Need bucket load of info for Bucknell

Hey everyone. So, Bucknell's definitely on my list, and I've been trying to scoop as much info as possible. Can anyone spill the tea on their acceptance rate and what they’re really looking for in an applicant? Thanks!

Bucknell University, located in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, is a top-ranked private liberal arts university that offers a range of undergraduate programs within its College of Arts & Sciences, College of Engineering, and Freeman College of Management.

As for its acceptance rate, in 2023-2024, Bucknell admitted about 32% of applicants, which indicates a fairly competitive process. But remember, overall acceptance rate is just one part of the admissions puzzle. You also want to look at the types of students who gain admission, as ultimately, your own profile matters more for determining your odds of acceptance than the school's overall rate.

Bucknell, like many other universities, follows a holistic admissions process, which means they consider multiple aspects of an applicant's profile. However, the foundation of a strong application typically includes a solid academic record, with a robust curriculum that challenges you - ideally, you'll be taking AP or other advanced courses when available. A high GPA is necessary, but not the only factor.

For context, the average high school GPA of the freshmen class at Bucknell is usually around 3.65, which indicate the students who are admitted usually have mainly A- and B+ grades on their transcript.

Although Bucknell is currently test-optional, if you have strong SAT/ACT scores, they can still bolster your application. The average SAT score of admitted students tends to be between 1170 to 1360, and the ACT generally ranges between 25 to 32.

If you're unsure whether or not you should submit a test score, I'd check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which contains detailed guidance on how to navigate test-optional policies: https://blog.collegevine.com/does-test-optional-mean-test-optional/

Extracurricular involvement is also critical. Bucknell values students who have shown commitment and leadership in a few extracurricular activities over those who have minor involvement in many. So focus on deep involvement, and if these activities align with your intended major, even better!

The university also requires an essay and recommendation letters. Your essay should highlight your unique qualities, what you can bring to the Bucknell community, or expand upon something not covered elsewhere in your application. Be sure to ask those who know you well and can speak to your academic and personal strengths for recommendation letters.

For tips on how to tackle Bucknell's current school-specific supplemental essay prompt(s), I'd check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-bucknell-university-essays/

Also important: a demonstrated interest in Bucknell. This could be exhibited by visiting the campus virtually or in-person, attending information sessions, or interacting with admissions representatives at college fairs. While unlikely to be the determining factor in your admissions decision, demonstrated interest could give you a boost if you're on the edge.

Keep in mind though, each application is evaluated on an individual basis, and these figures represent averages - so there will be accepted students who fall outside these ranges as well. Rather than relying on any single credential to get you in on its own, make sure you're putting your best foot forward in each and every piece.

If you want to know how your application as a whole stacks up at Bucknell, I'd check out CollegeVine's free chancing engine, which accounts for all quantifiable elements of your application, including GPA, course rigor, test scores (if you have them), and extracurriculars to give you personalized odds of acceptance at Bucknell and hundreds of other colleges: https://www.collegevine.com/admissions-calculator

This tool will also give you suggestions on how to improve your chances, for example by raising your GPA slightly or earning a leadership position in one of your extracurriculars. Hope this overview helps, and best of luck with your application!