Your chances of getting into Bucknell University
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Bucknell is 32.6%. Its admission rate is the 8th lowest in Pennsylvania and the 128th lowest the nation.
Admission Selectivity
How hard is it to get into Bucknell and can you get accepted?
Bucknell is a highly competitive school to get into. You have a moderate chance of acceptance if you meet the admission criteria. Last year, 3,811 out of the 11,707 who applied were admitted.
Bucknell University typically accepts and attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.62. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top ten percent of their high school class or better. 27% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.
Can you get into Bucknell?
33% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.
Admission Requirements in Brief
To have the best chance of getting into to Bucknell University you should:
- Have a high school GPA of 3.62 or better
- Earn B+ grades in high school
- Score 1390 on the SAT
- Score 31 on the ACT
- Graduate in the top 10% of your high school class
Bucknell GPA
GPA Requirements & Average GPA
What GPA do you need to get into Bucknell University?
GPA Requirements
The GPA requirements for getting into Bucknell are to have around a 3.62 high school GPA. You are required to have very good grades in high school.
Even with a competitive GPA, admission to Bucknell will be challenging as the school denies more applicants than it admits.
Average GPA
The average unweighted GPA at Bucknell is 3.62 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B+ letter grades and regularly score around 87-89 percent on tests and assignments in high school. The school ranks #25 in Pennsylvania for highest average GPA.
Importance of GPA
Since Bucknell is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.
See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.6 GPA range.
Competitiveness by GPA Ranges
The table below outlines the number of admitted freshmen by GPA range as well as how competitive your GPA will be as compared with other applicants.
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022
Bucknell SAT Scores
Testing Requirements
Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Bucknell University. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 35% of students submitted SAT scores and 15% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..
SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score
| SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 650 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 660 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 1310 |
| SAT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | 720 |
| Math 75th Percentile | 750 |
| Composite 75th Percentile | 1470 |
| Average SAT Score | 1390
|
SAT Scores you need to get in
What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Bucknell University?
Average Score & Range
The average SAT score at Bucknell is 1390 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 1310-1470. Students who get into Bucknell University score in the top 11 percent of all SAT test takers.. Bucknell ranks #9 in the state of Pennsylvania and #102 in the nation for highest average SAT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
You should target scoring 1390 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. Bucknell regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 1310 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 1310, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 1230, but scores this low are outside the normal range.
Score Submission Requirements
Bucknell University is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".
View other colleges which accept students in the 1390 SAT score range.
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting classChance of Acceptance by SAT Score
The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 1390, you have around a 33% chance of being admitted. A 1470 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 48% chance of getting in.
Bucknell ACT Scores
ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score
| ACT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 30 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 27 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 30 |
| ACT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | 35 |
| Math 75th Percentile | 31 |
| Composite 75th Percentile | 33 |
| Average ACT Score | 31
|
ACT Scores needed to get accepted
What are the ACT requirements for students to get into Bucknell?
Score Range
The average ACT score for admitted students to Bucknell is 31, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 30 and 33. The school ranks #7 in Pennsylvania and #103 in the U.S. for highest average ACT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 31. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 30 and score in the score in the top 7 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 28.
15 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Bucknell University.
Score Submission Requirements
You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as Bucknell University is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".
Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting classChance of Acceptance by ACT Score
Here are your predicted chances of getting into Bucknell for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 31 score has around 33% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 54% with a 33 ACT score.
High School Class Rank
59% of Bucknell University freshman are in the top ten percent of their high school graduating class. For your application to be competitive, you need to graduate at the top of your class.
| High School Class Rank | Freshmen Within Range |
|---|---|
| Top 10% of class | 59% |
| Top 25% of class | 86% |
| Top 50% of class | 98% |
Applying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.
| Women | Men | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied | 5,906 | 5,801 | 11,707 |
| Accepted | 2,094 | 1,717 | 3,811 |
| Acceptance Rate | 35% | 30% | 33% |
| Enrolled | 531 | 503 | 1,034 |
| Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) | 25% | 29% | 27% |
Fall 2024 Application Deadline
Applications Due
Days left to Apply
The application deadline for Fall 2024 has passed. Applications were due on Jan 15, 2024.
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to Bucknell University is $50.
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to Bucknell University and what student information is used for admission decisions?
| Test Scores | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional) |
| High School GPA | Required to be considered for admission |
| High School Class Rank | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted |
| Completion of College Preparatory Program | Required to be considered for admission |
| Recommendations | Required to be considered for admission |
| Demonstration of Competencies | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted |
Credits Accepted
| AP Credit | Yes |
| Dual Credit | Yes |
| Credit for Life Experiences | No |
Admission Requirements Summary
Because Bucknell is highly competitive, you have a moderate chance of acceptance depending on your GPA and test scores. If you earn at least a 3.62 GPA, you will have a fair shot at getting in. Additionally, you should score a 1390 on the SAT or 31 on the ACT to be competitive. If you can score a 1470 SAT you will be a very strong applicant.
Other Colleges to Apply To
Students applying to Bucknell University often consider these colleges
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=211291 IPEDS survey data for Bucknell University.
FAQs
Does Bucknell University prefer SAT or ACT?
35% of students submit their SAT scores to Bucknell. 15% of applicants send their ACT scores when applying.
What is my chance of getting into Bucknell University?
33% of those who apply are granted admission to Bucknell. Admission competition is high and the college has exceptional admission standards. See if your grades and scores are good enough for admission.
What SAT score is required for Bucknell University?
The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have SAT scores between 1310 and 1470. The average SAT score is 1390. See if your SAT score is good enough for admission.
What ACT score is required for Bucknell University?
The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have ACT scores between 30 and 33. The average ACT score is 31. See if your ACT score is good enough for admission.