Bucknell University

A liberal arts university in central Pennsylvania with strong engineering and management programs alongside its arts and sciences curriculum.

Lewisburg, PALiberal Arts College
2026-2027 cycle
Next deadline
Nov 15, 2026
Early Decision
Essays
1
Prompt
Supplement
Required
2026-2027 cycle
Platform
Common App
Accepted platform
Selectivity
33%
Less selective
Enrollment
3,851
Mid-size undergrad

Build your Bucknell University application plan

Track the deadline, review every supplemental essay prompt, and shape each response around one clear admissions story.

Application deadlines

RoundDeadlineStatus
Early DecisionNovember 15, 2026116 days away
Early Decision IIJanuary 15, 2027177 days away
Regular DecisionJanuary 15, 2027177 days away

Supplemental essay prompts

  1. Supplement250 words2026-2027

    Please explain your interest in your first-choice major/undecided status and your second-choice major (if applicable).

How to approach Bucknell University's supplemental essays

Prompt 1 · 250 words

Choose a role before you draft

Decide what this essay should add to the application: evidence, range, bridge, or a new window into your life. Avoid repeating the Common App essay in miniature.

Example essay shell

Use this as a blank structure for a Bucknell University supplement response, then replace every bracket with your own specifics.

  1. Open on [specific scene, object, problem, or conversation].
  2. Show what [choice/action/constraint] reveals about how you think.
  3. Connect that trait to [school program, community, lab, class, or value].
  4. End with the contribution you want to make at Bucknell University, not a compliment.

Need more help with this application?

Use our guides to plan your supplement, sharpen your Why Us research, and review your draft before you submit.

Frequently asked questions

How many supplemental essays does Bucknell University require?

Bucknell University has 1 supplemental essay listed for the 2026-2027 application cycle, in addition to the shared application essay.

Does Bucknell University accept the Common Application?

Yes — Bucknell University accepts the Common Application.

What is Bucknell University's acceptance rate?

Bucknell University's most recently reported acceptance rate is 33.0%.

When is Bucknell University's next application deadline?

Bucknell University's next listed application deadline is the Early Decision round on November 15, 2026.

What does Bucknell University's supplement essay prompt ask (250 words)?

Please explain your interest in your first-choice major/undecided status and your second-choice major (if applicable).

Sources and verification

We prioritize Bucknell University's official admissions pages for school-specific prompts and deadlines, then use application-platform and federal sources as cross-checks. This record is labeled for the 2026-2027 cycle but still needs a fresh verification pass.

Review official source →