Boston University vs University of California, Berkeley

Boston University is the more selective of the two at 11%, versus 11% at University of California, Berkeley. Here is how they compare on selectivity, test scores, and what they weigh, plus a free way to estimate your odds at each.

Boston University and University of California, Berkeley are almost equally selective (11% vs 11%), 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. Boston University leans more on standardized test scores, application essay, recommendations, while University of California, Berkeley puts more weight on extracurricular activities, talent / ability, state residency. The same profile can land differently at each, which is why a per-school estimate matters more than a single GPA.

On test scores, Boston University's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1500 and University of California, Berkeley's is around 1530. Admitted students at University of California, Berkeley post somewhat higher scores. Run your own numbers below to see where you stand at each.