Bucknell Academy Summer Experience (BASE)
The Bucknell Academy Summer Experience is a selective, one-week residential program for rising high school sophomores, juniors and seniors. BASE introduces students to the rigor, collaboration, and curiosity that define a Bucknell education — both inside and outside the classroom. BASE participants join Bucknell faculty to learn and develop problem-solving skills designed to help you make an impact on the world.
Students live on campus, learn from Bucknell faculty, and engage in meaningful academic exploration alongside peers from across the country. Reach into your imagination and solve problems in innovative ways. It all starts at Bucknell.
BASE 2026 at a Glance
The Bucknell Academy Summer Experience will be held from Sunday, June 21, to Friday, June 26, 2026.
Who: Rising sophomores, juniors and seniors in high school
Theme of Camp: Human-Centered Communication in a Digital Era
When: June 21–26, 2026
Cost: $1,750 (includes housing, meals, instruction and activities)
Financial Aid: Need-based assistance available
Eligibility
High school students who will be rising sophomores, juniors or seniors are welcome to apply. We're looking for applicants with a strong academic record, who enjoy collaborating and leading and have a genuine interest in the liberal arts and creative problem-solving.
Learn more about the application process on our admissions podcast
How to apply
The BASE 2026 application will open in February 2026. Interested applicants must submit the online application which includes a short essay prompt. Aside from the application, all applicants must submit their high school transcript by uploading it to the online application or emailing it to BASE@bucknell.edu. The transcript should reflect the most up-to-date information, including the student's most recent first quarter/trimester or mid-year grades for this academic year.
If the transcript(s) are not received by the application deadline, the student's application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed.
The BASE team will begin reviewing applications in March and admitted applicants will be notified in April.
Fees and Financial Assistance
The attendance fee is $1,750, which includes housing, meals and learning materials.
A select number of applicants may receive need-based financial assistance. In order to be considered, applicants should ask their school and/or community-based organization (CBO) counselor to write a letter identifying the student's need. Letters should be emailed to BASE@bucknell.edu prior to the application deadline.
Transportation
For campers traveling to campus, complimentary shuttles will be provided for both arrival to and departure from BASE from the following airports: BWI, Newark, and Harrisburg. Suggested arrival and departure times will be shared with admitted campers in April.
The BASE Experience
BASE is designed to provide insight into the college experience through a balance of immersive learning and social activities. As such, the program may include attending courses, experiential academic opportunities, group discussions and reflection with other BASE participants and fun opportunities to explore Bucknell and our community.
Your schedule will likely look similar to this:
| 7:45–8:45 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 9–10:30 a.m. | Attend class |
| 10:30–11:45 a.m | Group activity |
| 11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m. | Lunch |
| 1–2:30 p.m. | Attend class |
| 2:30–4 p.m. | Group activity |
| 4–5:15 p.m. | Group project / downtime |
| 5:30–6:30 p.m. | Dinner |
| 7–10 p.m. | Fun group activities, board games and/or hanging out |
| 10:15 p.m. | End the day at your assigned residence hall |
Application Fee Waivers for Visitors
Students who participate in certain in-person visit options are eligible for an application fee waiver.
Contact the Office of Admissions at 570-577-3000 or BASE@bucknell.edu for more information or with any additional questions.