Bucknell vs Lafayette: Which college is a better fit?

Hello everyone! I'm in the fortunate position of having been accepted to both Bucknell and Lafayette. However, this has left me facing a tough decision. What are the differences between the schools in terms of academics, campus atmosphere, and student life? Any insights would be awesome!

Congratulations on your acceptances! Both Bucknell and Lafayette are excellent schools, but they do have some differences that might help you decide which one is a better fit for you.

Academics:

- Bucknell: Primarily known for its strong engineering, business, and liberal arts programs. It offers a wider range of majors, including some interdisciplinary ones. The student-faculty ratio is 9:1, and the average class size is around 20 students, which means you can expect personalized attention from professors.

- Lafayette: Also offers strong engineering and liberal arts programs, but it is smaller in size, which could translate to fewer academic offerings. The student-faculty ratio is 10:1, and the average class size is 18 students, so you'll still get that personalized education experience.

Campus Atmosphere:

- Bucknell: Located in Lewisburg, PA, a small and charming college town, the campus is known for its picturesque setting. Students generally describe the atmosphere as friendly, welcoming, and community-oriented. There is a strong focus on tradition and school spirit with many annual events such as Homecoming and Chrysalis Ball.

- Lafayette: Situated in Easton, PA, Lafayette's campus has a mix of traditional and modern architecture. The college town has a vibrant downtown area with shopping, dining, and entertainment options nearby. Lafayette's campus life is also described as friendly and community-focused, with a strong emphasis on civic engagement and sustainability.

Student Life:

- Bucknell: With over 200 student organizations, there are numerous opportunities for students to get involved and find their niche. Greek life plays a significant role, with around 50% of students being members of fraternities or sororities. Division I athletics are popular, and Bucknell students often take pride in supporting their sports teams.

- Lafayette: Boasts over 250 student organizations, and although it has a smaller student body than Bucknell, there's still a wide range of extracurricular activities. Greek life is also present but slightly less pervasive, with around 35% of students being members of a fraternity or sorority. Lafayette has Division I athletics as well, though the school size may affect the level of spectator involvement.

In summary, both colleges offer rigorous academics, close-knit communities, and a wide range of extracurriculars. You might prefer Bucknell if you're looking for broader academic options or a more traditional college town experience with an emphasis on school spirit. Lafayette could be more appealing if you have a strong interest in civic engagement, sustainability, and prefer a smaller atmosphere with an energetic downtown scene.

I'd recommend visiting both campuses if you haven't already and speaking with current students to get a feel for the culture and find the right fit for you personally. Good luck with your decision!