Is UCSB or Boston University generally more selective for undergraduate admission?

Boston University is generally the more selective undergraduate admission option overall, especially when comparing the depth of its national and international applicant pool with the number of seats it has available. UCSB is also highly selective and has become notably difficult to enter. Neither school should be treated as a likely admission for a strong student.

BU tends to fit applicants seeking a private, urban university in Boston with a large pool of high-achieving applicants from across the country and abroad. Its admissions review is holistic, so academic strength, course rigor, activities, writing, recommendations, and fit for the intended program all matter.

UCSB is a public research university whose process is shaped by the University of California system, including its emphasis on UC-calculated academic coursework and grades. It receives an enormous volume of applications.

For a broad, year-to-year-stable comparison, place BU in the slightly harder-to-enter category overall. For an individual applicant, though, UCSB may be equally difficult or harder depending on residency, major choice, and how closely the student’s record aligns with each school’s evaluation system.