Boston College, a top Jesuit university in Massachusetts, released its supplemental essay prompts for the upcoming 2024-2025 application cycle, which will remain the same as last year.
Students applying to BC must respond to one of four possible essay questions unless they’re applying to the Human-Centered Engineering major, in which case they must only respond to prompt #5. The HCE major was launched in Fall 2021, with an emphasis on “experiential learning and application-based course offerings, giving students opportunities to work in collaborative teams and across disciplines to address critical issues in the areas of the environment, health, and energy.”
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TTA Top Tip: Boston College welcomes students of all backgrounds, regardless of religious beliefs. However, as a Jesuit college, it emphasizes core values like justice, care, and collaboration. When responding to BC’s supplemental essay questions, focus on providing thoughtful, personal, and specific answers that highlight how your experiences align with BC’s principles. Use concrete examples to illustrate your points, whether you’re discussing a book recommendation, a challenging conversation, a time you were defined by a “single story,” or an issue of personal concern. Aim to show self-awareness, critical thinking, and a commitment to the greater good, tying your experiences and insights back to the core values of justice, care, and collaboration that Jesuit education promotes.
BOSTON COLLEGE: SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAYS
As mentioned, all applicants, except those applying for the Human-Centered Engineering (HCE) major, should respond to one of prompts #1-4 listed below. Students applying to the HCE major must respond to prompt #5 only. (400 words)
1. Each year at University Convocation, our incoming class engages in reflective dialogue with the author of a common text. What book by a living author would you recommend for your incoming class to read, and why would this be an important shared text?
2. At Boston College, we draw upon the Jesuit tradition of finding worthwhile conversation partners. Some support our viewpoints while others challenge them. Who fulfills this role in your life? Please cite a specific conversation you had where this conversation partner challenged your perspective or you challenged theirs.
3. In her November 2019 Ted Talk, “The Danger of a Single Story,” Chimamanda Ngozi Adichi warned viewers against assigning people a “single story” through assumptions about their nationality, appearance, or background. Discuss a time when someone defined you by a single story. What challenges did this present and how did you overcome them?
4. Boston College’s founding in 1863 was in response to society’s call. That call came from an immigrant community in Boston seeking a Jesuit education to foster social mobility. Still today, the University empowers its students to use their education to address society’s greatest needs. Which of today’s local or global issues is of particular concern to you and how might you use your Boston College education to address it?
5. Human-Centered Engineering (HCE) Applicants only: One goal of a Jesuit education is to prepare students to serve the Common Good. Human-Centered Engineering at Boston College integrates technical knowledge, creativity, and a humanistic perspective to address societal challenges and opportunities. What societal problems are important to you and how will you use your HCE education to solve them?
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APPLYING TO BOSTON COLLEGE?
Are you thinking about applying to Boston College? Confused on how to start writing these essays? Contact us to discuss our Essay Guidance Program or Personal Boot Camp. By working on your applications now, you will be able to reap the benefit of increased odds in the early round of admissions.
Top Tier Admissions is tracking the 2024-2025 supplemental essay prompts for all top schools here — we look forward to supporting you!
Interested in reading more about Boston College?
- Boston College’s Supplemental Essays 2023
- Campus Visits: Boston Colleges & Universities
- Boston College: Acceptance Rates & Statistics
- Get Into Boston College
- What are the Best Jesuit Schools?
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