I've been looking into Bucknell University recently and I really like what I see. Just wanted to ask, how difficult is it to get admitted there? I'm curious about the typical grades, test scores, and extracurriculars of admitted students.
Bucknell University is a selective institution, with an acceptance rate that has fluctuated around 32-35% in recent years. To gauge your chances of admission, it's helpful to consider the typical academic profile and extracurricular involvement of admitted students.
Academically, Bucknell has some general guidelines for admitted students:
1. GPA: Most admitted students have a high school GPA of 3.65 or higher (on a 4.0 scale), with many in the 3.8-4.0 range.
2. Test Scores: For the 2024-2025 application cycle, Bucknell is test-optional, meaning you have the choice to submit your SAT or ACT scores. In previous cycles when tests were required, the middle 50% range for SAT scores was roughly 1170-1360 and for ACT scores was approximately 25-32. Although submitting strong test scores can certainly strengthen your application, Bucknell will now focus more on other aspects of your academic profile.
3. Course Rigor: Bucknell looks for applicants who have pursued a challenging high school curriculum, including AP or IB courses, honors classes, or dual enrollment.
As for extracurriculars, involvement and accomplishments vary among admitted students. It's important to have a mix of activities that demonstrate your interests, skills, and leadership potential. Many successful applicants have participated in:
- Sports or athletic teams, often with leadership roles
- Clubs or organizations with meaningful involvement and impact
- Community service or volunteer work
- Part-time jobs or internships
In general, it's better to have a few strong, sustained extracurricular involvements where you've made an impact or held a leadership position, rather than a long list of activities with minimal involvement.
Keep in mind that Bucknell reviews applications holistically, meaning they consider all components of your application when making decisions. Strong essays, recommendations, and demonstrated interest through campus visits or virtual information sessions can also contribute to a successful application.
Best of luck in the admissions process!
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