Admission Information

Course Catalog

Qualifications for Admission

The requirements for matriculation of undergraduates as specified below apply to students admitted for the regular academic year or for summer school.

Bucknell University is interested in selecting for admission those students who can best take advantage of the educational opportunities offered at the University.

In considering candidates for admission to the University, the members of the Admissions Committee and staff undertake a thorough evaluation of: the quality of the written application which the student submits; the secondary school curriculum of the applicant, with emphasis on both content and performance; aptitude for college study as reflected by the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT-I) of the College Board or the American College Test (ACT) of the American College Testing Program; the written recommendation from the secondary school counselor or principal on behalf of the applicant; school and community activities and indications of special talents; and evidence of strong personal qualities of character, leadership, and personality. Obviously, those with the best academic preparation in secondary school and a demonstrated interest in being actively engaged in the myriad aspects of Bucknell's residential learning community are more favorably viewed by the Admissions Committee.

Filing an Application

Secondary school students may request a common application from the dean of admissions or by accessing our website. An application must be filed in the first half of the student's senior year in secondary school before January 15. A fee of $60, which will not be refunded, should be paid when the application is submitted.

Any applicant for admission as a student, or for the award of financial aid, who knowingly submits false or fraudulent information, conceals material information, or intentionally misleads or misinforms the University, may be denied admission; be subject to revocation of an award of financial aid; if already admitted, be subject to discipline under the University's student conduct regulations, including dismissal from the University; or if a degree already has been awarded, have the degree rescinded if based on material fraud. Each applicant is required to certify that the information furnished to the University is accurate and complete.

Early Decision

Bucknell University offers two early decision plans which allow a student to apply early and to receive an answer by mid-December for Early Decision I, or early February for Early Decision II. Both plans are first-choice plans, which means that the student must have determined Bucknell to be his or her first choice of colleges. Applications may be filed with other colleges, but must be withdrawn if admission is offered by Bucknell University.

Briefly, the program for early decision observes the deadlines and requirements listed below:

• Applications requesting early decision, including all required information, must be filed before November 15 for Early Decision I, and January 15 for Early Decision II, and should include at least junior year SAT or ACT scores and current high school transcripts.
• A statement must be submitted, signed by student, parents, and counselor, testifying that Bucknell University is the first choice of college.
• Notification of early decision admission will be made to the candidate by December 15 for Early Decision I, and by February 15 for Early Decision II, at which time a $500 non-refundable enrollment deposit will be required within 30 days of notification.
• One of three possible decisions will be rendered in the early decision plan: acceptance, deferral for later consideration, or denial.

Academic Requirements

Below are described the minimum requirements for various course areas as they relate to prospective major and non-major studies. As noted in an earlier section, the emphasis of the Admissions Committee review of a student's secondary school curriculum will be on both content and performance.

Requirements in Mathematics

The completion of at least two and one-half years of college-preparatory mathematics is required by the University for admission to any of its courses in mathematics. Students planning to take calculus at Bucknell University — including all students majoring in mathematics, science, engineering, economics, or management — are required to have additional preparation, including a year of precalculus. The term college-preparatory mathematics denotes a logical sequence of topics, including algebra and geometry, with emphasis on basic concepts and on principles of deductive reasoning. The term precalculus denotes the study of polynomial, rational, trigonometric, logarithmic and exponential functions.

Requirements in Foreign Language

All applicants are required to have completed a minimum of two years of foreign language (in the same language) in secondary school for all of Bucknell's degree programs, but we advise more for bachelor of arts candidates.

Requirements in the Sciences for Engineering Students

Engineering students are required to have one unit of either chemistry or physics. It is strongly recommended that they shall have had a minimum of three years of science, including both chemistry and physics.

Standardized Tests

Each applicant is required to take either the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT-I administered by the College Board of Princeton, N.J., or the American College Test (ACT) of the American College Testing Program. Each applicant is required to complete either of these tests in the junior year or in the fall of the senior year.

*It is recommended that applicants in the College of Arts and Sciences who are planning to continue the study of a foreign language take the SAT-II Subject Test in the language they intend to continue. Results will be used for placement purposes.

*Foreign language tests are not a part of the selection process and may be taken any time prior to matriculation. However, placement is facilitated if they are taken by April of the senior year.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Students for whom English is not the first language are expected to submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) to show English proficiency. The minimum TOEFL score required by Bucknell is 550 on a paper examination, 213 on a computer-based examination, or 79-80 on the Internet-based TOEFL (IBT).

Entrance Deferral

A student may elect to defer enrollment for one year after being admitted by submitting a request in writing to the dean of admissions. A non-refundable deposit will be required to hold this space for the year.

Advanced Standing for First-year and Transfer Students

An applicant who earns eight or fewer Bucknell University course credits at another college while simultaneously enrolled in high school normally shall be considered for admission only as a first-year student. Thus, it is assumed that such students will be eligible for, and required to comply with, University curricular and cocurricular programs and policies intended for those entering college immediately after high school.

Accordingly, first-year students will be limited to a maximum of eight transfer credits (including both AP and college courses elected while in high school). Such students may attend eight semesters (10 if enrolled in a five-year engineering program). Students who have earned more than eight course credits but still wish to be admitted as first-year students should consult with the associate dean of their college to decide which eight courses they should select for transfer.

A student who wishes to transfer more than eight Bucknell University course credits including Advanced Placement and credits earned at another college while simultaneously enrolled in high school normally shall be considered for admission only as a transfer student. Thus, it is assumed that such students will not be eligible for, nor required to comply with, University curricular and cocurricular programs and policies intended for those entering college immediately after finishing high school. Such students will have their graduation date adjusted to reflect prior semesters’ work. Graduation date (class year) determines the number of semesters a student may attend Bucknell University; when necessary due to curricular needs, the deans may adjust the student’s graduation date.

