Standardized Tests

Self-Reported Test Scores

You can self-report your Standardized Test scores or report tests you plan to take in the Standardized Tests section. Some of the programs you apply to may require you to report certain test scores; be sure to check with your programs to ensure you are completing all requirements.

Note that self-reporting your scores is not the same as providing official scores to your programs. If your programs require official test scores, see below for more information.

Add a Test Score

  1. Navigate to the Standardized Tests section.
  2. Find the test you took in the list and click Add Test Score.
  3. Select Yes under Have you taken the test. In some cases, you may only be able to enter scores for certain tests.
  4. Enter the date you took the test.
  5. Enter all applicable scores and test ID, if applicable.
  6. Click Save This Test.

After submitting your application, you can continue to add new test entries to this section, but you cannot update or delete previous entries.

Add a Planned Test

  1. Navigate to the Standardized Tests section.
  2. Find the test you took in the list and click Add Test Score. In some cases, you may only be able to enter scores for certain tests.
  3. Select No under Have you taken the test.
  4. Enter the date you plan to take the test.
  5. Enter your test ID, if applicable.
  6. Click Save This Test.

Submitting Your Official GRE/GRE Subject Scores

Official GRE Scores are submitted electronically to BU Graduate School of Arts and Sciences directly from ETS using the GRE code #3087 (no department or major field code is required).

Official GRE scores from ETS can be received at any point during the application cycle, even after your application is submitted. Note, however, that some programs may require scores be posted by a specific date; check with your programs to ensure you meet all deadline requirements.

To request your official GRE scores:

  1. Provide code #3087 to ETS and request that your scores be released. Check with ETS about their turnaround and processing times (which generally take 10-12 business days).
  2. After ETS processing, scores are sent to BU Graduate School of Arts and Sciences in batches and then posted to applications every 2-3 days. Only scores that you requested using code #3087 will post to your application. You can view scores attached to your application in the Standardized Tests section of the Check Status tab.
  3. Once your official GRE scores are attached to your application, they cannot be removed.

It's your responsibility to follow up on any missing GRE scores in a timely manner. If your scores are not posted within ETS's processing period, contact ETS and ask which batch number your scores were sent in. Then, contact application support to provide them with this batch number. We will use this information to determine if we have received the batch and locate your scores, if possible. If your scores aren't found, we'll contact ETS to troubleshoot.

Note: if your name or date of birth appears differently on your GRE than it does on your application, your scores will not automatically post to your account. This often happens with applicants with hyphens, apostrophes, etc., in their names. Wait until ETS processes the scores, then contact application support so we can manually connect the scores to your application.

Submitting Your Official IELTS Scores

Official IELTS scores are submitted electronically to Boston University directly from IELTS (run by British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge English). Paper copies are not accepted.

Official IELTS scores can be received by Boston University at any point during the application cycle, even after your application is submitted; however, some programs may have a deadline by which they want your scores posted. Once your official IELTS scores are attached to your application, they cannot be removed.

To provide your official IELTS scores:

  1. Self-report your IELTS scores in the Standardized Tests section of the application and include your TRF number. This must be listed for your official scores to be matched to your application.
  2. Based on your test type, go to IELTS and request your scores be released to Boston University Graduate Programs. Check with IELTS about their turnaround and processing times.
    • IELTS In-person Test: contact your IELTS test center to send your scores to BU Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. If you took your IELTS test in the USA and want to send your scores after your test date, submit this online form. If your test center has closed, you can request scores by submitting the Application for additional TRFs (from closed test centres) form. You can request scores up to two years from your test date. Additionally, you can send your scores to up to five organizations for free; additional requests have a small fee. Contact your test center for more details.
    • IELTS Online Test: use the IELTS test taker portal to submit your scores. You can send your scores to as many as organizations as you wish, with no additional fee.
  3. After IELTS processing, scores are sent to Boston University in batches and then posted to applications daily. You can view scores attached to your application in the Standardized Tests section of the Check Status tab.

It is your responsibility to follow up on any missing IELTS scores in a timely manner. Before contacting BU Graduate School of Arts and Sciences application support, first confirm if and when IELTS sent your scores to Boston University Graduate Programs.

Note: if your name or date of birth appears differently on your IELTS than it does on your BU Graduate School of Arts and Sciences application, your scores will not automatically post to your account. This often happens with applicants with hyphens, apostrophes, etc., in their names. Wait until IELTS processes the scores, then contact application support so they can manually connect the scores to your application.

Submitting Your Official TOEFL Scores

Official TOEFL iBT and TOEFL iBT Home Edition scores are both accepted. Go to https://www.ets.org/toefl.html and request your scores be sent to BU Graduate School of Arts and Sciences using code #3087. It takes approximately 10-12 business days from the date you make the request to post to your application.

Make sure that the name and date of birth on your application match that on your TOEFL exam; otherwise, your scores will not automatically post to your account. If you believe there may be a discrepancy, wait until ETS processes the scores, then contact application support so they can manually connect the scores to your application.

Note that your application will not be delayed if you haven't yet taken the TOEFL. Your programs can view your scores once they are received. Note, however, that some programs may require scores be posted by a specific date; check with your programs to ensure you meet all deadline requirements.

Submitting Your Duolingo Scores

If you have a Duolingo test, select Boston University Graduate & Professional Programs as a score recipient.

After you submit your BU Graduate School of Arts and Sciences application, email a copy of your Duolingo certificate to GRS Admissions at grsphd@bu.edu (for PhD and MFA applicants) or grsmams@bu.edu (for MA and MS applicants) and use the subject line "Duolingo." Include the following information in the email:

  • First and last name
  • CAS ID (10 digits, found in the upper right corner of the application)
  • Duolingo exam date
  • Program name