@MassMama2 - no decision yet but we still have 5 days right? That’s plenty of time! When I initially posted this, Bucknell was part of my child’s Final Four. We’ve now whittled the list and Bucknell remains in the Top Two. Bucknell’s strengths make it a very compelling choice and hard to eliminate. I think where I am coming out is that while our impressions probably do reflect the dominant culture at Bucknell, it is not the only culture. I like what I am reading and hearing about the residential colleges. While the school is not diverse, it seems that the school is actively trying to change that. The students seem to be very happy and smart, and they seem to love their school. The other school we are considering is very different on almost every front so it will just come down to fit. I favor the other school, but I think I will be comfortable with Bucknell if it ends up being The One for my kid.
@Frydaddy , some kids really feel “off” if they are outside the social norms in their environment while others really don’t register it or care. That’s what I would ask my kid in this situation.
@Frydaddy - Five days is going to have to be enough!! I’ve gotten more comfortable with Bucknell too. Have spoken with Administration there and know that they are working hard to make it a comfortable place for all students. In our case, the other school is on a lower “tier”, so trade off between social fit and academic fit comes into play. @gardenstategal makes a good point about how kids deal with fit. I wonder if mine would even have been aware of it had my husband and I not mentioned it. My guess is that if he has his group of friends, he won’t really care what others are doing.
@finnb- Thanks for sharing your son’s perspective on Greek life. Based on everything I’ve heard, the Orientation program is great and the students really get to know everyone on their floor. One young woman told us it feels like you’ve just gained a bunch of brothers and sisters.
Just to update, my son picked Bucknell. After looking at the clubs and activities listed online it looked like many opportunities beyond my initial concerns. Loved lafayette’s Academics and was hard to walk away from but Bucknell is the “fit” in many ways. Thanks to all advice given before we decided! Good luck to all.
My student and I had the same thought on Admitted Student Day, however were there Friday, as well, and had a different impression. My student has chosen Bucknell. I am thinking that the admission committee was delighted to read in her application about her work with Diversity and Inclusion and wanted to be sure to continue to add people like her to their community. At first glance, she may not “look” like she would add to the diversity of students on campus, however her conversations with other students there about her educational and social experiences, and most importantly her values, will likely add new and different perspectives – as will other students help her to expand her thoughts. I hope these thoughts help any families still on the fence on this day before decision day! Good luck to all.
Most kids who go Greek enjoy it. Kids not at all interested, truly not, can do fine without a thought at most schools that have the frats. Where it hurts is when you get left out. My neighbor’s daughter had a deep hurt when she was not included. She got turned down. There is that aspect. Yes, most get over it. You often get over a kick in the solar plexus especially when young and healthy but it can really hurt for a long time whether you admit it or not.
At some schools, anyone who wants a bid will get one, it just may not be to their top choice house. It is worth inquiring how the Panhellenic Council or Intrafraternity Council handle the sorority and fraternity bid process.
Mine decided on Bucknell too! Ultimately, it seems like there will be ample opportunity to get involved. Thanks to all who shared their thoughts and experiences!
We decided to choose a different school but it was close call between the schools until the end. We really appreciated all the thoughtful insight on this thread. Congratulations to all that are headed to Bucknell!
Hi, My D will be a junior this year at Bucknell. She is in a sorority with amazing girls and we are thrilled that she found her people. Freshman year was hard socially. Once sophomore year hit and rush was over she was happy. It’s a whole different ball game for boys. One frat got kicked off last year for hazing and have no doubt it still happens. There are some (maybe one or two) low key frats where partying is not dominant. It’s true Greek Life plays a huge role here but it’s not always negative. I believe my D found her friends for life. “Super” Saturday is very real. When you walk though town check out all the students sneakers. They keep a separate pair for Supers. Always muddy. Parents Weekend Sophomore year be prepared to have your own muddy sneakers! Parents go to the Supers with their kids (and the siblings). Felt a bit awkward.
@DogMomThree - What felt a bit awkward for you, made me want to travel back in time 30 years. Those kids were so welcoming to the parents on Family Weekend that I didn’t want go home. 
My daughter is about to enter her sophomore year and we can’t imagine her at any place other than Bucknell. She grew so much in just one year - socially, mentally, academically - it was truly incredible to watch. It is such a nurturing environment, in and out of the classroom. Yes, she enjoys “Super” and has a dedicated pair of mud shoes, and will be pledging a sorority in a few weeks, but she and her friends do much more. On campus, in town, at nearby locales. She tutors, she has a research job, she worked a campus camp this summer. I guess if one can’t get past the perceived lack of diversity, or the “preppy” culture, maybe it’s not the place for them, and that’s fine. However, we couldn’t be any happier. 'Ray Bucknell
For future readers, my son chose Bucknell and just completed orientation. He loves it and we are extremely impressed with the orientation program as well as the President of the university. Great choice for him so far!
Glad to hear things are going well for him. My D graduated in 2018 and based on her experience with orientation as a first year and then later as a senior volunteering as an orientation assistant I’d say Bucknell has a particularly strong orientation program.
I think Bucknell’s orientation is outstanding. I love the ceremony like walking through the Gate and the candle lighting too.