Short answer: the middle 50% of first-year students who enrolled at Bucknell University scored about 1310 to 1470 on the SAT, with an average of 1410. That means a quarter of enrolled first-years scored 1310 or lower and a quarter scored 1470 or higher. These numbers come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
Bucknell at a glance
SAT middle 50%: 1310 to 1470 | Average: 1410
Reading and Writing: 650 to 730 | Math: 660 to 740
ACT middle 50%: 30 to 33
Admission rate: 28.9%
Bucknell SAT scores by section
| Section | 25th percentile | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 650 | 730 |
| Math | 660 | 740 |
| Total (sum of sections) | 1310 | 1470 |
The total row adds the two section numbers, so treat it as a close estimate, not an exact percentile of total scores. For comparison, the average SAT score for the class of 2026 was 1045 (528 Reading and Writing, 517 Math), according to College Board.
Does Bucknell require the SAT?
No. Bucknell began a test-optional pilot in 2019 to 2020 and has extended it through the 2027 to 2028 application cycle. If you do not send SAT or ACT scores, Bucknell does not use them in your decision.
- Merit scholarships: all students are considered for every Bucknell merit scholarship, with or without scores.
- Superscoring: Bucknell takes your best Reading and Writing and best Math, even from different tests.
- Self-report: allowed on the Common or Coalition Application.
- After you enroll: Bucknell asks enrolling students who took the SAT or ACT to send a score. It is used only to study the policy and does not change your admission.
- No substitutes: if you apply without the SAT or ACT, Bucknell does not consider other standardized tests instead.
Bucknell’s own middle 50% for the Class of 2028 was 670 to 740 in Reading and Writing and 670 to 760 in Math.
What SAT score should you aim for?
Bucknell’s middle 50% is about 1310 to 1470 in College Scorecard, and Bucknell’s Class of 2028 numbers add up to about 1340 to 1500. Send your score if it is 1340 or higher. At 1500 or higher, it is in the top quarter.
Since scholarships do not depend on scores at Bucknell, the only question is whether your score helps your admission case. Inside or above the range, it does.
Where do you stand against Bucknell’s range?
Take a free full-length practice test and compare your section scores to 730 (Reading and Writing) and 740 (Math).
How to close the gap
- Find your weaker section by comparing each score to Bucknell’s 75th percentile above.
- Practice at the top difficulty level. Scores in this range come from getting the hardest questions right. Try these hard SAT math questions and this hard SAT English practice test.
- Drill your weak skills in Targeted Practice.
- Compare schools with similar ranges in the College Finder.
Frequently asked questions
What SAT score do you need for Bucknell?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1310 to 1470.
What is the average SAT score at Bucknell?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1410.
Does Bucknell require the SAT?
No. Bucknell is test-optional through the 2027-28 cycle, considers everyone for merit scholarships, and superscores.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard: Bucknell University (latest admissions data, accessed October 2026).
- Bucknell Admissions, Undergraduate Admission Requirements.
- College Board Newsroom, Class of 2026 SAT results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What SAT score do you need for Bucknell?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1310 to 1470.
What is the average SAT score at Bucknell?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1410.
Does Bucknell require the SAT?
No. Bucknell is test-optional through the 2027-28 cycle, considers everyone for merit scholarships, and superscores.