Current Student Taking Questions,

<p>When I was applying to Bucknell in my Senior year of High School, I found this forum to be a very good source of information. As a rising sophomore, I have noticed a lack of activity on the forum. Although this could be due to a myriad of factors, I want at least do my part in getting this forum moving a little more.<br>
Thus, I am taking any questions that you have! Whether it is your chances, questions about campus life, the culture, academics–anything–, please feel free to ask. </p>

<p>To give you my background (without saying too much), I’m currently a Sophomore at Bucknell, heavily involved in BSG (Bucknell Student Government), and serve on a variety of committees around the school.</p>

<p>I guess I might as well take advantage of your kind offer (not in a bad way, just no use in ignoring it lol…)</p>

<p>I suppose the top question on my mind is this: are you happy where you are? I visited Bucknell in the spring and loved it, but I’m apprehensive about the rural PA setting…while I love that it’s a small town in the middle of no-where (relatively speaking), but I can’t shake the feeling that it’s…well…almost reclusive. I’ve heard of the Bucknell Bubble and that entire concept, but at the end of the day, is that solitary nature really that important?</p>

<p>I have been checking link about every other day for the last two weeks for some posts so thank you for this thread!</p>

<p>Thanks for responding to my thread about NMF and Bucknell</p>

<p>I looked at some polls in the “Princeton Review Top 373 Colleges” yesterday and saw that Bucknell was listed as 17 in a poll titled “Worst Financial Aid” It said that the poll was based on current students commenting on their own aid. </p>

<p>Bucknell is definetly my number 1 choice and I will be applying there in the coming months. I would just like to hear your view on the poll since you go to Bucknell.</p>

<p>I’m going to be a senior in high school, and I’m considering applying to Bucknell. Thanks for posting this forum because I have soo many questions!</p>

<ol>
<li>What is your major/minor/concentration?</li>
<li>What clubs/organizations are you involved in?</li>
<li>Why did you choose Bucknell?</li>
<li>What other collegs/universities were you considering?</li>
<li>Are there any things you dislike about it?</li>
<li>Do you know anything about the science department? I went to visit Bucknell yesterday, and I was severely disappointed with the science facilities. They looked a little outdated and unwelcoming. </li>
<li>I am interested in biology with a pre-med concentration, and I was under the impression that Bucknell caters more to engineering students than science students. Is there anything you could tell me about this?</li>
</ol>

<p>Thank you so much. I have been in love with Bucknell since I first heard about it, and after seeing the campus, I am even more in love. I am just really bothered and put off by my tour of the science buildings. So I’m hoping maybe you can help me decide if Bucknell is right for me or not.</p>

<p>Tonysdg: </p>

<p>Your first question is the most important, the answer is: Yes! Part of the college experience is learning to cope and deal with issues, so I’m not going to say that everything has been perfect–it shouldn’t be perfect, in my opinion. But I will tell you that I am very excited to go back this week (We don’t start classes until late August).
On it being isolated, I’m from Atlanta, so I can understand where you are coming from. The answer to this one is a good one…Most Bucknell students are so busy that we aren’t really too concerned with going off campus anyways. Between classes, friends, extra-curricular activites, studying, and hanging out, we really don’t have too much time to even go anywhere else. However, that doesn’t mean we don’t. I went to NYC 5 times as a freshman, DC twice, and Philly twice. Bucknell is a sort of “bubble,” but it’s not one that you have to stay in by any means. Also, the campus is very lively. People are always around, and once you’re here, it’s really up to you to decide how you approach it. Some people come to Bucknell when a city is environment is the only thing that makes them happy, and those people are setting themselves up for failure. </p>

<p>I do think the out-of-the-way location of Bucknell is a plus. Some would disagree, and I certainly questioned the location over and over as a junior and senior in high school, but it’s really a great balance. The party scene is awesome, and yet when we need to buckle down and study, we can do so with relative ease. Try focusing at night in a city, when you know all of your friends are partying…very possible but not easy. </p>

<p>But, as I said, the most important thing is that you Can get off of campus if you want. Everyone gets a little tired of their school from time to time, and there’s always a way to get out of here if you need-- Buses, students going back home (we have a “ride board” where you can carpool with people to certain locations), shuttles to the airport (near breaks)… </p>

<p>I hope that answered your question, feel free to ask for clarification on anything</p>

<p>Caesar34, </p>

<p>You are welcome! </p>

<p>On your question, I’m not surprised at the results of that poll. The truth is that many students do receive aid, but the size usually isn’t as large as it is at other schools. For a number of reasons, this is the case, but I do anticipate it getting better. On the one hand, if you have stats that are somewhere in the median, you should get a decent financial aid package. On the other hand, if your stats are well below that median, then you will probably not get an attractive package. </p>

<p>I’ll say this, the poll definitely has some validity–we aren’t particularly known for our financial aid. In your particular case, you will probably get a very good financial aid package. The people I know who are associated with NM are all on near-full or full rides.</p>

