bucknell university supplemental essay 2023

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To apply for admission as a first-year student, please use the Common Application available at commonapp.org , or Coalition Application (powered by Scoir) available at app.scoir.com/app/signup/1100235 . For your application to be complete, you must submit the following:

Common Application or Coalition Application (powered by Scoir), including the nonrefundable $50 application fee or fee waiver request.

All supporting materials, which include:

Questions specific to Bucknell University;

The personal essay (no supplementary essay is required);

Secondary School Report and school counselor evaluation;

Official transcript from each high school attended;

At least one teacher recommendation, preferably from a core subject; and

The Mid-Year Report, when available.

SAT or ACT scores, if the applicant chooses to include them on the application (SAT/ACT writing sections are not required). Applicants may self-report SAT/ACT scores on their Common or Coalition Application (powered by Scoir) for admissions consideration. If an applicant is offered admission and enrolls, an official copy of the SAT/ACT scores will be required.

​In the academic year 2019-2020,  Bucknell began a five-year, test-optional pilot program for which students are not required to submit an SAT or ACT score as part of their application. For the 2019-2020 application cycle, home-schooled students, international citizens and recruited athletes were required to submit SAT or ACT scores. Starting in the 2020-2021 application cycle through the remainder of the pilot program, all applicants may choose to be test optional. However, all students who choose to enroll at Bucknell will be required to submit an SAT or ACT score before they begin their first year. These scores will only be used in the assessment of the test-optional program and will not impact the admission decision already made . Note: If you have never taken the SAT or ACT and do not have scores available, you will not be required to submit a score upon enrollment. In the spring 2023 semester, it was determined to extend the test-optional pilot an additional two years. 

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Pearson Language Tests (PTE), or Duolingo English Test (DET) if English is not your first language or if it was not the primary language of instruction for at least three years of your secondary school education.

Early Decision applicants must submit the Common Application or Coalition Application (powered by Scoir) Early Decision Agreement form, including all required signatures (applicants, parent/guardian and school counselor).​

• CSS PROFILE and Free Application for Financial Aid (FAFSA), if you are applying for financial aid.
• The merit scholarship application, if you're applying for merit scholarships .
• All international applicants must submit a certified bank statement with either the International Student Application for Financial Assistance (ISAFA) if applying for financial aid, or the  Financial Certification Document  if not applying for financial aid . 

If you are applying as a transfer student, you must submit:

Common Application or Coalition Application (powered by Scoir) for transfer students, including the nonrefundable $50 application fee or fee waiver request.

Common Application College Instructor Academic Evaluation for Transfers or Coalition Application Recommendation ;

Common Application Transfer College Report  or Coalition Application Transfer Report ;

Common Application Transfer Mid-Term Report  or Coalition Application College Curriculum Report ;

Official transcript for each college attended;

Official secondary school transcript;

SAT or ACT scores (optional). Students who choose to submit test scores may self-report them on their Common or Coalition Application (powered by Scoir) for admissions consideration. If an applicant is offered admission and enrolls, an official copy of the SAT/ACT scores will be required; and

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Pearson Language Tests (PTE), or Duolingo English Test (DET) scores, if English is not your first language or if it was not the primary language of instruction for at least three years of your secondary school education.
• All international applicants must submit a certified bank statement with either the International Student Application for Financial Assistance (ISAFA) if applying for financial aid, or the Financial Certification Document if not applying for financial aid.

If you applied previously to Bucknell, the application fee may be waived and the official secondary school report may be retrieved.

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Bucknell University’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Why this major short response.

Please explain your interest in your first-choice major/undecided status and your second-choice major (should you opt to list one) and why you would choose Bucknell University to pursue your interest(s). (250 words maximum).

Why This College Short Response

Please explain your interest in your first-choice major/undecided status and your second-choice major (should you opt to list one) and why you would choose Bucknell University to pursue your interest(s).

Common App Personal Essay

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you‘ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?

