BU essay prompts
2026-27verified Boston University admissions
These are the most recent published prompts. Final 2026-27 supplements typically land by early August.
Why BU
What about being a student at Boston University most excites you?
250 words max · Required
Why BU
What about being a student at Boston University most excites you? (250 words)
250 words max · Required
Community/Circumstance
Reflect on a time when your sense of community, whether it be with your family, neighborhood, school, or other communities, was impacted by a particular event or circumstance. Describe how that experience shaped you. (250 words)
250 words max · Required
About the application
Applies via the Common App.
Make your next draft count.
Common questions
- What are the BU essay prompts for 2026-27?
- BU lists Why BU (1 prompt); Why BU (1 prompt); Community/Circumstance (1 prompt) for 2026-27.
- How many essays does BU require?
- BU requires 3 essays based on the published group instructions for 2026-27. The page lists 3 required and 0 optional prompts.
- What are the word limits for the BU supplemental essays?
- The published word and character limits are 250 words max.