Hey all, I can't decide between Bucknell University and Lafayette College. Can anyone provide some guidance to help me make the right choice? I'm looking for insights on factors like academics, campus culture, and extracurricular opportunities. Thanks!
Hey! It's awesome that you have the choice between Bucknell University and Lafayette College! It's important to know that both are great schools, but they do have some key differences that might help you make a decision.
Academics: Both Bucknell and Lafayette are known for their strong academic programs. Bucknell has a slight edge in engineering, whereas Lafayette offers a unique interdisciplinary approach through their "Connected Communities" framework, which combines the liberal arts with various disciplines. Consider your major or areas of interest and explore the courses and faculty in each program to see which curriculum aligns better with your passions.
Campus culture: Bucknell has a larger student population (around 3,600 undergraduates) compared to Lafayette (about 2,600 undergrads). As a result, you might find more diversity and club variety at Bucknell, but you might also feel more of a close-knit community vibe in the smaller school like Lafayette. Bucknell has a more active Greek life presence than Lafayette does, which could influence the social scene.
Extracurricular opportunities: Both colleges offer varied extracurricular opportunities, from research to athletics, arts, and community service. It's worth exploring the types of clubs, sports teams, or on-campus jobs available at each school to see which place provides opportunities that better fit your interests.
Location: Bucknell is located in Lewisburg, a small rural town in central Pennsylvania, while Lafayette is in Easton, which is more suburban and closer to major cities like Philadelphia and New York City. Think about your preferences for campus surroundings and off-campus opportunities like internships or weekend activities.
To get a better feel for the schools, try reaching out to current students or visiting the campuses (if possible). They could give you more detailed information on academics, campus culture, and extracurricular opportunities to help you make your decision.
Remember that both Bucknell and Lafayette are excellent choices, and the ultimate decision depends on your personal preferences and the combination of factors that matter most to you. Good luck!
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