A new way to tour BC
A typical BC tour can feel impersonal, leaving you with more questions than answers. You’re just a face in the crowd following a scripted tour led by a guide the school assigns you.
SchoolScoops offers private Boston College tours tailored to your interests. Choose your own BC student tour guide and enjoy a personalized campus visit where you'll get candid answers to your questions.
SchoolScoops is the more personal way to tour Boston College
Private and personalized BC tours
On a traditional Boston College campus tour you’re just a number in a big group. With SchoolScoops, you can book a private Boston College tour led by a real BC student, giving you a personalized campus visit and the chance to ask all the questions that are important to you.
Choose your own tour guide
Unlike a traditional Boston College campus tour, SchoolScoops lets you choose your own tour guide. Whether you want to meet an engineering major, a student-athlete or a fellow transfer student, you'll get authentic insights and advice from someone who truly gets you.
No scripts, just scoops
Traditional Boston College campus tours are essentially a sales pitch—the tour guide works for the school and their job is to show you the highlights. SchoolScoops guides don’t work for their school, so there’s no sales pitch—just honest, unfiltered advice about the BC experience.
Find out if BC is the school for you
Choosing where to go to college is a major decision and a huge investment. A private BC tour helps you decide if Boston College is the right fit for your academic goals, career ambitions and college experience.
Can't make it to campus?
Book a 1-on-1 video chat with a BC student for personalized insights. Learn about academics, campus culture, and life in Chestnut Hill without leaving home.
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Real feedback on student-led campus tours
Get to know Boston College
Boston College is a highly regarded private Jesuit university known for academic excellence in the liberal arts, sciences, business, and humanities. Rooted in a commitment to ethical leadership, service, and social justice, Boston College offers a values-driven education within a traditional residential campus just outside Boston. Students who join Boston College tours or take a Boston College campus tour experience a close-knit academic community with strong school spirit and national reputation.
Overview
Founded in 1863, Boston College is a private Catholic university located in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, approximately six miles west of downtown Boston. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs across nine schools and colleges. A Boston College campus tour introduces prospective students to academic buildings, residence halls, libraries, and the university’s iconic Gothic architecture.
Size
Boston College enrolls approximately 15,287 students, including about 9,982 undergraduates and 5,305 graduate students. Despite its size, Boston College campus tours highlight a strong sense of community supported by small class sizes, residential life, and faculty engagement.
Acceptance rate
The Boston College acceptance rate is approximately 16%, with an early decision acceptance rate closer to 28%. Admitted students typically present strong academic records, with middle 50% SAT scores between 1430–1510 or ACT scores between 33–34. Participating in Boston College campus tours can help applicants better understand admissions expectations and campus culture.
Cost
The Boston College cost reflects its status as a private institution. For the 2024 academic year, undergraduate tuition is approximately $69,400, with total cost of attendance higher when housing and meals are included. Around half of undergraduates receive financial aid, with an average need-based scholarship exceeding $47,000. Guides on Boston College tours often discuss affordability, scholarships, and financial aid options.
Ranking
In national evaluations, Boston College ranking placements consistently reflect its academic strength. According to U.S. News & World Report, Boston College ranks #37 among National Universities and is widely regarded as a top private university in the United States.
Academics
Boston College academics include more than 70 undergraduate majors and a wide range of graduate programs across its nine schools and colleges. With a student-to-faculty ratio of approximately 10:1, students benefit from small class sizes and close interaction with professors. A Boston College campus tour highlights classrooms, research facilities, and libraries such as Bapst Library.
Traditions
Boston College traditions are central to campus identity and school spirit. Signature traditions include the Red Bandanna Game, Screaming Eagles Marching Band performances, the BC Fight Song, Senior Week, and Commencement celebrations. Experiencing these moments during Boston College tours offers insight into student life and Jesuit values.
Campus landmarks
Notable Boston College campus landmarks include Gasson Hall, Bapst Library, St. Mary’s Chapel, Burns Library, Alumni Stadium, and the university’s Gothic-style architecture. A Boston College campus tour brings these historic spaces to life.
Student body
The Boston College student body is geographically diverse, with more than 70% of students coming from outside Massachusetts. Students represent states across the U.S., including New York, California, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Campus tours at Boston College provide insight into student life, residential culture, and community values.
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Become a guideYour Boston College questions, answered
What GPA do you need to get into Boston College?
Competitive applicants typically have GPAs around 4.0 on a weighted scale, along with strong coursework. Boston College admissions are holistic, but academic rigor is a key factor.
Is Boston College a good school?
Yes. Boston College is widely regarded as a strong private university with high academic standards, excellent faculty, and a values-based education rooted in Jesuit tradition.
Is Boston College an Ivy League school?
Boston College is not part of the Ivy League. However, it is often compared to Ivy-adjacent schools due to its selectivity, academics, and national reputation.
Is Boston College religious?
Boston College is a Catholic, Jesuit university. While faith-based traditions are present, students of all backgrounds and beliefs are welcomed.
Is Boston College test optional?
Boston College has adopted test-optional policies in recent admissions cycles. Applicants should review the current admissions requirements when applying.
Does Boston College have early action or early decision?
Yes. Boston College offers Early Decision I and Early Decision II options. These plans are binding and typically have higher acceptance rates than Regular Decision.
How hard is it to get into Boston College?
Boston College is considered moderately to highly selective, with an acceptance rate around 16%. Admissions competitiveness varies by applicant pool and academic profile.
How far is Boston College from Boston?
Boston College is located about six miles west of downtown Boston in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, with access to the city via public transportation.
Can students live off campus at Boston College?
Yes. Many Boston College students live off campus during their junior and senior years. Housing policies and availability are often discussed during Boston College campus tours.
How can you take a campus tour of Boston College?
Prospective students can join Boston College campus tours through the admissions office or book an in-person, personalized campus tour through SchoolScoops, led by a current Boston College student. These student-led tours provide a more flexible, one-on-one way to explore campus life.
Does Boston College offer private campus tours?
Yes. Through SchoolScoops, students can book private Boston College tours led by a current student guide for a personalized campus experience.
Interested in other schools?
SchoolScoops also offers tours and video chats at many other schools
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