Colgate or Bucknell?

Hey guys, I'm really torn right now - I've been accepted to both Colgate and Bucknell. I'm struggling with which one to choose. Could some of you give me your thoughts about these two schools, especially on academics, campus life, and the general vibe around these places?

Absolutely, happy to help provide some insights!

Academically, both Colgate University and Bucknell University are fantastic institutions, so your choice would depend more on your individual interests and goals. Colgate often ranks in the top 25 national liberal arts colleges, and its core curriculum is focused on fostering critical thinking and empathy. If you're into rigorous discussion-based classes and writing-intensive courses, Colgate may be a solid choice for you.

On the other hand, Bucknell also offers strong academics and boasts the largest undergraduate engineering program among liberal arts colleges. They have a variety of strong programs in both liberal arts and sciences. So, if you're interested in potentially following a STEM path, Bucknell might appeal to you more.

Regardings campus life, Colgate is located in picturesque Hamilton, NY, but it's a small village with limited options for off-campus entertainment. Consequently, much of the social scene revolves around the campus itself. Colgate follows a tradition of Division I athletics and has a relatively active Greek life.

Bucknell is located in Lewisburg, PA, a slightly larger town with a bit more to offer off-campus. The student body is known for being particularly engaged in service and community projects. The university also has a strong athletics scene, but Greek life, while present, is not as prominent as at Colgate.

As for the vibe, both schools have a reputation for being collaboratively competitive, meaning students challenge each other but in a productive, supportive way. Each school, though, will have a unique atmosphere. Colgate's student body is often perceived as outgoing and active, with plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Bucknell, meanwhile, tends to attract students who are engaged, ambitious, and involved in a broad range of interests from athletics to clubs to community service.

Both Colgate and Bucknell come with their distinct strengths and definitive vibes. Which one you choose will ultimately depends on what you're looking for in a university experience. I recommend reaching out to current students or recent alumni, if possible, to understand what life is really like at these schools.