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How to Ace the 2024-2025 Bucknell University Supplement

Prior to coming to Scholarships360 for her first internship in 2022, Savannah utilized her campus publications by joining various fashion publications that are offered at Ohio University. One of those publications is Thread Magazine, where Savannah has had the opportunity to work on articles related to world-wide related fashion news and events, as well as articles closer to home, such as a fashion piece on Athens hometown-hero Joe Burrow. This year, Savannah also had the opportunity to be a content writing intern for Aiken House, as well as a section editor for Southeast Ohio Magazine. In 2023, Savannah served as the Chapter President of her sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta. These collective experiences, as well as her experience currently working for Ohio University’s Undergraduate Admissions, has led her to Scholarships360 and aided in her passion for helping students better understand the college admissions process and financial aid. In her free time, Savannah enjoys horseback riding, watching Formula One races, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family. Savannah will graduate from Ohio University in May 2024 with a degree in Journalism News and Information and a certificate in Italian Studies.

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Bill Jack has over a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. Since 2008, he has worked at Colby College, Wesleyan University, University of Maine at Farmington, and Bates College.

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

Bucknell University is a private non-profit university in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. Bucknell is on the “ Hidden Ivies ” list– the list of highly selective liberal arts colleges that offer premier educations on par with Ivy League schools. Knowing how to respond to the Bucknell University supplement will be a great help to stand out from the rest of the applicants, so keep on reading to figure out how!

The Bucknell University Supplement

Bucknell University asks students to answer only one substantial question as a supplement to the Common App essay. The prompt is straight to the point so you do not have to worry about deciding between which prompt would make you stand out best. Still, we need to be prepared to create a well-thought out and honest response no matter what the prompt may be.

We are going to break down the prompt step-by-step to make it easier to understand and to write. After this, you’ll be a pro at respond to Bucknell’s other questions. Let’s jump right in!

Please explain your interest in your first-choice major/undecided status and your second-choice major (should you opt to list one) and why you would choose Bucknell University to pursue your interest(s). (250 words)

If you have chosen your major already

If you have already picked your major, that is great! Maybe that is what you see yourself doing for the rest of your life, or possibly not. Either way, you have a lot of time to figure that out and change your mind. But, for right now, let’s think about what made you pick that major when you were filling out your application to Bucknell. 

250 words is the perfect amount to describe your major. Maybe you will want to dive into your career of choice and how Bucknell is going to prepare you to get to that goal. Universities love to hear how they are able to help you succeed, as well as what you are going to be able to do for their college in your time there. Think about those things while you are writing.

Questions to consider:

• Why did you choose your major?
• What about this field of study draws you in?
• Do you know what you want your future career to be?
• What do you see yourself doing after college?

If you choose “Undecided” as your major

If you still aren’t completely sure about what you want to do in college, that is completely fine. That is what college is all about– learning more about who you are as a person, and growing into the adult that you are meant to be. This is something you can touch on in your essay, Bucknell is a great place for a student to learn and grow. 

• Why did you choose Bucknell University?
• What interests you?
• Did you particularly enjoy any classes in high school that you feel you’d like to keep taking in college?
• What are your goals for the future?

All of these questions can help you, and the admissions professionals at Bucknell, to better understand who you are academically and what your goals are for your future self. 

Final thoughts on the Bucknell Supplemental Essay

Ultimately, the admissions professionals chose to only provide one essay to make it easier on everyone involved in the process. Take that and run with it. Make the Bucknell supplemental essay your own, be honest with the college and with yourself about what you want in life– and if you don’t know yet, be honest about that too! College is about learning more about YOU, and they understand that. Collect your thoughts, speak your truth, and they will listen. 

Also see: College supplemental essay guides

Additional resources for students

Once you finish the Bucknell University supplement, give yourself a pat on the back, but remember, there’s more yet to do! At Scholarships360, we understand the stress that you are under while going through the college application process– trust us, we’ve been there. That’s why we have so many more tips and tricks for you to make the process a bit less strenuous. Whether you’re deciding how many colleges to apply to , how to choose a college , or when to take the SAT/ACT , we’ve got you covered.

What’s more, we have a host of resources to help you through the rest of your college essays. Check out our guides on how to write an essay about yourself , how to write a successful admissions essay , and how to adapt your writing to 250 or 500 word limits. We’ve even got a guide on how to respond to each of the Common App prompts . Good luck!

Other colleges to consider

• Lafayette University (Easton, PA)
• Lehigh University (Bethlehem, PA)

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A Great Bucknell Essay Example

What’s covered:.

