It probably started when you were a kid. 

You started questioning why things work the way they do. You began taking apart electronics to see if you could put them back together. You reshot your favorite movie scenes, performed kitchen science experiments or ran a business in your front yard.

In short, you stepped off the beaten path to find your own way. That journey of learning, and all the experiences and discoveries along the way, has been leading you to something great. At Bucknell University, we're ready to help you get there.

Visit Options: In-person and Virtual

Beginning June 29, we have introduced two options for families wanting to visit Bucknell: in-person information sessions (with an optional self-guided tour) and virtual visits.

In-person Information Sessions

An information session is a 45-minute introduction to our application process, campus life and innovative approach to learning.

Information sessions begin at these times:

• July 13 to Aug. 1:
  • Mondays: 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
  • Tuesdays: 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
  • Wednesdays: 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
  • Thursdays: 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
  • Fridays: 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

To protect the health and safety of visitors and staff, we have made the following updates, based on guidance from health authorities:

• Location: We have relocated information sessions to the spacious Weis Center for the Performing Arts. Free parking is available in the visitor lot just southwest of the Weis Center near the football stadium (lot 72 on this map).
• Pre-registration: All visitors must register for the information session; we are not able to accommodate walk-in visitors at this time. See the schedule and register here. Please note that the state of Pennsylvania is recommending people traveling to Pennsylvania from certain states quarantine for 14 days before going out in public. Find up-to-date information here.
• Health screening: To enter the information session, visitors are subject to a health screening that may include a temperature check. Please arrive at least 20 minutes early to ensure you make it inside with plenty of time to spare.
• Physical distancing: Capacity at the information session is limited to 25 people, and every third row will be open for seating — measures designed to allow families to spread out as they learn more about Bucknell. 
• Cleaning: The Weis Center will be rigorously cleaned after each information session.
• Self-guided tour: After the information session, we invite you to explore campus on your own. Maps for our self-guided tour will be available at the Weis Center.
• Face coverings required: All visitors (ages 2 and up) must wear face coverings while inside. We will have a limited supply of face coverings available to those who need them. 
• Additional measures added: We've placed signs to promote one-way foot traffic and stickers on the floor to remind visitors to remain 6 feet apart.

Register for an information session

Virtual Visits

We will continue to offer virtual visit options, including virtual information sessions and student ambassador chats, that let you learn more about Bucknell from wherever you are.

Schedule your virtual visit

How to Apply

You'll apply to Bucknell using either the Common Application or the Coalition Application — it's your choice. 

These applications will open in August, with the first deadline (Early Decision I) on Nov. 15, 2020. We'll review each application personally, looking far deeper than test scores and GPA to find students who are engaged in the world around them and passionately in pursuit of their own distinct purpose.

Coronavirus and Your Academic Record

Bucknell understands that a student's educational opportunities have been disrupted by COVID-19. We want prospective students to know they won't be at a disadvantage because of how their high school chose to finish the spring 2020 semester. We've adjusted our admissions policies in the following ways:

• Expanding our test optional policy for the 2020-21 application cycle to include home school and international students.
• Accepting the Duolingo English Test for international students for whom English is not the first language or whose primary language of instruction for at least three years of secondary school was not English.
• Accepting AP Scores from the spring 2020 examinations.
• Understanding that high schools across the globe handled the pandemic differently. This may include various methods of instruction, grading and alterations to school calendars. The Admissions Office understands this and will continue to evaluate each student in the context of their high school. No student will be at a disadvantage for how their school decided to continue their education.
• Understanding that spring extracurricular opportunities were cancelled. Further, we understand that summer opportunities were largely cancelled or greatly altered given how each community considered how to handle the pandemic. Students will not be penalized or disadvantaged for their extracurricular activities being different than what they were before the pandemic.
• Understanding that, given all of the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic, it is okay to focus on your mental health, your family and the things that bring you joy. 

See what changed