Bucknell University vs UC Irvine

Bucknell University is the more selective of the two at 29%, versus 29% at UC Irvine. Here is how they compare on selectivity, test scores, and what they weigh, plus a free way to estimate your odds at each.

Bucknell University
Selective
29%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1410
Private · Pennsylvania
UC Irvine
Selective
29%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1420
Public · California

Bucknell University vs UC Irvine: the differences that matter

How Bucknell University and UC Irvine stack up on selectivity, scores, and what they value.

Bucknell University and UC Irvine are almost equally selective (29% vs 29%), so neither is a clear safety relative to the other. Your odds at each come down to fit, not headline difficulty.

The two also read applications a little differently. Bucknell University leans more on class rank, application essay, recommendations, while UC Irvine puts more weight on state residency, work experience. The same profile can land differently at each, which is why a per-school estimate matters more than a single GPA.

On test scores, Bucknell University's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1410 and UC Irvine's is around 1420. Admitted students at UC Irvine post somewhat higher scores. Run your own numbers below to see where you stand at each.

What each school weighs

Factors either school weighs heavily, side by side.

FactorBucknell UniversityUC Irvine
Rigor of secondary school recordvery importantvery important
Academic GPAvery importantvery important
Class rankimportantconsidered
Standardized test scoresimportantimportant
Application essayimportantconsidered
Recommendationsimportantconsidered
Calculate your chances at both →

Frequently asked questions

Is Bucknell University or UC Irvine harder to get into?

Bucknell University is harder to get into, with a 29% acceptance rate versus 29% at UC Irvine.

What's the difference in SAT scores between Bucknell University and UC Irvine?

Bucknell University's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1410, and UC Irvine's is around 1420.

What are my chances at Bucknell University and UC Irvine?

That depends on your full profile. CollegeCalcAI gives a free, personalized estimate for each school in a few minutes.