Frequently asked questions
Who can I contact for detailed information or to answer questions?
BU's admissions counselors are ready and eager to help and are assigned to serve many specific high schools in the region. To find out who your contact is, check the list of schools and meet your counselor.
What's BU's CEEB code?
The College Entrance Examination Board number is 2646.
What's BU's financial aid code?
003315
Ozzia Harvey
Ozzia Harvey, a senior biochemistry major from Philadelphia and graduate of Overbook High School, recently presented- "Synthesis and Characterization of the Tetrapeptide LSPR: A Potential Thrombin Inhibitor" as part of a summer research symposium held by the College of Science and Technology. She chose BU because of its reputation in science and plans to go on to pharmacy school.
How can I check on the status of my application?
For your security, we cannot provide information about the status of individual applications via e-mail. Instead, contact our office by phone, (570) 389-4316, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
What does it take to get accepted?
Bloomsburg is selective in its admission standards. Most entering students present SAT or ACT scores above the national average as well as a typical high school college preparatory program. In the admissions decision, we consider your class rank, grade point average, level of difficulty of your high school program, and standardized test scores. Typical fall freshmen enter with SAT scores totaling 1070 and are in the upper 25 percent of their graduating class.
Do you require an essay with application?
No, just the application.
What are the application deadlines?
BU admits students on a "rolling admission" basis-which means Admissions reviews your completed application as soon as it arrives. Notification is usually three to four weeks later. Apply as early as possible, for some majors applications received past December 1 are considered late. BU also welcomes applications from transfer students in good standing, as well as international and nontraditional students.
How soon will I hear about my application?
Admissions reviews your application within three to four weeks of its arrival, and notifies you by regular mail of its decision. While it's okay to inquire either by phone or e-mail if you haven't heard after a month or so, we can't - for obvious reasons of your security and privacy - provide an answer via e-mail. However, if you call and provide your social security number and other information we might request to be sure it's really you, we can give you an answer.
Are there scholarships available?
Many scholarship opportunities - both merit and need based - are available to freshmen and upperclassmen, as well as a wide variety of other forms of financial aid. More than two-thirds of all students at Bloomsburg receive some form of aid. More information
When will I learn how much aid I get?
Starting approximately April 1, award letters are sent to federally eligible returning students and to incoming freshmen and transfers students who have determined that they will attend Bloomsburg University. Federal eligibility is determined by the FAFSA. Students attempting to make a decision regarding an early acceptance of admission, may contact the Office of Financial Aid to determine eligibility. Recipients of PHEAA State Grants will be notified by PHEAA in mid-May. Learn more about financial aid at BU
What is your FAFSA school code?
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania's code for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is 003315.
Can I pursue a major and a minor?
Yes, students can pursue a minor in a wide variety of academic disciplines. Minors generally consist of a minimum of 18 credit hours. Please contact the chairperson of the department in which you would like to pursue the minor or check the university's online catalog.
Are internships available?
Yes, in almost every major and in most semesters plus the summer months. Students work with their advisors and/or with the Academic Internship office.
Where's the Admissions office on campus?
The undergraduate admissions office is located on the first floor of Warren Student Services Center. For non-degree students, the Office of Adult Advisement is located on the second floor of Warren Center. For graduate students, the graduate studies office is located in Centennial Hall. Visitor should obtain a visitor's parking pass to display on the dashboard of their vehicle. Passes may be obtained in the Office of Admissions or from University Police.
I've been accepted, but want to change my major. What do I do?
At this preliminary stage, send your request in writing to Christopher Keller, Director, Office of Admissions. This prompts a review of your application and, if possible, a change can be made. Be aware, though, that the new major may have limitations or restrictions that could adversely affect your plans.
My home address has changed. What do I do?
If you have not yet actually registered for classes, changes of address go to the Office of Admissions. Once you have registered for classes, address changes go to the Office of the Registrar.
What are the rules regarding Pennsylvania residency?
Students who would like to apply for Pennsylvania residency status for tuition purposes should contact Danielle Peters in the Finance and Business Services Department at (570)389-4647 or dpeters@bloomu.edu, or go to the Residency Classification for information.
I'm still in high school but want to take college classes. What do I do?
If you have completed your junior year of high school and wish to take a class, you would use a non-degree application and check category 3. The application is reviewed by Admissions. These individuals need to submit an official high school transcript and test (PSAT, SAT) scores if they have them. As soon as you graduate from high school, the credits you earn here become transferable to many colleges and universities, including us.
Do you give college credit for AP courses?
If the advanced placement (AP) course you're taking in high school is through The College Board and your score on the examination is a 3, 4 or 5, then you may receive 3 (three) university credits.
What's the earliest I can apply for admission?
You can apply at any time, but applications for the following fall begin to get consideration in late September of what would be your senior year in high school. We don't ask students to take SAT or ACT tests as juniors, but do require SAT or ACT scores for consideration of application, so it's a good idea to take them in the junior year and then again in the senior year.
Do I need to bring my own computer?
No. Although each dorm room is wired for high speed ethernet connections, there are plenty of labs around the campus in residence halls, the student union, the library, and academic buildings virtually around the clock. University computer labs are completely networked and many areas are wireless
What high school courses should I take?
You should have a minimum of 16 academic units. Of these you must have four (4) years of English; four (4) social studies (example: history, sociology, psychology); minimum three (3) mathematics [recommend 4]; 3 Sciences (general or earth science, biology, chemistry or physics) and the remaining units can be a foreign language or additional math or science courses. Typically, an entering traditional Fall Freshmen has completed an average of 21 academic units in high school.
Can I bring a car to campus?
Students with fewer than 64 credit hours who live in residence halls may park in a lot on upper campus; regular shuttle service is provided. Dorm residents with more than 64 hours may park in a designated student lot adjacent to campus. Students commuting from home outside a specific perimeter may park in designated commuter parking areas. Residents of Montgomery Place and Mount Olympus Apartments may park in apartment complex lots. Except for commuter students and limited metered parking at the rec center, the library and near Scranton Commons, there is no short-term parking for students on the campus.
Do you have on-campus day care for my children?
Yes. The Campus Child Center, located in lower Elwell Hall, provides quality day care for children of all ages, year round. Learn more
I have a college degree, but want to teach. What do I do?
Contact the Office of Adult Advisement and enroll as a Category 6 Non-Degree student. More information.
I'm thinking about working toward a degree part-time. How do I begin?
Bloomsburg welcomes adult students and the Office of Adult Advisement works with you to help you reach your goal. You start as a non-degree Category 1 student and after you've reached a certain stage switch to become a degree student. All you need is a high school diploma to get started. And don't worry about competing with young people; adult students often raise the curve. More information
Can I take a course for personal enrichment or to improve my job skills?
Yes. Contact the Office of Adult Advisement to make arrangements.
But I still have a question...
Contact your admissions counselor directly by phone or e-mail! First see which one serves your school.