattan college.

Northeastern’s undergraduate applicants also hit a record high this year, with the university taking in 98,373 applications for the fall — a 53% increase from 2020, according to Northeastern Global News . Speaking to the university news site, Satyajit Dattagupta, Northeastern’s chief enrollment officer and senior vice chancellor, pointed to the college’s unique programming as a factor. 

“The Northeastern education is unparalleled — the ability to study at a premier R1 research institution that has the ability to send students all over the world to gather professional experiences before they graduate,” Dattagupta told NGN. “This unique value proposition leads to clear and measurable outcomes for families.”

Northeastern has also worked to expand its global footprint in recent years; back in May, the university announced a merger agreement that will add New York City’s Marymount Manhattan College to its network of 13 campuses. 

However, the 2024 acceptance rate reflects only the students admitted to Northeastern’s Boston campus, college spokesperson Renata Nyul said in a statement. That practice, she explained, is standard in higher education and “consistent with federal reporting guidelines – and the practice of other universities with alternative entry programs.” 

As an example of Northeastern’s “first-year pathway” options, Nyul cited the university’s N.U.in program , which gives students the opportunity to study abroad their first semester before joining the Boston campus in January. 

“As we continue to build the global university system, we are able to provide first-year students with even more opportunities to enter Northeastern,” Nyul said. 

But the cornerstone of Northeastern’s brand is its co-op model, which allows students to explore potential career paths and pick up full-time work experience before they graduate. Proponents say the experiential learning gives graduates a boost in the job market, and Northeastern reports that 93% of its alumni are employed or enrolled in graduate school nine months after graduation, per a multi-year average.

“You leave Northeastern with a diploma and a resume, and typically a really good job option,” Rob Swisher, the father of a Northeastern student, recently told the Globe . “As a parent paying tuition, it’s a nice deal.”

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BC experiences record year in undergraduate admission

University admits the most highly qualified, diverse class in school history

In a year in which it received a record number of applications for the incoming first-year class, Boston College continued to solidify its status as one of the country’s most selective universities.

The University received 40,477 applications—the most in its history—for the Class of 2026, and admitted just 16 percent of all applicants.

The percentage of admitted students at BC is half of what it was only five years ago, when the admit rate for the Class of 2021 (with 28,454 applications) was 32 percent.  Just three years ago, the admit rate for the Class of 2023 was 27 percent with 35,500 applications, a record at that time.

This year, admitted students averaged 1510 on the SAT, yet another milestone for BC, and 34 on the ACT.  Sixty-seven percent of admitted students submitted standardized test scores with their applications, even as BC, like many elite colleges and universities, made them optional.

AHANA students represent 42 percent of admitted students in the Class of 2026, which had applicants from all 50 states, as well as Washington, D.C., three United States territories, and 82 countries. Nine percent are international students, and 11 percent are first-generation students.

Grant Gosselin

Director of Undergraduate Admission Grant Gosselin said the COVID-19 pandemic has unquestionably affected recruitment, admission, and enrollment throughout higher education, and the full impact has yet to be fully realized or understood. But the recent trends in selectivity at BC can be partially attributed to the “convergence of two key policy decisions,” he said.

“One is the introduction of BC’s Early Decision program, which was implemented three years ago,” explained Gosselin. “With Early Decision, applicants identify themselves as strong candidates for BC’s distinctive education and commit to enrolling, if admitted. We have attracted extraordinary candidates via Early Decision who comprise approximately half of this incoming class.

“The other factor was our decision to adopt a test-optional admission plan during the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 admission cycles, as did many other highly selective institutions. This has contributed to an increase in the number of students considering an application to highly competitive universities like Boston College. However, given the increase in the percentage of admitted students submitting scores, and the increases in those scores, we have every reason to believe that the degree of academic excellence among our undergraduates will continue to rise.

“In the end, BC is getting more ‘best-fit’ students than ever in our applicant pool, who see themselves as aligning with BC expectations and values.”

This month, Gosselin and his Undergraduate Admission colleagues are presenting a range of in-person visit opportunities for admitted students, who have until May 1 to accept enrollment offers. The office hosts Admitted Eagle Days for students admitted via Regular Decision. All admitted students—including those who have already enrolled via Early Decision—are invited to attend in-person programs on select weekdays in April, BC’s class visit program “Eagle for a Day,” as well as a range of virtual program offerings.

“Our role is to help counsel students to make an informed decision about enrolling,” said Gosselin. “It’s been challenging the last couple of years: Two years ago, we had to go to an all-virtual format for our events. Last year, we were able to have a limited number of in-person events, which were all outdoors. We’re glad now to be at a point where we can provide the full array of tools and resources for this critical step in a student’s college selection.”

Sean Smith | University Communications | April 2022

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