Test-Optional Policy
BUA’s prospective families are our admission office’s top priority. In a year that has already been riddled with unexpected anxieties and unknowns, difficulties with the implementation of at-home standardized testing have added additional, unwarranted stresses to the application process. After much consideration, and out of respect for our applicants, Boston University Academy has decided to remove its standardized testing requirement and become test-optional for the 2020-2021 application cycle only.
Our admission office has always been committed to evaluating the entirety of our applicants’ files, without focusing solely on test scores. However, we recognize that students’ academic accomplishments might not be fully represented in applications this year, as the pandemic has caused disruptions across the education system since early March. Given this reality, we strongly encourage students who have test scores available or can safely take an SSAT this year to submit those scores to our team. Health and safety comes first, so students who are unable to submit testing will not be penalized in the admission process.
If you are unable to submit any testing, our team may follow up with your family in January to request additional information or request that you take a BUA virtual assessment to provide an added data point for our admission committee.
Test Optional FAQS
What does it mean to be test optional?
BUA has moved to a test optional model for the 2020-2021 admission cycle. We understand the complications that the SSAT at-home model has proven, and want to ensure the health and safety of our applicants, especially this year. In response, BUA will no longer require SSAT scores as part of the application.
What role do standardized tests play in the admission process?
Standardized tests have always been one piece of the puzzle, and are not the sole deciding factor for admission. We value our relationship with your family, and have always tried to look beyond testing to gather a more holistic understanding of how your child will succeed at BUA.
I already took the SSAT this year, should I submit my scores?
Yes! We acknowledge that application materials may look different this year because of the pandemic and your relationships with teachers. Knowing that application materials could be thin, we hope to gather as many data points about applicants as possible in order to make comprehensive admission decisions.
Do you still require the TOEFL?
Yes! If English is your second language, and you have been living abroad or in the United States for less than three years, we still require you to submit TOEFL scores as a part of the application process. BUA requires a minimum TOEFL score of 100 to be considered for admission. Official score reports must be sent directly from ETS to the Academy (TOEFL code 4622); more details and registration information is available at www.ets.org/toefl. For more information about international applications, please visit: http://www.buacademy.org/admission/how-to-apply/international-applicants/
I never took the SSAT, but have taken other tests, should I submit those scores?
We encourage your family to submit any standardized testing your child has taken this year (SSAT, HSPT, ISEE, MCAS). We acknowledge that application materials may look different this year because of the pandemic and your relationships with teachers. Knowing that application materials could be thin, we hope to gather as many data points about applicants as possible in order to make comprehensive admission decisions.
Will I be at a disadvantage by not submitting test scores?
No. We understand that access to testing has been especially difficult this year, and we will not penalize students who can not provide standardized test results. Our admission team is committed to assessing every student’s application thoroughly and comprehensively.
Will you require additional testing when assessing my application?
If you are unable to submit any testing, our team may follow up with your family in January to request additional information or request that you take a BUA virtual assessment to provide an added data point for our admission committee.
Do you still require the PSAT, SAT or ACT for applicants applying to grade 11?
No. We strongly encourage applicants applying for admission to grade 11 to submit additional testing, such as the PSAT, SAT or ACT.