ilmor

Profile: Class of 2012

We congratulate the students who have been admitted to the Class of 2012. After carefully reviewing 8,024 applications this winter, our admissions counselors extended offers of admission to 2,393 students or 30 percent. Bucknell continues to be in the top 4 percent of the most selective colleges in the nation — those offering admission to 30 percent or less of their applicant pool.

Admitted Student Statistics (as of June 16, 2008)

Number of applications:
Of those applying to Bucknell, 52% were men and 48% were women.


8,024

Acceptance rate:
Of those offered admission (2,393), 48% were men and 52% were women.


30%

SAT Middle 50%
SAT Critical Reading


630-720

SAT Math


660-740

ACT Middle 50%


28-32

Geographical representation: The admitted applicant group represents 45 states (17% from Pennsylvania), the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. 74 different countries are represented by admitted foreign nationals, dual citizens, and permanent residents.

It's kind of shocking that the amount of applications decreased by 1,000 since last year. What's even more shocking is that we managed to have an increase in yield despite the decrease in applications. Bucknell needs to get its financial situation under control so it doesn't scare away potential applicants with its tuition.

ericatbucknell

ilmor, i am under the impression that the drop in applications (which i was half-expecting given the limited data that was previously available) is attributable to the changes in the bucknell supplement that required additional essays. either way, that yield is up in this situation should be expected. simply, outside a significant change to the university itself (think post-katrina tulane), a drop in applicants is not uniform: it mostly comes from those least interested in attending. as such, those who do not apply (and are unlikely to enroll) do not have to be admitted. result: yield goes up.

regardless of the reason for the drop, rest assured that the problem is not tuition. bucknells comprehensive fees are the same as practically every other elite private college and university in the country. and for better or worse, that will continue. with only a moderate increase approved for 08-09, bucknell will no longer appear on any 'five most expensive' lists... but i dont think that negative press ultimately played much of a rule in application decisions. people in a position to pay $36000 per year for tuition arent exactly going to balk at $38000, especially when coupled with lower than average room and board costs.

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anyway, a few thoughts on the rest of the numbers:

1) it will be interesting to see if the yield bump has a noticeable impact on enrolled class quality, as the accepted student sat ranges are identical for the classes of 2011 and 2012. my guess is they will, and as a result we will see an enrolled class range of perhaps 1240-1400 (most likely) or 1240-1410.

2) the percentage of accepted students from pennsylvania is quite low, down to 17% from 19% for the class of 2011. it will be interesting to see if this is a result of increased applicant interest from outside the mid-atlantic or perhaps something a little less positive.

3) im curious as to why class rank data was not included. it had been in the past, and was actually a strength of bucknell vis-a-vis its peers. perhaps it was merely an oversight. perhaps, with so few people now submitting ranks, it was deemed insignificant. or perhaps the numbers just werent very good. it will be interesting to see what the enrolled numbers are when they are released in september.

BrokeCollegeKid

I am an accepted student to Bucknell, but unfortunately I am still about 5K short of the funds needed to attend.

I am concerned that I may need to accept my second choice based on financial considerations.

Can anyone offer some advice on how to proceed?

breckw

isn't it a little late for this question?
the deadline to submit your deposit to any school to reserve your spot (except for community college) was may 1.

that aside, $5k isn't that much to be short. there's still time to get a private loan or for your parents to apply for a PLUS loan to cover the cost. also, there's still some scholarships out there (try fastweb.com) that may help with the rest of the coa.

BrokeCollegeKid

My parents are not able to apply for additional PLUS loan assistance and I myself am already maxed out on financial aid available.

I have paid a deposit to both schools so I have to make a decision very, very shortly.

Do you think there is any chance of getting additional relief from Bucknell?

ericatbucknell

theres no harm in calling. i doubt bucknell will increase your package at this point (though its certainly possible), but the finaid officer you speak to should be able to provide you with good information on where you might be able to secure additional funds.

keep in mind, though, that serious undergraduate debt is a serious thing. im not sure how much youre considering taking on in total, but it is something to really think about.

BrokeCollegeKid

The financials of the situation have caused me to accept appointment to my second choice.. I wish I could have chosen Bucknell.