A student who earns college credits while matriculated in a degree program elsewhere, and subsequent to high school graduation, will be considered for admission only as a transfer student. Should the number of accepted transfer credits be fewer than four, the students will be eligible for, and required to comply with, University curricular and cocurricular programs intended for first-year students.

While the foregoing policies are to apply in most situations, exceptions may be made in the admissions office following consideration of the particular circumstances of the applicant, and after appropriate consultation with the offices of the registrar, the academic deans, and Student Services.

A grade point average of 2.50 or better (on a 4.00 = A scale) is required of students who apply for transfer. (The mean GPA of accepted transfer students is a 3.4) All courses comparable to those given at Bucknell University, which can be counted toward the requirements for graduation, and in which a grade of C or better was earned, will be credited. (A grade of C- or below will not be accepted for transfer credit.) Credit is not granted for Pass/Fail grades or audits. Examples of courses not acceptable for transfer are those in professional or vocational fields, courses from professional schools, mathematics at a level lower than our introductory calculus courses, and language courses which repeat high school work. Most students transfer to Bucknell University from schools which employ the semester hour credit system. For transfer purposes, Bucknell University courses are considered to be 4-semester-hours courses. In determining the number of Bucknell course credits, students from schools on a semester hour system may earn 2.0 Bucknell course credits for a maximum of two 3-semester hour courses. All additional credits will be evaluated on a formula whereby 4-semester hours are equivalent to 1.0 Bucknell course credit. Students from schools on a quarter hour system may earn 2.0 Bucknell course credits for coursework totaling nine quarter hours. All additional accepted course credits will be evaluated on a formula whereby six quarter hours are equivalent to 1.0 Bucknell course credit. The grade point average required for good standing and for graduation is compiled only on work taken at Bucknell University. An applicant for admission with advanced standing must submit to the dean of admissions an official transcript of record of all earlier college work and any other information the dean may request.

In certain highly structured areas — such as the programs leading to the bachelor of music degree, the bachelor of science degrees, and the engineering degrees — the sequence of courses is very important. Potential transfer candidates interested in these areas should contact the Office of Admissions and appropriate department chair as early as possible for advice on course selection at the institution where the student is currently enrolled.

All applications and credentials must be received by March 15 from transfer candidates who wish to begin their studies at Bucknell University in the first (fall) semester, or by November 1 for the second (spring) semester. Transfer application materials and instructions will include a statement regarding policies and procedures for awarding of credit.

Students will not be admitted to the University as candidates for a bachelor's degree if they have earned more than 80 semester hours elsewhere. This maximum credit limitation includes credits earned through Advanced Placement Tests and subject College Level Examination Program tests of the College Board. To satisfy Bucknell's graduation requirements, undergraduates in the College of Arts and Sciences must complete a minimum of 12 Bucknell University courses, and in the College of Engineering a minimum of 13. In addition, a minimum of two semesters in residence during the junior and senior years is required. Both the first semester after matriculation and the final semester before graduation must be in residence.

Students who are accepted and plan to enroll at Bucknell University as a transfer student may be required to come to the campus for a counseling meeting prior to the start of their first Bucknell semester.

Medical Requirements

All full-time entering students must submit the medical history and physical examination form completed by their physicians. Students are required also to have completed the following immunizations: tetanus-diphtheria, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, and the first of three hepatitis B injections. The remaining two hepatitis B injections must be completed within one year.

In addition to the above, evidence of freedom from tuberculosis in the form of a mantoux test within one (1) year is required.

Meningitis: Pennsylvania law requires that every student who resides in University housing must become informed about meningitis as well as the possible risks and benefits of the meningitis vaccine. Every student then is mandated to provide to the Student Health Service official proof of having received the vaccine (which the University strongly recommends) or a signed statement that you understand the nature of the disease, the risks and benefits of the vaccine, but that you have chosen not to receive the vaccine.

Chicken-pox (Varicella) is recommended but not required.

Health Insurance Requirement

Bucknell University requires that all full-time undergraduate students, three or more credits, whether on campus or in a University-approved off-campus program, have their own medical insurance. This can be accomplished by providing evidence of your own coverage acceptable to Bucknell University or by purchasing the University-sponsored program. Students will receive information regarding the University-sponsored plan, as well as a form for verification of their own insurance during the summer. In order to complete registration for fall semester the waiver/enrollment insurance card must be returned to the University by the date stated in the mailing.

The single exception is that all international students and Bucknell University-sponsored international dependents must purchase the University-approved health insurance plan, regardless of any other coverage they may have.

Readmission

A written request for readmission should be sent to the Dean of Arts and Sciences or the Dean of Engineering before June 1 for the fall semester, or before November 1 for the spring semester. Students should contact their academic dean for information regarding fees for readmission and enrollment. A student who has been dropped by the University for academic reasons must wait until one year has passed before applying for readmission and then must provide convincing evidence of being able to complete degree work satisfactorily. A student who has withdrawn voluntarily and has attended another college or university without the permission of the dean of his or her college must submit an application for readmission under the regulations governing transfer students.

Crime Information

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, Public Law #101-542, requires all colleges and universities in the United States to provide literature to prospective students, upon request, which relates crime statistics and the nature of the protection afforded students and their property at that college. This law also requires each institution to provide every person who submits an application, and to all enrolled students and employees, information regarding the institution's security policies and procedures. Bucknell University is in full compliance with this law and such information is available to you in writing, upon written request, or on the Bucknell University Public Safety website at www.bucknell.edu/publicsafety