Admissions Dates & Deadlines
Throughout your college search process, there will be lots of important information to keep track of. That's why we've compiled the most crucial Bucknell dates and deadlines in one place. Keep in mind that each school on your list might have different deadlines, so be sure to check back here often to ensure you're on track.
2025-26 Dates & Deadlines
| Early Decision I | ||
| Date | Deadline | Additional Details |
| Nov. 1, 2025* | Early Decision I Deadline | Application, scholarship application, CSS Profile and FAFSA due |
| Early December | Early Decision I Decision Release | Look for an email with details about our release date and time, as well as instructions for accessing your decision |
| Mid-December | Early Decision I Enrollment Deposit Due | Log in to your Application Status Page to confirm your enrollment |
| Early Decision II | ||
| Date | Deadline | Additional Details |
| Jan. 10, 2026* | Early Decision II Deadline | Application, scholarship application, CSS Profile and FAFSA due |
| Mid-Februay | Early Decision II Decision Release | Look for an email with details about our release date and time, as well as instructions for accessing your decision |
| Late February | Early Decision II Enrollment Deposit Due | Log onto your Application Status Page to confirm your enrollment |
| Regular Decision | ||
| Date | Deadline | Additional Details |
| Jan. 10, 2026* | Regular Decision Deadline | Application, scholarship application, CSS Profile and FAFSA due |
| Mid-March | Regular Decision Decision Release | Look for an email with details about our release date and time, as well as instructions for accessing your decision |
| May 1, 2026 | Regular Decision Enrollment Deposit Due | Log onto your Application Status Page to confirm your enrollment |
| All First Year Applicants | ||
| Date | Deadline | Additional Details |
| Aug. 1, 2025 | Application Opens | Common Application and Coalition Application open |
| Oct. 1, 2025 | Financial Aid Forms Become Available | |
| May 5, 2026 | Outstanding Financial Aid Documents Due | Any outstanding tax forms or verification documents due. |
| May 15, 2026 | Official Test Scores Due** | Required for all enrolled students |
| June 1, 2026 | Deferral Requests Due | Requests to defer enrolment for one year due to Admissions |
| July 1, 2026 | Final High School Transcript Due | Official final high school transcripts for enrolling students due to Admissions |
*These are new deadlines that will take effect for the 2025-26 application cycle.
**Students who chose to self-report scores, or chose not to submit test scores, on their application will be required to submit verified test scores if they have taken the ACT or SAT. This will allow the Office of Admissions to understand and assess its current pilot of the test-optional policy. Please know that, for test-optional applicants, submitting official scores after enrolling will not change your admission decision and will strictly be used for research purposes. Students who have never taken the SAT or ACT and do not have scores available are not required to submit a score and should email us at appdocs@bucknell.edu to let us know they've never taken the SAT or ACT. Official scores must be received by May 15. If you are not sure whether you have already submitted official test scores, please log in to your application portal and view your checklist.
Important Notes
- If you are a US citizen or permanent resident applying for financial aid, the deadline for submitting the CSS Profile for Early Decision I is Nov. 1. For Early Decision II and Regular Decision, the deadline is Jan. 10. When you file the CSS Profile, you will receive an acknowledgment from the College Board that will serve as your confirmation. Bucknell will not be able to download your actual CSS Profile data into our system until late November. International students interested in applying for financial aid should refer to our website for timeline details.
Application Dates & Deadlines
| Semester enrolling | Application available | Application deadline | Decisions available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Mid-August | March 15 | Mid-May |
| Spring | Mid-August | Nov. 1 | Mid-Dec. |