Bucknell vs. William & Mary

<p>Right now I am in the process of making my college decision. The final two schools I am deciding between are Bucknell University and the College of William and Mary. I am interested in majoring in either Economics, Marketing, or Finance and I was hoping to find out what students or alumni thought about the workload at these two schools (particularly in these majors). </p>

<p>As an athlete, my hours would be restricted; therefore, I would like to pick a school where I can balance academics and athletics while also maintaining a fun social life. In terms of the social scene at these two schools, do people think that these schools provide enough opportunities to have fun on the weekends? I know that not many Bucknell students go into Lewisburg, so, is there enough to do on-campus? How strict are fraternities and sororities about going to parties at Bucknell? With respect to William & Mary, do students get bored with Williamsburg? What do fraternities and sororities offer there, since the Greek life seems to have been limited in the past few years? </p>

<p>Most importantly, which school would offer me the most opportunities come graduation? Is Bucknell's School of Management regarded as highly in the business community as William & Mary's Mason School of Business? Also, since I would like to work in New York City post-graduation, I would like for my school to have connections to this area.</p>

<p>I hope that I can find in-depth answers on this board, and look forward to reading your responses.</p>

<p>Are you a recruited athlete at both schools? Is that why you’re deciding between them so early? Or are you trying to decide where to submit an ED application?</p>

<p>You could post these questions about each school on their own school-specific boards, and you’d probably get more in-depth info. As the parent of two W&M alums, I would say that some students tire of the Williamsburg social scene and some don’t, depending on what they’re looking for (not many dance clubs in the immediate area, if any, for instance). About 30 percent of students are in Greek life at W&M - I’m not familiar with Greek life being limited in the past few years, except for disciplinary actions taken against some isolated chapters for infractions.</p>

<p>The workload at W&M is no joke. It might be tough to fulfill your commitment to your sport, stay on top academically, AND have time for a full social life (which is probably true of most recruited athletes, regardless of where they go).</p>

<p>I graduated from Bucknell in 2011, and parties are not in short supply at my alma mater. Greek life has a strong presence. Over 50 percent of sophomores, juniors, and seniors are members of the Greek system; freshman are prohibited from participating in Greek life. With that said, most students put a considerable amount of effort and dedication into their academics. Students espouse the “work hard, play hard” lifestyle. </p>

<p>With regards to your concerns about Bucknell’s School of Management…here’s a link the post-graduation report for the class of 2011: <a href=“http://www.bucknell.edu/Documents/CDC/Post%20Grad%20Results/PGR12_Text.pdf[/url]”>http://www.bucknell.edu/Documents/CDC/Post%20Grad%20Results/PGR12_Text.pdf&lt;/a&gt;. Go to page 34 for outcomes for Accounting majors; page 36 for Economics majors; page 40 for Management majors.</p>

<p>W&M is more Liberal Arts and Bucknell is more pre-professional atmosphere. Both schools have active social life. Biggest difference is the weather. Spring comes early in W’Burg/winter lasts a long time in PA.</p>