Colgate vs Bucknell: Which one should I choose?

Hi everyone! I've been accepted into both Colgate and Bucknell, but I can't decide which one to attend. Can anyone here give me some insight into the academics, student life, and post-graduation opportunities at each of these schools?

First of all, congratulations on your acceptances! Both Colgate and Bucknell are great schools, so you're in a good position.

Academics:

Colgate, a liberal arts college located in Hamilton, NY, is known for its strong academic programs and rigorous curriculum. Some of their top programs include political science, economics, and environmental studies. The faculty is regarded as engaged and accessible, with a focus on undergraduate experiences.

Bucknell, located in Lewisburg, PA, offers both liberal arts and engineering programs and is renowned for its engineering, management, and pre-med opportunities. In general, Bucknell has a good balance between liberal arts and professional programs, making it a fit for a variety of students’ interests.

Student life:

Colgate has a small-town atmosphere. Although the surrounding town of Hamilton offers limited options for entertainment and shopping, this fosters a tight-knit community feel on campus. Greek life is prevalent, with about 25-30% of students participating, while athletics and outdoor activities are also popular.

Bucknell has a similar tight-knit atmosphere but is slightly larger than Colgate. Greek life plays a significant role here as well, with approximately 50% of students participating. Though Lewisburg is also a small town, the various clubs and organizations keep students engaged and entertained with on-campus activities.

Post-graduation opportunities:

Both schools boast strong alumni networks and career support. Colgate's post-grad opportunities are particularly strong in finance, consulting, and non-profit sectors, and graduate also tend to do well when applying to graduate school. The Center for Career Services at Colgate offers personalized resources like internship and job placement, networking events, and workshops.

Bucknell has similar resources through its Career Development Center, and graduates tend to find particular success in fields like engineering, management, and finance.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and goals. Both schools have excellent academic programs and strong post-graduation support. If you're leaning towards liberal arts education with a focus on political science or environmental studies, Colgate might be a better fit for you. However, if you're looking for a balance between liberal arts and pre-professional programs with strong engineering and management opportunities, you might prefer Bucknell.

I recommend visiting both campuses (if possible) and speaking with current students, alumni, or faculty to get a better sense of each school's culture and offerings. Good luck with your decision!