Bucknell University

It is extremely difficult to get into Bucknell University. The acceptance rate at Bucknell University is 33%. Out of 11,707 applications received in 2023, 3,811 students were offered admission.

If you are planning on applying to Bucknell University, the regular decision application deadline is January 15 and the application fee costs $50.

Students who submit their applications to Bucknell University for the fall semester should hear back from Bucknell University by April 1.

Bucknell University Admissions Stats at a Glance

Here is an overiew of some of Bucknell University's admissions stats.

Bucknell University 2023	Admissions Statistics
Mean Unweighted GPA	3.6
Admitted Students in Top 10% of Graduating Class	57%
Mean SAT Score	1280
Admissions Test Policy	Test Optional
Applicants Who Submit SATs	70%
Applicants Who Submit ACTs	26%
Waitlist	Yes

Bucknell University Application Deadlines

These are the application deadlines for Bucknell University.

Application Type	Offered	Application Deadline	Notification Deadline
Early Decision I	Yes	November 15	December 15
Early Decision II	Yes	January 15	February 15
Early Action	No	–	–
Regular Decision	Yes	1 15	April 1

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Applying Early to Bucknell University?

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Bucknell University offers early decision but not early action. Early decision is binding, which means you must attend if you are admitted, while early action allows you to apply early without committing.

🗓️ Early Decision I applications are due by November 15 EDI applicants should receive a decision by December 15.

🗓️ Early Decision II applications are due January 15. ED II Applicants will recieve their decision before February 15.

The early decision acceptance rate at Bucknell University is 54%, compared to an overall acceptance rate of 33%. Last year, Bucknell University admitted 517 of the 954 students who applied early decision.

Some students apply early to college to boost their chances of acceptance. When you apply early, your application is considered before all the regular decision applicants apply. Applying early may increase the chance of admission, since it demonstrates that you are very interested in a school.

➡️ Explore a list of some top colleges that accept significantly more applicants during early decision or early action than during regular admission.

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More on Bucknell University Admissions

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Transferring to Bucknell University

It is extremely difficult to be admitted as a transfer student.

For Students Waitlisted to Bucknell University

Bucknell University has not reported data for waitlisted and admitted students.

What Does Bucknell University Look For in an Applicant?

Colleges consider a range of factors when deciding who to admit for their next incoming class. Each college decides which factors are given the most weight when choose which applicants to admit, and which to deny. When assembling your list of schools to apply to, you may want to consider your strengths and any possible weaknesses in your application, and choose schools that prioritize the admissions factors where you shine.

Admissions Factors at Bucknell University

What does Bucknell University consider during the admissions process? Take a look at the list below to see which factors are most important during the admissions process.

Admissions Factor	Level
Character/Personal Qualities	Very Important
Application Essay	Very Important
Extracurricular Activities	Very Important
Talent/Ability	Very Important
Academic GPA	Very Important
Rigor of Secondary School Record	Very Important
Recommendation(s)	Important
Standardized Test Scores	Important
Volunteer Work	Important
Work Experience	Important
Alumni/ae Relations	Considered
Class Rank	Considered
Geographical Residence	Considered
Racial/Ethnic Status	Considered
Religious Affiliation/Commitment	Considered
Level of Applicant's Interest	Considered
First Generation	Considered

Make sure to check with Bucknell University for more information on admission factors.

Bucknell University Application Requirements

To apply to Bucknell University, all applicants must submit the following items. Check with Bucknell University's admissions department to confirm all application materials and requirements.

Area	Required	Recommended	Required for Some	Details (If Any)
Transcript(S) of College Record	–	–	–	–
Statement of Good Standing From Prior Institution(S)	–	–	–	–
Letter(s) of Recommendation	1	–	–	–
Written Essay or Personal Statement	√	–	–	–
Transcript of High School Record	√	–	–	–

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GPA and Testing

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What GPA Do I Need To Get Into Bucknell University?

