Boston College's Acceptance Results for the Class of 2029
Arkesh P.
Chief Operating Officer
Summary
Boston College has completed its admissions cycle for the Class of 2029 with a 12.6% acceptance rate, another record low. Early decision applications are up, but ED acceptance rates still offer a statistical advantage. Crimson experts offer a full breakdown and share advice to help students aspiring to be top applicants.
Boston College admitted roughly 5,000 students from a pool of 39,681 applicants, resulting in a 12.6% acceptance rate and marking two consecutive years of record-low acceptance rates.
Class of 2029 Overview
| Admission Round | Applicants | Admitted | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Decision I (ED1) | ~3,200 | ~1,000 | ~31% |
| Regular Decision (RD) | ~36,481 | ~4,000 | ~11% |
| Overall | 39,681 | ~5,000 | 12.6% |
Key Trends and Insights
- The total number of applicants increased to 39,681 for the Class of 2029, more than last year's 35,475, but falling short of the record-high 40,477 applicants to the Class of 2026.
- The overall acceptance rate hit an all-time low of 12.6%, down from 14.7% last year and continuing a long-term trend.
- Early Decision applications were up roughly 14%, with approximately 3,200 students applying ED1 to the Class of 2029, compared to 2,808 last year.
Broader Admissions Trends:
- Pandemic-Era Rise in Applications: Applications to Boston College jumped roughly 35% beginning with the Class of 2025, resulting in a significant drop in the acceptance rate, down to 19% for the Class of 2025, compared to 23.4% the previous year.
- ED Advantage: Applying ED to Boston College can offer applicants a statistical advantage. In fact, the ED acceptance rate for the Class of 2029 was almost 3x higher than the Regular Decision rate.
- Fluctuations Influenced by External Factors: Acceptance rates and application totals can vary due to external influences such as policy changes, global events (e.g., COVID-19), or targeted recruitment efforts. Boston College adopted a test-optional admissions policy beginning with admission to the Class of 2025. This year, despite the test-optional policy, 74% of students submitted test scores.
The admissions landscape at Boston College remains exceptionally competitive, demanding applicants have a disciplined approach focused on high academic achievements and meaningful extracurricular involvement. Applicants should also focus on standing out authentically rather than merely fitting into a perceived mold.
Boston College's Regular Decision Acceptance Results
Regular Decision Results: Class of 2029 vs 2028
| Admission Round | Class of 2029 | Class of 2028 | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applications Received | 36,481 | 31,174 | +17% |
| Applications Accepted | ~4,000 | 3,825 | +4.5% |
| RD Acceptance Rate | 11% | 12% | -8% |
The RD acceptance rate fell to 11%, from 12% last year, reflecting increased competition, with the number of RD applications up 17% from last year, rising from 31,174 to 36,481.
Boston College's Early Decision Acceptance Results
Early Decision (ED1) Results: Class of 2029 vs 2028
| Admission Round | Class of 2029 | Class of 2028 | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applications Received | 3,200 | 2,808 | +14% |
| Applications Accepted | ~1,000 | 960 | +4% |
| ED1 Acceptance Rate | ~31.25% | 34.2% | -8.6% |
The number of ED applicants increased significantly, from 2,808 last year to roughly 3,200 this year.
The ED acceptance rate dropped several percentage points, down to 31.25% from last year's 34.2%. This decrease demonstrates increasing selectivity, but also a stark comparison to the much lower. Compared to the much lower RD acceptance rate, however, Boston College's ED rate offers a compelling option.
- Higher Acceptance Rates: Early Decision applicants typically enjoy higher acceptance rates compared to Regular Decision.
- Demonstrated Interest: Applying early shows Boston College your strong interest in joining their academic community.
Historical Trends
The table below provides a snapshot of Boston College's overall acceptance rates over the past four years.
Boston College's Overall Acceptance Rate Trends
| Class of | Total Applications | Accepted Applicants | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2029 | 39,681 | 5,000 | 12.6% |
| 2028 | 35,475 | 5,200 | 14.6% |
| 2027 | 36,525 | 5,645 | 15.5% |
| 2026 | 40,494 | 6,748 | 16.7% |
These historical data demonstrate Boston College's consistently competitive admissions landscape, making it important to present a strong applicant profile and to consider applying ED for an additional advantage.
Final Thoughts
Congratulations to all students admitted to Boston College's Class of 2029 — your achievement reflects remarkable dedication and excellence. For those considering applying to Boston College in the future, the admissions landscape is highly competitive, making strategic preparation essential.
Crimson Education specializes in helping ambitious students navigate this challenging process, with advising for Early Decision and Early Action strategies, and offering students tailored guidance to build compelling applications that reflect their authentic strengths and passions.
If you're a student or parent interested in Boston College or other top universities, speak with one of Crimson Education’s admissions advisors today and start charting your path to success.