Advanced Standing for First-year and Transfer Students
An applicant who earns eight or fewer Bucknell University course credits at another college while simultaneously enrolled in high school normally shall be considered for admission only as a first-year student. Thus, it is assumed that such students will be eligible for, and required to comply with, University curricular and cocurricular programs and policies intended for those entering college immediately after high school.
Accordingly, first-year students will be limited to a maximum of eight transfer credits including College Board Advanced Placement program (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and college courses elected while in high school. Such students may attend eight semesters (10 if enrolled in a five-year engineering program). Students who have earned more than eight course credits but still wish to be admitted as first-year students should consult with the associate dean of their college after admission is offered to decide which eight courses they should select for transfer.
A student who wishes to transfer more than eight Bucknell University course credits including AP, IB, and credits earned at another college while simultaneously enrolled in high school normally shall be considered for admission only as a transfer student. Thus, it is assumed that such students will not be eligible for, nor required to comply with, University curricular and cocurricular programs and policies intended for those entering college immediately after finishing high school. Such students will have their graduation date adjusted to reflect prior semesters’ work. Graduation date (class year) determines the number of semesters a student may attend Bucknell University; when necessary due to curricular needs, the deans may adjust the student’s graduation date.
A student who earns college credits while matriculated in a degree program elsewhere, and subsequent to high school graduation, will be considered for admission only as a transfer student. Should the number of accepted transfer credits be fewer than four, the student will be eligible for, and required to comply with, University curricular and cocurricular programs intended for first-year students.
While the foregoing policies are to apply in most situations, exceptions may be made by the Office of Admissions following consideration of the particular circumstances of the applicant, and after appropriate consultation with the offices of the Registrar, the Deans of Engineering or Arts and Sciences, and Student Services.
A grade point average of 3.00 or better (on a 4.00 = A scale) is required of students who apply for transfer. The mean GPA of accepted transfer students is a 3.4. All courses comparable to those given at Bucknell University, which can be counted toward the requirements for graduation, and in which a grade of C or better was earned, will be credited. (A grade of C- or below will not be accepted for transfer credit.) Credit is not granted for Pass/Fail grades or audited courses. Examples of courses not acceptable for transfer are those in professional or vocational fields, mathematics at a level lower than our introductory calculus courses, and language courses that repeat high school work. As with all coursework, courses taken online at regionally accredited universities will be considered for transfer credit at the discretion of the department chair.
Most students transfer to Bucknell University from schools that employ the semester hour credit system. For transfer purposes, Bucknell University courses are considered to be 4-semester-hours courses. For schools on a semester hour system, 4 semester hours are equivalent to 1.0 Bucknell course credit. Policy does allow that 2 courses of only 3 semester hours may each transfer as a full course credit. Transfer credit would be reduced to 0.75 credits for any 3 semester hour course taken thereafter. For schools on a quarter credit hour system, 6 quarter hours are equivalent to 1.0 Bucknell course credit. Policy does, however allow that 2 courses of only 4.5 quarter hours may each transfer as a full credit. Transfer credit would be reduced to 0.75 credits for any 4.5 quarter hour course taken thereafter.
The grade point average required for good standing and for graduation is compiled only on work taken at Bucknell University. An applicant for admission with advanced standing must submit to the dean of admissions an official transcript of record of all earlier college work and any other information the dean may request.
In certain highly structured areas – such as the programs leading to the Bachelor of Music degree, the Bachelor of Science degrees, and the engineering degrees – the sequence of courses is very important. Potential transfer candidates interested in these areas should contact the Office of Admissions and the appropriate department chair as early as possible for advice on course selection at the institution where the student is currently enrolled.
All applications and credentials must be received by March 15 from transfer candidates who wish to begin their studies at Bucknell University in the first (fall) semester, or by November 1 for the second (spring) semester. Transfer application materials and instructions will include a statement regarding policies and procedures for awarding of credit.
Students will not be admitted to the University as candidates for a bachelor’s degree if they have earned more than 80 semester hours elsewhere. This maximum credit limitation includes credits earned through Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and College Level Examination Program subject tests. To satisfy Bucknell’s graduation requirements, undergraduates in the College of Arts and Sciences must complete a minimum of 12 Bucknell University courses, and in the College of Engineering a minimum of 13. In addition, a minimum of two semesters in residence during the junior and senior years is required. Both the first semester after matriculation and the final semester before graduation must be in residence.
Students who are accepted and plan to enroll at Bucknell University as a transfer student may be required to come to the campus for a counseling meeting prior to the start of their first Bucknell semester.