Cracking the Code: How to Become a (Slightly Beanie-Obsessed) Boston College Eagle
Ah, Boston College. Home of the legendary maroon and gold, the ever-present threat of a snowball fight in March, and enough lectures on philosophy to make your brain do a happy dance (or maybe that's just the endless cups of coffee). But before you can bleed that glorious Eagles pride, you gotta get in the door first. Buckle up, future scholar, because we're about to navigate the exciting (and sometimes slightly terrifying) world of a Boston College application.
Step 1: Be a Scholar...But Also Be Interesting (Like, Really Interesting)
Boston College loves a good GPA. Think straight A's, maybe with a sprinkling of A+s for good measure. They also want to see you challenge yourself with those tough AP or IB classes (because, let's face it, conquering calculus is way more impressive than acing Candy Crush). But grades are just one piece of the puzzle.
Here's where the interesting bit comes in. What makes YOU tick? Are you a champion jump roper with a secret talent for writing haiku about squirrels? Do you volunteer at the local animal shelter dressed as a giant banana (hey, no judgement)? Let your unique flag fly! Colleges eat this stuff up.
Extra points for: Participating in a debate team that argues about the merits of different pizza toppings (pineapple belongs, fight me!), starting a club devoted to the proper folding of fitted sheets (because seriously, who even knows?), or winning a gold medal in competitive napping (finally, a sport we can all excel at).
Step 2: Standardized Testing: To Test or Not to Test?
Tip: Scroll slowly when the content gets detailed.
This is the age-old question that has plagued high school seniors for decades. The good news? Boston College is now
How Do I Get Into Boston College |
TEST-OPTIONAL
! (Insert celebratory dance here) That means you can choose whether to submit your SAT or ACT scores.But here's the catch: If your GPA isn't setting off fireworks, then a strong test score can be your saving grace. On the other hand, if standardized tests make you break out in hives, then leave those suckers out! The admissions committee will focus more on the other parts of your application that make you, well, you.
Step 3: The Application Essays: Your Time to Shine (Like a Really Bright Disco Ball)
The essays are your chance to tell your story and make the admissions committee laugh (or cry, tears of joy hopefully). Don't just regurgitate your resume here. Be honest, be funny, be YOU.
Tip: Each paragraph has one main idea — find it.
Pro Tip: Don't write about your trip to Disney World. (Unless you somehow managed to discover a hidden portal to Narnia while waiting in line for Space Mountain, then that's a story worth telling).
Step 4: Patience, Grasshopper
The waiting game is no fun. Trust me, I've been there. But while you wait for that acceptance letter, don't spend every waking moment refreshing your email. Distract yourself! Binge that new show everyone's talking about, perfect your sourdough starter recipe, or take up interpretive dance (hey, it could be your next big thing!).
QuickTip: Reread tricky spots right away.
How-To FAQ for Aspiring Eagles
How to: Boost my chances of getting in?
Answer: Show, don't tell! Let your application reflect your passions and accomplishments.
How to: Prepare for the optional standardized tests?
Answer: Practice makes perfect (or at least makes your scores go up). Take some practice tests and identify areas where you can improve.
QuickTip: Look for patterns as you read.
How to: Craft the perfect essay?
Answer: Authenticity is key! Be yourself, write with a clear voice, and tell a story that makes you stand out.
How to: Deal with the application anxiety?
Answer: Deep breaths and healthy distractions! Focus on the things you can control and don't get bogged down by the waiting game.
How to: Celebrate getting into Boston College?
Answer: The most important question! Stock up on maroon and gold gear, perfect your "Let's Go Eagles!" chant, and get ready to experience some of the best years of your life (because trust me, Boston College is pretty darn awesome).