Bucknell Academy Summer Experience (BASE)
During the Bucknell Academy Summer Experience (BASE), rising high school juniors and seniors spend a week living like a college student. Stay in a residence hall, attend classes taught by Bucknell professors and develop problem-solving skills designed to help you make an impact on the world.
BASE participants join Bucknell faculty and students to find innovative solutions to pressing issues. Perhaps you'll team up with environmental engineers and global managers to create better technology for clean water. Or maybe you'll collaborate with performing artists and biomedical engineers to reimagine prosthetics used by actors or musicians.
Reach into your imagination and solve problems in innovative ways. It all starts at Bucknell.
BASE 2025
The Bucknell Academy Summer Experience will be held from Sunday, June 22, to Friday, June 27, 2025.
Annual theme
The 2025 program will focus on The Art and Science of Communication, which students will analyze from various perspectives in interdisciplinary courses and activities.
Eligibility
High school students who will be rising juniors or seniors are welcome to apply. We're looking for applicants with a strong academic record, who enjoy collaborating and leading and have a genuine interest in the liberal arts and creative problem-solving.
Learn more about the application process on our admissions podcast
How to apply
Submit the BASE application by March 15, 2025. All applicants must submit their high school transcript by uploading it to the online application or emailing it to BASE@bucknell.edu. Your transcript should reflect the most up-to-date information, including your most recent first quarter/trimester or mid-year grades for this academic year.
If your transcripts are not received by the application deadline, your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed.
We will begin reviewing applications in March and admitted applicants will be notified in April.
Fees and Financial Assistance
The attendance fee is $1,750, which includes housing, meals and learning materials.
A select number of applicants may receive need-based financial assistance. In order to be considered, applicants should ask their school and/or community-based organization (CBO) counselor to write a letter identifying the student's need. Letters should be emailed to BASE@bucknell.edu prior to the application deadline.
The BASE Experience
BASE is designed to provide insight into the college experience through a balance of immersive learning and social activities. As such, the program may include attending courses, experiential academic opportunities, group discussions and reflection with other BASE participants and fun opportunities to explore Bucknell and our community.
Your schedule will likely look similar to this:
| 7:45–8:45 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 9–10:30 a.m. | Attend class |
| 10:30–11:45 a.m | Group activity |
| 11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m. | Lunch |
| 1–2:30 p.m. | Attend class |
| 2:30–4 p.m. | Group activity |
| 4–5:15 p.m. | Group project / downtime |
| 5:30–6:30 p.m. | Dinner |
| 7–10 p.m. | Fun group activities, board games and/or hanging out |
| 10:15 p.m. | End the day at your assigned residence hall |
Contact the Office of Admissions at 570-577-3000 or BASE@bucknell.edu for more information or with any additional questions.