Bates College vs Boston University

Bates College is the more selective of the two at 14%, versus 14% at Boston University. Here is how they compare on selectivity, test scores, and what they weigh, plus a free way to estimate your odds at each.

Bates College
Highly selective
14%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1470
Private · Maine
Boston University
Highly selective
14%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1500
Private · Massachusetts

Bates College vs Boston University: the differences that matter

How Bates College and Boston University stack up on selectivity, scores, and what they value.

Bates College and Boston University are almost equally selective (14% vs 14%), so neither is a clear safety relative to the other. Your odds at each come down to fit, not headline difficulty.

The two also read applications a little differently. Bates College leans more on recommendations, talent / ability, volunteer work, while Boston University puts more weight on a similar mix of factors. The same profile can land differently at each, which is why a per-school estimate matters more than a single GPA.

On test scores, Bates College's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1470 and Boston University's is around 1500. Admitted students at Boston University post somewhat higher scores. Run your own numbers below to see where you stand at each.

What each school weighs

Factors either school weighs heavily, side by side.

FactorBates CollegeBoston University
Rigor of secondary school recordvery importantvery important
Academic GPAvery importantvery important
Application essayvery importantvery important
Recommendationsvery importantimportant
Extracurricular activitiesimportantimportant
Talent / abilityimportantconsidered
Character / personal qualitiesvery importantvery important
Volunteer workimportantconsidered
Calculate your chances at both →

Frequently asked questions

Is Bates College or Boston University harder to get into?

Bates College is harder to get into, with a 14% acceptance rate versus 14% at Boston University.

What's the difference in SAT scores between Bates College and Boston University?

Bates College's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1470, and Boston University's is around 1500.

What are my chances at Bates College and Boston University?

That depends on your full profile. CollegeCalcAI gives a free, personalized estimate for each school in a few minutes.