• Essay Example – Why Major? 
• Where to Get Feedback on Your Essay  

Home to roughly 3,700 undergraduate students, Bucknell University is a private liberal arts college in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania tracing its origins to a group of Baptists in the mid-1800s. Bucknell is a relatively selective school, so it’s important to write strong essays to help your application stand out.

In this post, we’ll take a deep dive into an example essay that a previous applicant submitted to Bucknell, analyzing its strengths and weaknesses in order to provide you with a better idea of how to make your essay comprehensive, convincing, and competitive. (Names and identifying information have been changed, but all other details are preserved).

Read our Bucknell essay breakdown to get a comprehensive overview of this year’s supplemental prompts.

Bryan Tong , an expert advisor on CollegeVine, provided commentary on this post. Advisors offer one-on-one guidance on everything from essays to test prep to financial aid. If you want help writing your essays or feedback on drafts,  book a consultation with Bryan Tong or another skilled advisor.

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized.

Essay Example – Why Major?

Prompt: Please explain your interest in your first-choice major/undecided status and your second-choice major, should you opt to list one. (250 words)

My interest in psychology started with a simple Myers-Briggs Test. I boasted that my intellect was comparable to Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter. I took pride in my kindness being parallel to Dr. Wilson from House M.D. I spent hours reading through paragraphs that psychoanalyzed my persona, desires, and way of perception. However, reading articles about the secrets and in-depth analysis of INFJs was not enough.

I began using literacy theories such as Marxist and Feminist Criticism when I annotated novels. I was able to understand stories, such as The Yellow Wallpaper, better as I read through these lenses. I also saw through characters and witnessed their development to the full extent. As I reflect on my interests, I realize I have always wanted to understand my mind and others better. At Bucknell University, I hope to grow this passion and learn more about the brain and its behaviors. 

What this Essay Did Well

This essay does a good job explaining the writer’s interest in psychology, and in particular where that interest originated from. The essay notes several specific and unique examples of psychological perspectives or analyses the writer employed while reading novels and articles as a way to convey genuine passion for the subject. By doing so, the writer makes a reasonable and relatively successful attempt at addressing the crux of any essay of this type (this is the classic “Why This Major?” essay); that is, by focusing on important experiences and developments that shaped the applicant’s desire to pursue their listed field of study.

Another area in which this essay performs well is in its use of parallel syntax, most notably in the first paragraph, in order to create more emphatic and effective language. The writer states “I boasted that my intellect was comparable to Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter”, and then immediately follows this sentence with one parallel in structure: “I took pride in my kindness being parallel to Dr. Wilson from House M.D.”

Furthermore, both of these sentences and the subsequent sentence all begin with “I” and are comparable in length, which produces syntactical repetition that emphasizes and magnifies the weight, and content, of each sentence.  

What Could Be Improved

The main point of improvement for this essay is in its use of the allotted word count and absence of school-specific details. Although the word limit is 250 words, the essay is only 150 words total— for such a short essay, every additional word is crucial.

For this essay, the writer could have used a significant portion of the remaining 100 words to point out how Bucknell, in particular, would help them further their interest in psychology and pursue a potential career in related fields. This would entail listing various programs, courses, professors, research opportunities, and summer activities, among others, that are specific to Bucknell and would be instrumental in advancing the writer’s education and interest in psychology.

For example, the essay could have mentioned how “Bucknell’s Emerging Scholars Summer Research, Scholarship & Creativity Program would enable [them] to participate in hands-on, real-world psychology research with the help of a dedicated faculty mentor”.

A second major aspect in which this essay could improve upon is going more in depth into why the writer is interested in psychology. The essay mentions how the writer enjoys reading about psychoanalysis and how using different literacy theories allowed them to better understand certain stories, but the reader is left wondering what exactly about psychology excites the writer? Is it exploring how the brain processes certain information? Is it imagining the prospect of helping those in need of mental health services?

Without providing specific reasons for why this field of study interests them, the writer leaves many of the reader’s questions unanswered, and their interest in the field may come across as slightly superficial.

Where to Get Feedback on Your Bucknell Essay 

Do you want feedback on your Bucknell essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

We don’t feed your GPA and test scores into some sort of algorithm. We read your application personally and carefully, absorbing everything you provide so we can understand all that makes you unique.