<p>ak121993, </p>

<p>Enjoy your last year of hs! I hope my answers are helpful to you! </p>

<ol>
<li><p>I am an economics major, and also a member of the Humanistic Scholars Program (which is now the comparative humanities minor). I’ll do an honors thesis with economics and humanities together. </p></li>
<li><p>I am heavily involved in Bucknell Student Government, where I served as 2013’s Class President, and now serve as a Representative/Congressman. Most of my involvement on campus is related to BSG–I’m on a total of 5 different committees around the school that all have some connection back to BSG. I’m also a member of the speaker series task force (we decide the big fall and spring speakers for bucknell), and I am one of the people who will be founding our Mock Trial team. In short, I’m very involved haha. </p></li>
<li><p>I chose Bucknell because of the great academics (NO TAs Teach Classes!), beautiful campus, nice people, location (that was far enough away from the city so that I could focus)…and my father went here. I had early exposure to Bucknell, but it was very much my decision to come here. </p></li>
<li><p>I was admitted to Colgate, Emory, American, UGA, and Temple, but ultimately decided to go here. I also looked at Stanford, Harvard, Brandeis, Lehigh, and Cornell. </p></li>
<li><p>Dislikes…this is a hard question. One, the lack of diversity. Two, the small minority of ultra-preps (they aren’t as overwhelming as most people think, to me at least). An I have no clearly defined third dislike. Those two issues would be the ones that bother me the most. The weather can get to be a little brutal sometimes, but I am from the south–coming to Lewisburg, and therefore to snow, was an adjustment. If you have any specific questions related to those two things, I can address them as well! </p></li>
<li><p>I know a little about the sciences. My focus is in economics and humanities, but the humanities do take science into consideration. As far as the facilities, you probably saw what is–in my opinion–the worst building on campus: Olin Science. Breakiron Engineering is awesome, and the biology and chemistry buildings are really nice. There are really nice, corporate conference rooms in the Bio/Chem building, and Dana is alright. For pre-med, you would probably be spending a lot of time in the building that is the nicest though. Some of the buildings are a bit dated, but knowing our administration, they will be updated sometime soon anyways. The professors here are awesome, and they will almost always go out of their way to help you in whatever you need. And one last thing, our alumni network is incredible. I have three close friends who are all pre-med–they all were shadowing surgeons or doctors this summer. </p></li>
<li><p>This is an interesting question. I do believe that there is an emphasis on engineering here, but as far as the school catering more to engineering students than regular sciences students, I’m not sure if I can give you a truly knowledgeable answer. The administration surely takes pride in the sciences, looking through the website will probably show that to be more or less true. I will tell you, however, to call admissions and ask Them all of your questions. Also, try shadowing a pre-med student (another thing the admissions office could do). Shadowing a pre-med/bio student would probably be your best bet at this point. </p></li>
</ol>

<p>It also helps that we have a stellar track-record in the post-grad arena of higher education. </p>

<p>Bucknell is a place that is easy to love. It’s a beautiful campus, and the people are generally very nice. But your concern about the science buildings is a valid one. The fact that you would be going pre-med/biology would probably keep you out of the less-than-modern buildings for the most part. I, and many others, have been in your place before…I’d highly recommend shadowing here, and staying overnight to gain a deeper, more personal understanding. </p>

<p>Feel free to ask any other questions, or for me to clarify something more!</p>

<p>I am going to assume that you were also in the National Merit crowd looking at your choice of schools. I am also going to assume that you were in the “full ride, near full ride” group. Wondering what your scores/ EC’s were. Did you apply Early Decision?</p>

<p>Could you chance me please. I have never done this before so be brutally honest.</p>

<p>Rising Senior from Massachusetts public high school. About 800 people. Applying for the engineering college, probably undecided but am leaning towards civil.</p>

<p>SAT’s first sitting (registered today for Oct)
CR: 670
M: 760
W: 630</p>

<p>GPA: 5.14/5
Unweighted GPA: not exactly sure but have never gotten below an A- in any subject
Rank: 5 out of 181, top 3%, was 2 after sophomore year but three transfers from a christian school knocked me down to five at start of junior year. One of my best friends was one of them. He was #2 but was only junior to take AP calc and got a C and then did not even take honors courses for rest so hopefully I will move back up. Sorry about rant.</p>

<p>Courses: Mostly honors freshmen and sophomore yaer. Nothing but honors Junior year with one AP and one L2 (Wood), Mostly honors with 2 AP’s and one course at Wheaton College (MA) for senior year.</p>

<p>Ap’s:
U.S. History: 5
Calc AB: Senior Year
Euro History: Senior Year</p>

<p>Awards:
Technology Award (9)
Math Award (11)
History Award (11) (All 3 for best avg in those subjects)
National Merit (will see in fall if make semifinalist or commened student)</p>

