Boston University Application Deadlines: Key Dates for 2026-2027

The Boston University application deadline is November 2 for Early Decision I (ED I) and January 5 for Early Decision II (ED II) and Regular Decision (RD). Meanwhile, the transfer deadline is March 15 for fall semester entry and November 2 for spring semester applicants. Financial aid deadlines depend on your application plan and whether you’re applying for need-based or merit-based aid.

Getting into Boston University is a combination of putting together a competitive application and knowing when deadlines are so you can submit on time. In this blog, we’ll break down the important deadlines for the 2026-2027 application cycle.

• When Is the Boston University Application Deadline?
• Boston University Transfer Application Deadline
• Boston University Financial Aid Application Deadline
• Beat the Boston University Application Deadline with Expert Help
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

When Is the Boston University Application Deadline?

Boston University offers three routes for first-year applicants, which end in only two different deadlines:

Source: Boston University Admissions

If you’re applying to Music or Theatre programs through ED II or RD, prescreenings are December 1. If you would also like to be considered for the Presidential Scholarship, you must submit your application by December 1.

Boston University Early Decision deadline

Boston University’s ED I deadline is November 2, 2026, while the ED II deadline is January 5, 2027. BU is test-optional until spring 2029. However, if you choose to submit your test scores, you must take the ACT no later than October, or the SAT no later than November for ED I. For ED II, the last day of testing must be December.

Both ED I and ED II are binding, meaning if you’re accepted, you’ll have to commit to enrolling at Boston University and withdraw your applications to other schools.

Boston University Regular Decision deadline

Boston University’s RD deadline is January 5, 2027, the same day as ED II. RD is non-binding, giving you the freedom to apply to other schools with no restrictions.

Already submitted? See when Boston University decisions come out

What can you do once you’ve submitted your application? Check our guide on when Boston University decisions come out to see notification dates and help plan your next steps depending on the results you receive.

Boston University Transfer Application Deadline

Boston University’s transfer application deadline is March 15, 2027 for Fall Entry, and November 2, 2026 for Spring Entry.

However, if you’re an applicant to the School of Theatre and School of Music applying for the fall semester, BU highly recommends submitting your application by January 1 to allow for the preparation and scheduling of auditions and interviews.

Boston University Financial Aid Application Deadline

Boston University has several deadlines for need-based financial aid:

Source: Boston University Financial Assistance

BU offers merit scholarships for both prospective freshmen and transfer students. However, they have different deadlines and requirements from need-based aid, so it’s best to check their database for more information.

Beat the Boston University Application Deadline with Expert Help

Juggling academics and extracurriculars with putting together the components of your application while keeping an eye out on deadlines can be overwhelming.

If you feel like you need to help make sure your application ends up competitive for BU, AdmissionSight’s Standard College Counseling program helps you keep track of everything. A dedicated advisor also supports you in all stages of the process, from building your school list to giving your application a final check before you submit on your chosen deadline.

But if you don’t need full-cycle support, our Ad Hoc Consulting option allows you to book one-off sessions to help you with a specific part of your application, whether how to best present your activity list or polishing your essays.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What if I miss the Boston University application deadline?

If you miss Boston University’s ED I deadline, you can still apply through ED II or RD, which gives you more time to strengthen your application. But if you miss that deadline as well, you’ll have to wait until the next admissions cycle opens in August.

2. Can I apply to other schools if I choose Boston University Early Decision?

Yes, but only through RD, non-restrictive EA, or rolling admissions. You can’t apply through REA or ED. However, if you were deferred or denied from another school through ED I, you can apply through BU’s ED II.

3. Can I request a Boston University application deadline extension?

No, you typically can’t request an application deadline extension from Boston University. Because of that, aim to submit your application at least a day before the deadline in case you encounter technical problems.

4. When is the Boston University financial aid deadline?

Boston University’s financial aid deadline for need-based aid is November 2 for ED I and transfer for Spring Entry, January 5 for ED II and RD, and March 15 for transfer for Fall Entry. Merit scholarships have their own deadlines.

5. When is the Boston University transfer application deadline?

The Boston University transfer deadline is March 15 for Fall Entry and November 2 for Spring Entry.

Takeaways

• Boston University’s application deadline is November 2 for ED I and January 5 for ED II and RD.
• The transfer deadline is March 15 for Fall Entry applicants and November 2 for Spring Entry applicants.
• Financial aid deadlines for need-based aid are November 2 for ED I and transfer for Spring Entry, January 5 for ED II and RD, and March 15 for transfer for Fall Entry. Merit scholarships have different deadlines.
• Still deciding which application plan to choose or already building your application? Working with a college admissions expert can help you choose the right route and finish a competitive application before the deadline.