When you’re ready, apply using either the Common Application or the Coalition Application. We look forward to meeting you.

Learn about applying at bucknell.edu/apply

All Applicants

Two years of a foreign language (in the same language) in secondary school

Math and Science Applicants

Three years of college-preparatory math

Engineering Applicants

One year of chemistry or physics, plus one year of precalculus

A note about test scores : Bucknell is now test-optional, meaning you decide whether to include SAT or ACT scores when applying. Your choice has no bearing on our admissions decision. If you share your scores, we’ll consider them when reviewing your application. If you don’t, we won’t.

*Recalculated unweighted average

• Select a college : You’ll apply to one of our three colleges: Arts & Sciences, Engineering or the Freeman College of Management. Take a moment to explore the majors and minors within each college. (Note: For the Freeman College of Management, you must be admitted into the college as a first-year student. You can’t transfer into the Freeman College later.)
• Be yourself : We don’t require a Bucknell-specific supplemental essay, but we are eager to see the personal essay you’ll submit with the Common or Coalition app. We read these essays closely and enjoy getting to know the real you.
• Choose a major … : We’ll ask you to select a first-choice major (and a second, if you’d like) and briefly (250 words or fewer) explain the reason behind your choice.
• … or apply undecided : Unsure of your major? There’s no penalty for applying undecided; in fact, it’s a great way to explore multiple interests. First, select the college to which you’re applying. Then choose “undecided” as your first-choice major.
• Apply for a scholarship : Through our robust scholarship program, we invest in students who are talented, inquisitive and equipped to make the next big breakthrough. Apply when you apply for admission.
• Select a college: You’ll apply to one of our three colleges: Arts & Sciences, Engineering or the Freeman College of Management. Take a moment to explore the majors and minors within each college. (Note: For the Freeman College of Management, you must be admitted into the college as a first-year student. You can’t transfer into the Freeman College later.)
• Be yourself: We don’t require a Bucknell-specific supplemental essay, but we are eager to see the personal essay you’ll submit with the Common or Coalition app. We read these essays closely and enjoy getting to know the real you.
• … or apply undecided: Unsure of your major? There’s no penalty for applying undecided; in fact, it’s a great way to explore multiple interests. First, select the college to which you’re applying. Then choose “undecided” as your first-choice major.

Graham Heckert ’23 put Bucknell on his radar because he was looking for a smaller school where he wouldn’t get lost in the crowd. The mechanical engineering major from St. Petersburg, Fla., also wanted to conduct meaningful research into electric vehicles right away — not after a year or three of lectures.

Bucknell made his short list, and a Presidential Fellows scholarship — one of several scholarships available to incoming students — cemented Graham’s decision to come to Bucknell.

“I thought, I can end up going to a big school, or I can go to a small school with one-on-one interaction with teachers and all the research opportunities I could possibly imagine my very first year,” he says. “It was a no-brainer.”

Bucknell Essays

<p>Hi, i just had a few quick question about the supplemental essays required for Bucknell.</p>

<p>For the essay that asks why you chose your major, what is the word count?</p>

<p>For the other two essays, on commonapp, there is a recommended word count (75-150 for essay 1, 250 for optional) and then a maximum character limit provided in the box by commonapp. Which limit should i follow?</p>

<p>As of now, my first essay is 390 words but still within the character limit, and my second essay is 399 words, and again under the character limit. So, even though both are way over in word count, is that okay since i have plenty of characters left?</p>

<p>thanks</p>

<p>I followed the word count that Bucknell gave us, not what the commonapp said</p>

<p>i have the same problem with my second one, im at about 300 words, but hundreds of characters to spare.</p>

<p>yeah same… so anyone know for sure?</p>

<p>I’m pretty sure Bucknell gives specific word counts on their essays. My son limited himself to those specifications.</p>

Supplemental Essay Guide 2024-25

What do the 2024-25 supplemental essay prompts really mean, and how should you approach them? CEA's experts are here to break them all down.

Acceptance Rate

Undergrad population.

• Liberal Arts (59)

* Tuition filtering is based on out-of-state fees

How to Approach Supplemental Essays

When our students dig into the college application process, they are often surprised to encounter not only the main Common Application’s personal statement , but also a host of supplemental essay questions. These assignments are often school-specific writing prompts for which a student must also craft thoughtful, well-written replies.

