Earning an advanced degree produces various benefits, including enhanced career opportunities, increased earning potential, and the ability to develop expertise in your field. When you enroll in a master’s degree program from the Boston College (BC) Woods College of Advancing Studies, you move closer to achieving these advantages and reaching your professional goals. BC Woods College offers industry-relevant programs—like the mixed-format master’s degree programs in applied analytics and applied economics—bolstered by experienced faculty and a supportive alumni network.
This article outlines the key steps and stages of the BC Woods admissions and application process and provides helpful tips on crafting a compelling application. With this information, you can navigate the process confidently and progress toward future success.
Join a Diverse, Supportive Community
Thrive with Guidance from BC’s Dedicated Faculty
Review Admission Requirements and Program Eligibility
The first step in applying to a graduate program is to review the admissions requirements to confirm your eligibility; these typically include a bachelor’s degree and a minimum GPA. To learn more about the requirements for your program of interest, visit the admissions pages for the BC Woods Master of Science in Applied Analytics (MSAA) and Master of Science in Applied Economics (MSAE). Once you confirm that your background aligns with the criteria for your chosen program, you can start planning your application timeline.
Confirm Key Dates and Deadlines
BC Woods’ graduate programs offer flexibility, with multiple start dates each year. Visit the program’s website to find the next start date and application deadline to ensure you stay on track. Check the FAFSA application deadlines if you plan to apply for financial aid. You can start your application once you know your target dates and deadlines.
Start Your Application
Your application to a BC Woods master’s degree program begins when you create an account through the school’s application portal. Once logged in, you can access the application form for your chosen degree program and start uploading your application materials. The portal automatically saves your work so you can start and finish your application at your convenience.
Gather and Submit Required Materials
Application requirements vary among programs; confirm the specific materials needed for your chosen program. BC graduate school applications typically require the following materials:
- A resume detailing your work and academic experience
- Letters of recommendation
- A personal statement discussing your academic and career goals
- Video essay addressing a provided prompt
- Transcripts from each college or university you attended
- If you are an international student who has obtained a degree outside of the U.S., additional requirements apply. You must provide:
- A course-by-course evaluation of your transcript showing equivalence to a US bachelor’s degree
- TOEFL or IELTS test scores
You will upload most of these materials directly to the BC application portal. Some components (such as letters of recommendation and transcripts) must be sent directly to BC by a third party.
Craft Your Personal Statement or Video Essay
A personal statement and/or video essay enables you to speak directly to the admissions board and demonstrate your suitability for the program. To create a compelling personal statement or video essay:
- Highlight relevant strengths and experiences: Focus on strengths and personal experiences appropriate to the program; include specific examples highlighting your expertise and achievements. You can also address potential weaknesses with explanations showing perseverance and growth.
- Demonstrate your fit: Discuss how your background and future goals align with the program’s mission and learning outcomes.
- Show enthusiasm: Share your enthusiasm for the program by explaining your interest and commitment, mentioning specific classes or faculty members that inspired you to apply and describing why their backgrounds appeal to you.
- Maintain a straightforward narrative: Make sure your content flows logically and stays on topic. Set aside time for editing and proofreading, and ask others to review your work for errors.
Check Your Status (And Your Email)
Once you submit your application, you can log into your online account to check on the progress of your application at any time. You may also receive email notifications about your application status or requests for additional information from the admissions team. Check your email regularly to ensure you don’t miss anything.
Ask for Help When You Need It
Applying to graduate school can be stressful. Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate the process alone. BC Woods enrollment advisors assist you at every stage, from determining which program best fits your career goals and helping you collate your application materials to identifying important dates and answering your questions.
Take the Next Step: Start Your Boston College Application Today
A graduate degree from BC Woods can be a wise investment in your future, helping you gain the knowledge and expertise to achieve your professional goals. If you’re ready to take the next step toward earning a career-boosting credential, start (or continue) your application or schedule a call with an enrollment advisor for one-on-one guidance.