<p>Bucknell and Villanova are two of the schools that I've narrowed my list of college options down to. I'm probably going to apply to one of them ED (unless I find a school I like better). My dad went to Bucknell and loved it, and when I visited I loved it too. They don't have Arabic (which I really want to study) but I really like everything else about the school and could probably find something else to study if I went there. Villanova does have Arabic and I like it's religious affiliation (I'm Catholic). Right now I'm trying to find out more about the two schools, so if anybody knows anything (good or bad) please let me know! Thanx!</p>
<p>Both are great, but I think Villanova is a bit better. Also has a better campus IMO (I didn't like that Bucknell was in the middle of nowhere). I think Villanova is harder to get into, so maybe you'd want to apply there ED.</p>
<p>Villanova does offer arabic and a minor in islamic studies. Obviously larger than Bucknell and in a Philly suburb with the city very accessible by public transportation. You will need a major area of study. Perhaps if you have a clear idea of what else beyond arabic you want to pursue, you can make a decision based on that.</p>
<p>I much prefer Bucknell to Villanova, but I think you would like Villanova much better than Bucknell. I think a huge mistake people make is going to a school that doesn't offer what they want to study. :p</p>
<p>Bucknell has a MUCH bigger Greek presence and a reputation for a lot more partying. I would say they are about equal in selectivity but Villanova is much more suburban and Bucknell is kinda in the middle of nowhere.</p>
<p>Bucknell is by far the better school. Villanova has a very critical housing shortage for upperclass students. Students coming out of Bucknell especially in the sciences do especially well in their job pursuits nd finding grad school
acceptances. Bucknell is isolated but so much goes on there you don't have
to leave campus that often.</p>
<p>I am not sure what you consider a "critical housing shortage". Yes many juniors and seniors live in off campus apartments and there is not enough housing on campus for all students. I am not sure what else goes into your opinion regarding Bucknell being the "far better school". I agree that they are different not only in terms of size but also feel.</p>
<p>Hi Irishgurl
My husband and I are also Bucknell alums and great to see Bucknell getting CC "coverage". I haven't visited Villanova's campus but am somewhat familiar with it because I know people who have, and the school my son goes to feeds many students to 'Nova.</p>
<p>I know Bucknell's campus is beautiful, and have heard the same about Villanova. Clearly, a big difference is that Villanova would be so close to Phila and as many posters are saying Bucknell is in the middle of nowhere. Frankly, I don't always see that as an awful thing, especially if you are looking for safety, serenity a place where you can ride your bike around at 2:00am as I did ( but that was some time ago :)</p>
<p>I have discovered that schools like Bucknell/ Colgate that are "isolated" tend to have a close knit student body. I loved the size of Bucknell, large enough to constantly meet new people and to find your own niche. But, small enough to know professors very well, and to feel that "sense of community". 3,500 is a nice size !</p>
<p>You probably know that Bucknell is much more competitive to get into than Villanova, despite what some people are posting.</p>
<p>Do you know that in the recent Bucknell newsletter there was an article mentioning that there will be 70 children of alums attending next year! Doesn't that say a lot :) about a school!</p>
<p>I think the student bodies may be VERY different and spending an overnight might help you know about that. </p>
<p>Will you be someone who will join a sorority? Was your father in a fraternity, and is that effecting his view of Bucknell? Bucknell's Greek scene can not be denied. Would you tire of a 3,400 student body after two years and might you want a larger campus near a city?</p>
<p>Perhaps, you intend to study abroad so just when Bucknell might be getting a bit "confining" you will be off campus? </p>
<p>And, there is the issue of Arabic studies and if you are so sure about this it might be 'Nova all the way.</p>
<p>The kids I know attending 'Nova are thriving and love it.</p>
<p>Bucknell ia better school in academic sense but as others have noted-located in-the middle of-nowhere. Might want to check out a school like Holy Cross-very good Catholic school similar to both Bucknell and Nova.</p>
<p>Villanova is a lot closer to Philly and a lot of other nearby colleges. Its in a goregous area, and has a nice campus. Its really $$$ though, if moneys no object id recommend it (i dont know much about bucknell).</p>
<p>Villanova has early action, not early decision.</p>