Supplemental essays are often more focused than the Common App assignment, though they vary in length and scope. Their prompts tackle subjects that range from deeper explorations of a student’s background to their collegiate and academic interests.

We often encourage our students to nail down their personal statement topic first, then ask them to approach their supplemental essays in priority order, according to submission deadlines. Many schools will offer prompts that are similar in theme and content to one another (for example, many institutions now ask about a student’s most important activity ), so it is helpful for students to gather and review all supplemental questions before beginning the brainstorm process to see where they might naturally overlap.

Elite institutions often have extensive supplemental sections, as do some honors programs, so students should keep this in mind as they hunt for their essay questions and map out their plan of attack.

All supplemental essays should be given the same time and care as the main Common Application essay. These supplements not only are an excellent opportunity to show a school both your competence and level of devotion to their institution, but also offer opportunities to paint some personality into your application. So embrace supplements, use your unique voice, and show these schools what you’re made of!

Why Choose College Essay Advisors for Supplemental Essay Support

College Essay Advisors has over twenty years of experience guiding students one-on-one through the essay writing process for school-specific supplements. We take a holistic approach to these essays and short answers, considering each student’s application package as a whole and identifying their strengths to highlight. It’s incredibly important to us that each student’s voice is preserved, and we pride ourselves in helping students to write successful supplemental essays that differentiate them from similarly qualified applicants. For more information, submit a contact form below or review our one-on-one advising services or list of student acceptances . 

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morehouse college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, mount holyoke college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, frequently asked questions.

It really depends. Typically, the more competitive the university, the more arduous the supplemental essay requirements. Most top universities ask for at least three supplemental essays, but some only require one short essay.

The most common supplemental essay topics are:

• The Why Essay , which asks applicants to discuss their interest in their intended major and/or the school in question.
• The Activity Essay , which asks applicants to describe their involvement in an activity that is meaningful to them.
• The Community Essay , which asks about a community the applicant belongs to and the role that community plays in their life (and vice versa!).
• The Diversity Essay , which often asks applicants to explore how they champion diversity and inclusion in their communities and/or how they engage with people from different backgrounds or who hold opposing views. 
• The Short Answer , which asks applicants to answer prompts in very few words (or characters) to add context to their application and a splash of personality.
• The Oddball Essay , which asks applicants to tap into their creativity to connect curveball questions to their lives and interests.

Just like with the Common App personal statement, you’re going to want to write authentically about yourself while addressing all parts of each supplemental essay prompt. Many schools want to better understand how you see yourself contributing to their campus community and/or diversity and inclusion efforts along with how you hope to use your education to achieve your goals. So, be honest and forward-thinking, and don’t forget to customize each supplemental essay so it’s specific to each school you’re submitting to. That means doing research and weaving information into your essays that demonstrates the amount of time and thought you’ve put into your application. 

We have a few successful supplemental essay examples in our Free Resources section.

Each admissions department has their own process for reviewing applications, and some admissions committees put more weight on supplemental essays than others, but all admissions departments that offer applicants the opportunity to pen additional essays are doing so for a reason: to better understand the applicant and compare similarly qualified candidates. It’s in the applicant’s best interest to not only provide admissions with as much information regarding their candidacy as possible, but also go the extra mile. At highly competitive institutions, admissions officers are looking for reasons to remove students from the applicant pool—don’t let poorly written or (*gulp*) incomplete supplemental essays work against you!

Absolutely not. Please do not reuse content from your Common App essay in your supplements. Although it’s possible for you to expand upon an idea, activity, or community that you mention in your Common App essay in your supplements, you should never recycle content or any phrasing word for word.

Start by reading through all the prompts. Next, jot down ideas that come to your mind (no matter how silly they may seem!). Everyone has a story to tell, and we’re willing to bet you’re more interesting than you think. Give yourself plenty of time to consider different topics and revise, revise, revise! Also, our handy dandy Supplemental Essay Guides are sure to help you on your writing journey.

We have been reading supplemental essays for over twenty years now, so we know a thing or two about the most common mistakes students make. The most common mistakes to avoid are:

• Repeating the prompt in your essay.

