Bucknell vs Colgate: Campus culture comparison

Hi! I'm choosing between Bucknell and Colgate and I'm kinda stressed about it. Can anyone share their insights on the campus life, social scene, and overall culture at both schools? I want to be in a setting where I can have a balance of social life, academics, and extracurriculars. Any help would be appreciated!

Hi there! Congrats on getting into both Bucknell and Colgate! I understand that choosing between these two can be quite challenging. I'll provide a brief comparison of campus life, social scene, and overall culture at both colleges based on what I've gathered.

Bucknell University:

1. Campus life: Bucknell has a beautiful and spacious campus, with ample outdoor space for studying or relaxing. With over 200 student organizations, you should have no trouble finding extracurricular activities that fit your interests.

2. Social scene: Bucknell has a prominent Greek life presence, with about 50% of the student body involved in fraternities or sororities. There are also plenty of non-Greek events, parties, and social activities for students who may not be interested in Greek life.

3. Overall culture: Bucknell is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The student body and faculty are generally supportive, and there is a strong focus on both academics and personal development.

Colgate University:

1. Campus life: Colgate is nestled in a picturesque upstate New York town and has a strong sense of community. The campus is lively, but with a slightly smaller student population, it can feel more intimate than Bucknell. There are over 130 student organizations and clubs, so you will still have plenty of opportunities to get involved.

2. Social scene: Although Colgate also has a significant Greek life presence, it is less dominating compared to Bucknell. Non-Greek social opportunities include sports, student clubs, and campus-wide events.

3. Overall culture: Colgate is often described as having a work-hard, play-hard atmosphere, with dedicated students who also enjoy having fun. The Colgate community encourages a balance between academics and social life.

Both colleges provide a balanced education and campus experience with ample extracurricular activities. Bucknell might be a better choice if you prefer a more significant Greek life presence and slightly larger campus, while Colgate could be the better fit if you want a more intimate community and a less dominating Greek scene. Ultimately, the decision depends on your preferred environment and personal priorities. Visiting the campuses and talking to current students might help you get a better sense of which school is the right fit for you. Good luck!