Bucknell University: Rankings, Courses & Admissions

Set on the banks of the Susquehanna River in Lewisburg, the Bucknell University campus is sprawled over a lush landscape of 449 acres with over a hundred beautiful buildings, a beautiful blend of traditional and modern architecture. The scenic campus has superior academic facilities, a theater, cafeterias, and shops. The athletic facilities include an enormous pool, an 18-hole golf course, and an ultramodern fitness center. Bucknell University in its commitment to sustainable living proudly operates many solar arrays and a wind turbine. 

Around 90% of all undergraduates reside on campus. Students have the liberty of selecting between the option of traditional residence halls and apartment-style housing. Accommodation for first-year undergraduate students is available in any one of the Residential Halls, McDonnell, Smith, Swartz, or Vedder. Rooms are mostly double occupancy and about 160 square feet in size. Sophomores, juniors, or seniors are provided with the option of an Affinity House, an arrangement of students residing together in one of the available 12 houses across campus.

Below are the room rates (per semester) for the various housing options on campus. 

The low acceptance rate ensures that the admission process at Bucknell University is very competitive. Students can apply using the Common Application or the Coalition Application (administered by SCOIR). There is a minimal nonrefundable $50 application fee which can be paid online. All three colleges of Bucknell University use the same application and applicants are encouraged to apply directly to their preferred college. 

Applications officially open on August 1. Regular Decision applications have a deadline of January 15 in order to receive notification by April 1. Students who select Bucknell University as their first choice may apply for Early Decision I consideration by November 15, or Early Decision II consideration by January 15. Applications for transfer students should be submitted by Nov. 1 for spring enrollment and March 15 for Fall enrollment.

Documents Required for Bucknell University Admission

A prospective candidate applying to Bucknell University has to furnish the following documents:

1. Common Application or the Coalition Application

2. Application Fee 

3. Personal essays

4. Official Secondary school transcripts (Grades for the three most recently completed years to be submitted)

5. Mid-year report (If applicable)

6. Secondary School report with a letter of recommendation (Preferred from a school counselor or from the principal)

7. Teacher Evaluation Form

8. Early Decision Agreement form (if applicable)

9. Copy of Passport or a copy of national identification card if not in possession of a passport.

10. SAT or ACT scores are mandatory for international students

11. Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL / IELTS / PTE / DET) Test Scores (required for international students whose first language is not English)

Exam Requirements for Bucknell University Admission

Bucknell University has a test-optional policy wherein students do not have to submit an SAT or ACT score as part of their application. Applicants may self-report SAT/ACT scores during their admission process. International students however must furnish valid SAT or ACT scores. 

Applicants whose first language is not English are required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson English Test (PTE), or Duolingo English Test (DET) scores.

1. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Minimum score of 100 - online exam, 600 - paper-based exam.
2. International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Minimum score of 7
3. Duolingo English Test (DET): Minimum score of 130
4. Pearson’s Test of English (PTE): a minimum PTE score of 68

All candidates are instructed to inform their testing agency to report their scores to Bucknell University. It takes around two to four weeks for Bucknell to receive official test scores from the testing agency.