You want to make sure every word counts, and repeating the prompt in your essay is a huge waste of space. Rest assured that admissions officers know which prompt you’re responding to. Instead, start your essay off with a strong hook that pulls your reader in (rather than puts them to sleep!). 

• Trying to sound like an academic.

Time and time again, schools post advice on their websites encouraging students to speak in their authentic voices and let the admissions officers reading their applications get to know them. Aaaand time and time again, we read essays students have written in which they go to great lengths to elevate their vocabulary, and in the process, they lose their own voice.

• Using cliches.

Cliches are not your friends when it comes to writing supplemental essays. You may feel like a diamond in the rough, that the world is your oyster, or that love conquers all, but even reading those, did you feel your eyes glazing over? All cliches do is make your essay blend in with the thousands of others in the pile. Emphasize your uniqueness with concrete examples and personal anecdotes, because cliches are rather ineffective, boring, and—let’s face it—lazy.

New York University (NYU) 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

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university of notre dame 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of oklahoma 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide , university of oregon 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of pennsylvania (upenn) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of pittsburgh 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide , university of richmond 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, university of rochester 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of san diego 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide , university of san francisco 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of southern california (usc) 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, university of texas at austin 2024-25 essay prompt guide, university of tulsa 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of vermont 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of virginia (uva) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of washington (uw) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university 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@bucknellu social media accounts, meet our students social media accounts, undergraduate admission requirements.

Applicants for admission to Bucknell University are expected to be graduates of approved four-year secondary schools or provide evidence of equivalent preparation. In addition to strong academic preparation in high school, candidates must meet additional requirements for certain degree programs.

You must apply to one of our three colleges:

All three colleges use the same application.

• Apply using the Coalition App (powered by Scoir)
• Apply using the Common App

Learn how you can earn Bucknell credit for qualifying Advanced Placement (AP) scores

Required for all applicants.

• 4 years of English/language arts
• 3 years of college preparatory mathematics
• 3 years of science
• 3 years of history/social studies
• 2 years of a foreign language (in the same language) in secondary school

Additional Math

Required for students majoring in mathematics, science, engineering, accounting, business analytics or economics (and/or students planning to take calculus at Bucknell):

• 1 year of precalculus, and preferably, calculus

Additional Science

Required for students majoring within the College of Engineering:

• 1 year of either chemistry or physics (minimum of three years of science, including both chemistry and physics, recommended)

Apply to Your Preferred College

Apply to the : college of arts & sciences plus icon (large).

• Select your intended major within the College of Arts & Sciences . If you have not decided which major to pursue, select "Undecided Arts & Sciences" within the College of Arts & Sciences.
• The opportunities for students enrolled in the College of Arts & Sciences to transfer into the College of Engineering are quite limited, and enrollment in the Freeman College of Management is limited to students who were admitted directly into the Freeman College of Management at the time of their initial application to Bucknell.
• You should apply directly to your preferred college.
• Students majoring in the sciences or mathematics are expected to have completed a minimum of three years of college-preparatory mathematics, but their secondary school programs should include as much work in mathematics as possible.

Apply to the : College of Engineering Plus Icon (Large)

Engineering students are required to have one year of either chemistry or physics, and one year of pre-calculus . However, Bucknell strongly recommends a minimum of three years of science, including chemistry and physics.

Engineering students are expected to have completed a minimum of three years of college-preparatory mathematics , but their secondary school programs should include as much work in mathematics as possible.

• Select your intended major within the College of Engineering .
• If you know you want to join the College of Engineering but have not decided which of its majors to pursue, select "Undecided Engineering" as your intended major.
• Please note: Due to curricular requirements, the opportunities for students enrolled in either the College of Arts & Sciences or Freeman College of Management to transfer into the College of Engineering are limited.

Note : Students who apply to and are accepted into the Bachelor of Science in Engineering & Bachelor of Management for Engineers five-year dual-degree program cannot drop engineering and transfer into management.

Apply to the : Freeman College of Management Plus Icon (Large)

• Select your intended major within the Freeman College of Management .
• If you know you want to join the Freeman College of Management but have not decided which of its majors to pursue, select "Undecided Management" as your intended major.
• Please note: Enrollment in the Freeman College of Management is limited to students who were admitted directly into the Freeman College of Management at the time of their initial application to Bucknell.

