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How to Respond to the 2023/2024 Bucknell University Supplement

By Savannah Dawson

Prior to coming to Scholarships360 for her first internship in 2022, Savannah utilized her campus publications by joining various fashion publications that are offered at Ohio University. One of those publications is Thread Magazine, where Savannah has had the opportunity to work on articles related to world-wide related fashion news and events, as well as articles closer to home, such as a fashion piece on Athens hometown-hero Joe Burrow. This year, Savannah also had the opportunity to be a content writing intern for Aiken House, as well as a section editor for Southeast Ohio Magazine. In 2023, Savannah served as the Chapter President of her sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta. These collective experiences, as well as her experience currently working for Ohio University’s Undergraduate Admissions, has led her to Scholarships360 and aided in her passion for helping students better understand the college admissions process and financial aid. In her free time, Savannah enjoys horseback riding, watching Formula One races, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family. Savannah will graduate from Ohio University in May 2024 with a degree in Journalism News and Information and a certificate in Italian Studies.

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Reviewed by Bill Jack

Bill Jack has over a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. Since 2008, he has worked at Colby College, Wesleyan University, University of Maine at Farmington, and Bates College.

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Edited by Maria Geiger

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

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Updated: December 1st, 2023
How to Respond to the  2023/2024 Bucknell University Supplement

Bucknell University is a private non-profit university in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. Bucknell is on the “Hidden Ivies” list– the list of highly selective liberal arts colleges that offer premier educations on par with Ivy League schools. Knowing how to respond to the Bucknell University supplement will be a great help to stand out from the rest of the applicants, so keep on reading to figure out how!

The Bucknell University Supplement

Bucknell University asks students to answer only one substantial question as a supplement to the Common App essay. The prompt is straight to the point so you do not have to worry about deciding between which prompt would make you stand out best. Still, we need to be prepared to create a well-thought out and honest response no matter what the prompt may be.

We are going to break down the prompt step-by-step to make it easier to understand and to write. After this, you’ll be a pro at respond to Bucknell’s other questions. Let’s jump right in!

Prompt #1

Please explain your interest in your first-choice major/undecided status and your second-choice major, should you opt to list one. (250 words)

If you have chosen your major already

If you have already picked your major, that is great! Maybe that is what you see yourself doing for the rest of your life, or possibly not. Either way, you have a lot of time to figure that out and change your mind. But, for right now, let’s think about what made you pick that major when you were filling out your application to Bucknell. 

250 words is the perfect amount to describe your major. Maybe you will want to dive into your career of choice and how Bucknell is going to prepare you to get to that goal. Universities love to hear how they are able to help you succeed, as well as what you are going to be able to do for their college in your time there. Think about those things while you are writing.

Questions to consider:

  • Why did you choose your major?
  • What about this field of study draws you in?
  • Do you know what you want your future career to be?
  • What do you see yourself doing after college?

If you choose “Undecided” as your major

If you still aren’t completely sure about what you want to do in college, that is completely fine. That is what college is all about– learning more about who you are as a person, and growing into the adult that you are meant to be. This is something you can touch on in your essay, Bucknell is a great place for a student to learn and grow. 

Questions to consider:

  • Why did you choose Bucknell University?
  • What interests you?
  • Did you particularly enjoy any classes in high school that you feel you’d like to keep taking in college?
  • What are your goals for the future?

All of these questions can help you, and the admissions professionals at Bucknell, to better understand who you are academically and what your goals are for your future self. 

Final thoughts on the Bucknell Supplemental Essay

Ultimately, the admissions professionals chose to only provide one essay to make it easier on everyone involved in the process. Take that and run with it. Make the Bucknell supplemental essay your own, be honest with the college and with yourself about what you want in life– and if you don’t know yet, be honest about that too! College is about learning more about YOU, and they understand that. Collect your thoughts, speak your truth, and they will listen. 

Also see: College supplemental essay guides

Additional resources for students

Once you finish the Bucknell University supplement, give yourself a pat on the back, but remember, there’s more yet to do! At Scholarships360, we understand the stress that you are under while going through the college application process– trust us, we’ve been there. That’s why we have so many more tips and tricks for you to make the process a bit less strenuous. Whether you’re deciding how many colleges to apply to, how to choose a college, or when to take the SAT/ACT, we’ve got you covered.

What’s more, we have a host of resources to help you through the rest of your college essays. Check out our guides on how to write an essay about yourself, how to write a successful admissions essay, and how to adapt your writing to 250 or 500 word limits. We’ve even got a guide on how to respond to each of the Common App prompts. Good luck!

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