International Application
Attention
International Applications require additional materials beyond the standard application materials. Please review the following requirements.
Video Requirement
All international students (non-US citizens) must submit a three-minute video as described below:
State your name and your intended major. Answer each of the following questions:
- How do you plan to advance your community as a result of your study in the field of communications?
- Discuss a significant person in your life and describe the ways in which you have been influenced (positively/negatively and why).
- If you were to describe where you grew up to someone who hadn't visited there before, what would you highlight?
The video should be in DVD format OR you may submit as a video on a CD (Windows Media Player). It must be unedited and unscripted. You should not memorize or read your answers.
Make sure to label your video/CD with your name and your intended major before you send it to the College of Communication.
Do not exceed the three-minute time limit.
Videos/CDs will not be returned.
GRE and TOEFL
TOEFL
Students who have studied at a NON-English speaking school must take the GRE and the TOEFL.
TOEFL test breakdown:
- Paper TOEFL (PBT) -- minimum score 600
- Computer based TOEFL -- minimum score 250
Both are firm minimum scores.
iBT TOEFL:
Since all four components of the iBT TOEFL test are critical to students in the College of Communication we will require the following of our applicants.
- Listening: 25 (max. of 30)
- Reading: 25 (max. of 30)
- Speaking: 25 (max. of 30)
- Writing: 25 (max. of 30)
iBT (internet based TOEFL). We require a total score of 100 or higher on the iBT. We suggest that an applicant receive a minimum of 25 in each of the four categories. However, if the applicant has achieved a total score of 100 we will consider the application. Any score lower than 25 in a category may adversely affect the application. Scores below 100 on the iBT will not be considered for admission.
Please note: Students who have studied at an English-speaking school must only take the GRE.
Additionally, all applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents must submit an International Student Data Form. We are unable to offer full scholarships or tuition waivers for international students so this form is needed to confirm that applicants have the necessary financial support to meet all expenses for the duration of the program. The student's visa will not be issued without this information. Please note: we do not need this form unless you are admitted.
In addition to the application requirements, students who studied at a non-English speaking school must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) (institution Code 3245, Department Code 83), attaining a minimum score of 600 (paper based), 250 computer based or 100 total on the internet based TOEFL, in addition to the GRE. Information on these tests may be obtained at U.S. embassies and consulates, information agency offices, education commissions and foundations, binational centers, or by writing directly to:
Educational Testing Service
P.O. Box 6151
Princeton NJ 08541
Test results should be mailed directly to:
Office of Graduate Services
College of Communication
640 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
All international students enrolled at Boston University are required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language in order that they may profit fully from their academic programs.