Bucknell University 2025-26 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Bucknell University 2025-26 Application Essay Question Explanations 

The Requirements: One essay of 250 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why

Please explain your interest in your first-choice major/undecided status and your second-choice major (should you opt to list one) and why you would choose Bucknell University to pursue your interest(s). (250 words maximum).

This prompt is asking you to describe what you want to major in and explain why you like it so much that you’re willing to dedicate four years of life to its study. The admissions officer reviewing your application will likely expect you to connect your intended major to some prior experience and/or passion as well, so tell a story. The essays that stick with us are the ones that jump off the page with concrete descriptions from real life. What interests you and why? How have you gone about learning more about your subject of interest? Have you spent hours doing a deep dive on Reddit or learned a new skill from a TikTok tutorial? What will this degree (or dual degree) allow you to do? While you don’t need to narrow in on the exact moment you became interested in Geology or Music Education, try to focus on one significant experience. Then stress why Bucknell, specifically, is the best place for you to pursue this chosen major (or, if you’re undecided, why it’s the best place for you to explore different interests in the interim). If you can point to specific resources (classes, professors, clubs, etc.), your response will be stronger for it.