Test Scores

What is the test-optional policy plus icon (large).

In the 2019–20 academic year, Bucknell began a five-year pilot program where students are not required to submit an SAT or ACT score as part of their application. Please note the test optional pilot has been extended an additional two years to include students applying through the 2025–26 application cycle.

Please note that all students who choose to enroll at Bucknell will be required to submit an SAT or ACT score before they begin their first year. If students choose not to submit SAT or ACT scores with the application, the scores will not be used in the admissions decision. However, they will be used in the assessment of the test-optional program. Note: If you have never taken the SAT or ACT and do not have scores available, you will not be required to submit a score upon enrollment.

Why is Bucknell piloting a test-optional policy? Plus Icon (Large)

The test-optional policy is consistent with Bucknell's holistic admission policy, empowering students to shape their own narrative. We delve deeply into your application, essay, high school profile, transcript and letters of recommendation. You can now decide whether to add a test score to this narrative or if everything else you're already submitting represents you best.

Can students self-report their scores? Plus Icon (Large)

Yes, for students who choose to submit test scores, Bucknell will accept self-reported scores. Applicants may self-report SAT/ACT scores on their Common or Coalition Application for admissions consideration. If an applicant is offered admission and enrolls, an official copy of the SAT/ACT scores will be required.

Is standardized testing required for certain applicants? Plus Icon (Large)

In the 2019-20 academic year, Bucknell began a five-year pilot program in which students are not required to submit an SAT or ACT score with their application. For the 2019-20 application cycle, home-schooled students, international citizens and recruited athletes were required to submit an SAT or ACT score. Starting in the 2020-21 application cycle through the remainder of the pilot program, all applicants may choose to be test optional. The pilot program has been extended an additional two years through the 2025-26 admissions cycle.

What is score suppression? Plus Icon (Large)

Applicants may indicate on their applications whether they would like Bucknell to review their standardized test results.

For applicants using the Common Application , this question is located on the Bucknell-specific questions section of the application.

For applicants using the Coalition Application (powered by Scoir) , this question is located in the Application Questions section.

If a student has already submitted a test score to Bucknell and no longer wants it to be considered, the answer to this question on the application will suppress scores already at Bucknell.

What is Bucknell’s testing profile? Plus Icon (Large)

For the Class of 2026, the middle 50% range for standardized testing was:

SAT Evidence-Based Reading & Writing : 650-730 SAT Math : 660-770 ACT : 29–33

Will anything additional be required in place of a standardized test score? Plus Icon (Large)

No. Should a student choose to not have their test score considered in the application process, nothing else is required in place of the test score.

Will Bucknell consider supplemental test scores if I choose not to submit an SAT or ACT score? Plus Icon (Large)

No. If you choose not to submit an SAT or ACT score, Bucknell will not consider other standardized tests from a national testing agency (such as College Board and ACT).

Will students who choose to not submit test scores still be considered for merit scholarships? Plus Icon (Large)

Yes. All students will be considered for all of Bucknell's merit scholarships , regardless of whether they submit a test score.

Why will students need to send standardized test scores after they have officially enrolled at Bucknell? Plus Icon (Large)

Test scores will be required for all enrolling students who have taken an SAT or ACT to be used in the assessment of the test-optional program. Note: If you have never taken the SAT or ACT and do not have scores available, you will not be required to submit a score upon enrollment.

Does Bucknell superscore the SAT and ACT? Plus Icon (Large)

Yes. Bucknell superscores both the SAT and ACT, meaning we take your best section-level scores if you take a test more than once. 

For the SAT, this means we take your best Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score and your best Math score — even if they were from different tests — and combine them to create the superscore we consider when looking at your application.

For the ACT, this means we take the average of your best scores from each subject from multiple test attempts. If you take the test multiple times, this could result in the score we consider being the same or higher (never lower).

As a reminder, Bucknell is test-optional, meaning you'll decide whether to include test scores when applying.

Some prospective students may have additional admission requirements.

International student undergraduate admission requirements

Transfer student undergraduate admission requirements

Home-schooled student undergraduate admission requirements

Want to learn more about Bucknell?