BU Law Early Decision 2027: Distinguished Scholar vs BU Bound

Boston University Law has two binding decision programs for Fall 2027, and they have opposite scholarship economics. Distinguished Scholar is due November 9, 2026 and grants admitted students full tuition plus required fees. BU Bound is due February 1, 2027 and admitted students are not considered for merit scholarships.

BU's two binding programs

When are decisions released?

Distinguished Scholar applicants are notified by December 18. BU Bound applicants are notified by February 15.

Are both programs binding?

Yes. If admitted, applicants must withdraw pending applications within five days and may not submit new applications.

Which program makes sense?

Distinguished Scholar makes sense when BU is genuinely your first choice and you are competitive for an extremely selective full-tuition award. BU Bound is a very different trade: you gain binding priority review but give up merit-scholarship consideration.

Frequently asked questions

When is BU Law ED due?

Nov. 9 for Distinguished Scholar and Feb. 1 for BU Bound.

Does BU ED come with scholarship money?

Distinguished Scholar does; BU Bound specifically does not include merit-aid consideration.

Sources

Current dates and rules come from BU Law's official binding-decision and admissions-deadline pages.

Written by Ali Unar, Founder, Lovare Institut. Updated September 20, 2026.