I'm thinking about applying to Bucknell University, but I'm not sure if I have a competitive profile. Can anyone provide information on the average GPA and SAT range for admitted students? Thanks in advance!
Bucknell University is a competitive school, and knowing the average GPA and SAT range for admitted students can help you gauge your chances of admission. I'll provide some answers, and then we'll talk about resources that might be helpful in making your decision.
The average GPA for admitted students at Bucknell usually hovers around 3.62 (unweighted) on a 4.0 scale. Keep in mind that this is just an average, and Bucknell continues to take a holistic approach when reviewing applications, so a lower or higher GPA won't necessarily be a dealbreaker or guarantee acceptance.
As for SAT scores, the middle 50% range for admitted students falls between 670 and 740 for Evidence-Based Reading & Writing and between 670 and 760 for Math. 25% of admitted students scored below the given lower bounds, and 25% scored above the given upper bounds. While a solid SAT score can enhance your application, it's not the only factor the admissions committee considers.
If you want to look at more demographics about students accepted at Bucknell, check out their Fast Facts page: https://www.bucknell.edu/meet-bucknell/fast-facts. It'll tell you more about geographic diversity, ACT scores, class sizes - all kinds of information that could be helpful in preparing your application.
Do remember that Bucknell, just like many other colleges, is currently test-optional. If you feel your SAT score isn't a strong representation of your academic abilities, you have the option not to submit it. The admissions committee will instead place more weight on other parts of your application, such as your GPA, course rigor, extracurricular activities, and essays. Keep in mind that this test-optional policy is subject to change, so you should check Bucknell's official channels when you apply.
Finally, if you're not sure how competitive your application is, why not check out CollegeVine's free admissions calculator: https://www.collegevine.com/admissions-calculator? It weighs test scores, GPA, and even extracurriculars to give you the most accurate answer possible, and can even give you recommendations on which parts of your profile could be enhanced.
Always keep in mind that the entire application matters, and a strong overall profile can make up for shortcomings in one area. Best of luck as you prepare your application to Bucknell!
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