As soon as you step out of the car, the cool air slaps you in the face. Put on your Huskies gear; you have arrived at Bloomsburg University.
Established in 1839, Bloomsburg University began as an academy “to teach the youth the elements of a classical education”, according to the university website. Not yet named Bloomsburg, the academy was reorganized as Bloomsburg Literary Institute in 1856, just 17 years later. 13 years after, it became known as Bloomsburg Literary Institute and State Normal School. The school’s name continued to change for many years leading up to its current title as Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, which was adopted in July 1983.
Though the name of the school has been changed multiple times, one thing definitely hasn’t: the location. Bloomsburg University is located in a large town in a rural setting where mountains fill your view and trees line every sidewalk. It is a place with a great environment and many opportunities for success.
Bloomsburg is a public university and liberal arts college that offers bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees in a number of different areas. The University offers 54 undergraduate degree programs, 5 pre-professional majors, 8 programs involving other colleges and universities, 45 minors and 19 graduate programs. There are degree paths in business, education, liberal arts, and science and technology. There is something for everyone at Bloomsburg University.
Another great thing about Bloomsburg is its size and easy navigation. The University is medium sized so it is not extremely small but it’s also not too big or complicated to get around. The most convenient part of the school’s layout is the Academic Quad. The Academic Quad is basically the main part of the campus where all or most of the academic buildings are. All of the buildings are set up in a somewhat rectangular shape, (hence the name “Academic QUAD”) which makes navigation from class to class easily attainable.
The education aspect of college is important but everyone wants to know about the extra-curricular activities too. Bloomsburg University’s division sports include men’s baseball, basketball, cross country, football, soccer, swimming, tennis, track and field, and wrestling and women’s basketball, cross country, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, and track and field. All BU sports, with the exception of the wrestling team, are division II teams (the wrestling team is division I). Besides division sports, Bloomsburg also offers 12 intercollegiate sports, 13 club sports, 10 intramural sports, and 12 scholarship sports.
Another thing that I’m sure students are worried about is the food, but don’t worry; this school has a lot to choose from. Some of the dining halls at Bloomsburg include the Husky Lounge, Scranton Commons, Monty’s, Roongos Café, and even a Starbucks. The University is also working on constructing a Subway and a second Starbucks. The food choices at of these eateries range from rotisserie chicken, quesadillas and burgers, to ice cream and, of course, coffee…so there is always something to satisfy your latest craving.
Bloomsburg has a lot to offer in a great location (if you don’t mind the cold), has a great atmosphere, and a simple layout that is easily navigable. If all of these aspects have not yet convinced you, maybe this next statement will. Bloomsburg is very affordable! Of course it is not as cheap as a Friday night football game at North Penn, but compared to some other colleges, it just may seem that way. The in-state cost of Bloomsburg is estimated to be around $21,893 (which includes tuition, room and board, books and supplies, and other expenses) for on campus students and the price lowers if you plan on living off campus or commuting from home. If you are still not convinced and this price is a little over your desired range, maybe the idea of financial aid will change your mind. Many college students apply for financial aid so you don’t have to feel bad about it. On top of that, Bloomsburg’s average first year financial aid package is estimated around $7,146, so the total cost of $21,893 might not seem like much anymore.
If you are now convinced that Bloomsburg is the University for you, then there are a few things you need to know when applying. In regards to tests, Bloomsburg requires anyone applying to the University to have taken either an SAT or ACT test. The average SAT scores for this college range from 450-540 in critical reading, 460-560 in math, and 440-530 in writing. The average ACT scores for Bloomsburg range between19-24. If you have taken either of these tests and fall somewhere in these ranges, then you are right on track for Bloomsburg.
You might be wondering what else is needed for application and admission into Bloomsburg University and below notes other items that this college finds very important as well as what is considered for decision-making. (Credit to www.collegeboard.org)
Very Important
Academic GPA (averages around 3.4)
Class Rank (over 75% of freshmen were in top 50% of high school class)
Rigor of secondary school record
Standardized Test Scores
Considered
Application Essay
Character/Personal Qualities
Extracurricular Activities
Geographical Residence
Interview
Level of Applicant’s Interest
Recommendations
State Residency
Talent/Ability
Volunteer Work
Work Experience
If you are now considering applying to Bloomsburg University, get to it! Although Bloomsburg has rolling admissions, procrastination wouldn’t be the best idea. The University receives around 12,000 applications every year so be sure to get yours in as soon as possible. Bloomsburg is a place for everyone so if it seems interesting to you check it out…but beware, Huskies are everywhere!!!
For more information visit the website below:
www.bloomu.edu
www.collegeboard.org