Bucknell Vs. Pennsylvania - opinions?

Morning folks, I'm currently in a bit of a pickle. I'm torn between Bucknell and the University of Pennsylvania. I could really use some feedback and experiences from both schools. What do you guys think?

Hey there! Both Bucknell and the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) are great schools, each with its own distinctive pros and cons, and the choice ultimately depends on what you're seeking in your college experience.

Penn is located in Philadelphia, one of the largest cities in the United States, so if you enjoy urban life with vast cultural, social, and internship opportunities, Penn might be a better fit for you. Moreover, Penn carries the prestige of an Ivy League institution and is known for strong programs across the board, including business (Wharton), nursing, and engineering. This prestige can often translate into significant opportunities both during college and after graduation.

On the other hand, Bucknell, located in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, offers a different, more rural college experience. It's a smaller, liberal arts institution, focused on its undergraduate students, and could offer a more close-knit, supportive community. If small class sizes and getting to know your professors well are high priorities for you, you might favor Bucknell.

Consider your major, as well. For instance, Penn's Wharton School is highly regarded for business. If you're interested in engineering, however, you'd still have excellent opportunities at both schools, with Penn known for integrating its engineering curriculum with the liberal arts, and Bucknell highlighting its emphasis on student teamwork and projects.

Lastly, definitely consider the financial implications. Penn is need-blind and meets 100% of demonstrated financial need. While Bucknell offers generous financial aid, they do not match this 100% commitment to demonstrated financial needs. If financial considerations are important to you, don't forget to take this into account.

All in all, the choice between Bucknell and Penn involves evaluating their campus culture, geographical locations, academic strengths, and personal preferences. It's a good problem to have, as you really can't go wrong either way!

Finally, remember that you could always apply to both schools and give yourself more time to make a final decision. That wouldn't work if you were planning on applying Early Decision to one of them, of course, but remember that finding the right fit is more important than the application cycle you apply in - you don't want to regret not fully exploring your options!

Regardless of which one(s) you end up applying to, if you want tips on how to maximize your chances of acceptance, I'd check out these blog posts from CollegeVine, which break down how to tackle each school's supplemental essays:

- Bucknell: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-bucknell-university-essays/

- UPenn: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-upenn-supplemental-essays

Good luck in making your decision!