Students admitted to Bucknell University have an average unweighted GPA of 3.6.

Out of all students that were admitted, 21.3% submitted a class rank. At Bucknell University 57% of students ranked in the top 10% of their graduating class in high school, 84% were in the top 25% and 99% were in the top 50%.

GPAs of Admitted Students

At Bucknell University, student GPAs fall in the following ranges.

GPA	Percent of Students
4.0 GPA	10.06%
3.75 and 3.99	29.98%
3.50 and 3.74	28.63%
3.25 and 3.49	19.25%
3.00 and 3.24	8.7%
2.50 and 2.9	3.38%
2.00 and 2.49	–

This chart depicts the percentage of all enrolled, degree-seeking, first-time, first year (freshmen) students who had high school grade point average within the given ranges.

Note: Some schools choose not release this information. If you have any questions regarding missing numbers, be sure to reach out to Bucknell University directly.

About GPAs

Your high school grade point average (GPA) is a number that highlights your high school academic performance. A weighted GPA or an unweighted GPA are the two possible GPA scores considered by colleges.

An unweighted GPA is an average of your scores from each class on a four-point scale. Unweighted GPAs range from 4.0 to under 1.0. A weighted GPA considers your average grade and the difficulty of your classes. A weighted GPA boosts your average by adding extra points for honors or Advanced Placement courses.

Standardized Test Scores

Bucknell University is a test optional school. Test optional schools allow students to choose if they want to submit ACT or SAT scores with their applications or not.

In 2022, 70% of Bucknell University's first-year students submitted their SAT scores with their application. 26% of admitted applicants sent ACT scores.

What is a Good SAT Score for Bucknell University?

To be competitive with other Bucknell University applicants, you should aim to score between 1180 and 1390 (or higher!) on the SAT. At Bucknell University 25% of admitted students scored higher than 1390 and 25% of scored lower than 1180, but the majority of students scored somewhere in between these two numbers.The mean composite SAT score for a Bucknell University student is 1280.

On the SAT Math Section, 25% of Bucknell University students scored 710 or higher and 75% of students scored 590 or higher. On the SAT Critical Reading section (formerly called the Verbal section), 25% of Bucknell University students scored 690 or higher, and 75% scored a 590 or higher.

To be most competitive at Bucknell University, you should strive to earn between 27 and 32 on the ACT.

An ACT score of 32 means you fall in the 75th percentile for Bucknell University's admitted students. One out of every four students scored above a 32, and three out of four students scored lower than 32 on the ACT.

A 27 on the ACT is the 25th percentile for Bucknell University students. Only one out of every four students scored below 27.

More Information on Transferring to Bucknell University

For transfer students, it is extremely difficult to get admitted to Bucknell University.

For transfer students wishing to start in the fall, the deadline to apply is March 15. Applicants should hear back by May 1.

Transfer students can enroll in Bucknell University during the following terms:

• Fall Term

• Winter Term

• Spring Term

• Winter Term

• Summer Term

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Bucknell University Admissions FAQs

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Can I defer my acceptance to Bucknell University?

✅ Yes, admitted students can defer their admission to Bucknell University.

Does Bucknell University accept transfer credits?

✅ Bucknell University accepts eligible transfer credits from accredited institutions. Bucknell University accepts:

• CLEP subject tests • DSST/DANTES

Does Bucknell University accept Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) credits?

✅ Bucknell University accepts International Baccalaureate credits (IB) credits.

Do I have to submit test scores to Bucknell University?

❌ No, Bucknell University is test optional, so you can decide whether or not to send your ACT or SAT scores. If your scores are higher than the school's average, you may want to send them. If you scored lower than a school's average, you may want not want to include them in your application.

What is Bucknell University's acceptance rate?

✅ The acceptance rate for Bucknell University is 33%.

What is the early decision acceptance rate at Bucknell University?

✅ Bucknell University's early decision acceptance rate was 54% in 2021.

Want To Learn More About Bucknell University?

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