<p>EC’s:
Tennis (9-12)
Golf (9-10)
Newspaper (9-12, Junior editor 11, Editor in chief 12)
Class of 2011 delegate (10-12)
National Honor Society (11-12, President 12)
Math Honor Society (11-12)
Science Honor Society (11-12)
English Honor Society (11-12)</p>

<p>Work:
McDonald’s (March 2009-up to college hopefully)
Employee of the Month: March 2010 (lol just a personal favorite of mine)
Comcast Center Cleaning Crew (Summer 2009, Concert Hall)</p>

<p>Other:
Team Captain for first place team in an engineering competition put on by Raytheon at Gillette Stadium (where the patriots play) in Foxboro, Mass. The competition was open to all of New England and the 2nd and 4th place teams were from maine. Had to make the best parabolic microphone.</p>

<p>Volunteering:
50-75 hrs by graduation, mostly due to school and honor society requirements though</p>

<p>really just worried that I did not take enough AP’s in high school</p>

<p>Thanks for the answer Ambrose…sounds like a lot of pluses to me :)</p>

<p>Hi everyone, I want to chime in on this post and offer my opinions of the school and my experience applying for and getting a job afterward. I graduated in 2006 and absolutely loved the school. I majored in Management and Spanish so my experience with the Science dept is limited to “Baby Bio” and “Kiddy Chem” which are the requirements for freshman, but most of my biology-major friends are well on their way to becoming doctors at schools like Tulane and Georgetown, so I think they were very well prepared.</p>

<p>As for getting a job out of Bucknell, I recommend taking advantage of the job fairs Bucknell offers and really going out of your way to get internships during summers. I never got an internship during undergrad and I felt like I was at a disadvantage after graduation (although I did find a job in DC 3 months after graduation because of an alumni connection). It’s hard because Bucknell is pretty much in the middle of nowhere and internships can seem few and far between (I went to grad school at American and there were internships everywhere), but pick a city, do some research during Fall semester and go for it. I definitely wish I did that. </p>

<p>I’d be happy to answer any questions you have about Bucknell (I know, I’m an Old Timer now) or about the Bucknell network in DC.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

<p>Take advantage of the “Bucknell in _____” study abroad programs. They are so great! I studied in Spain for a semester and loved it.</p>

<p>In response to ak121993’s question on biology, I can tell you as a senior biology major on the Pre Med track that I could not picture myself going anywhere else for Biology–my education at Bucknell has been superior. While the facilities might seem out dated and unwelcoming to you–remember it is not necessarily the facilities–but the people who will mentor you in your major that is most important. College and your major is what you make of it–just like life. I have found time to do very well in class, play a club sport, join a fraternity, and be an officer in a club. Do I study-YES-- a lot! When some people are kicking back and relaxing on a Friday afternoon after classes–or a Saturday morning–I find time to study. Bottom line-I love Bucknell and the people who attend the school! Simply put, Bucknell has an outstanding Biology Department and you will be taught by full professors–not TAs. I just finished an internship this past summer at the Yale School of Medicine working for the Yale-New Haven Hosp. section chief of pediatric hematology/oncology in his cancer research lab. During my 10-week stay at Yale–I was assigned to work on specialized research. Because of my lab training in the upper level genetics courses of the Bucknell Bio Department, the post-doctoral researchers in the lab assigned me to my own research for the remainder of the internship because I had the necessary training and preparation to do the work as an undergraduate. My training as a biologist over the past four years allowed me to more than hold my own at Yale this past summer–without my lab work experience and classes taken at Bucknell during the past four years–I would not have landed the internship at Yale. Bucknell has quite a few former Bio majors who now are doctors and you will be able to possibly complete an externship during your sophomore year (a chance to shadow a doctor) through the Bucknell Career Development Center. There are a lot of other reasons to attend Bucknell–but the people you will meet there and the friendships that will be forged all will be worth it. I hope you consider applying.</p>

<p>This thread is extremely useful, so thank you so much! I was wondering if there is there a pre-med honors program? If so, how selective is it?</p>

<p>No honors program for Pre Med at Bucknell, but PLENTY of research opportunities on campus. This means that you will really get to connect with professors and their projects, plus in some cases receive an opportunity to get published. Best of all the Pre Health advising here is great with a lot of help in developing not only your personal statement when it comes time to apply, but also, the opportunity to become involved with mock interviews. There is a large alumni network-and basically I’ve found that Bucknell alums take good care of their own. This is my final semester and I have to say that I am really going to miss this place–A LOT!</p>

<p>I am a junior currently considering Bucknell. How is the school in the political science department or in general, the social sciences?</p>

<p>heyy, my name is mary and i’m currently a sophomore in high school!I have a couple question about bucknell, if you would like to answer.

  1. What was your average GPA when you applied to bucknell as a Senior?
  2. Is it difficult to get in?
  3. What do they look for in the applicants?
  4. How’s the campus life?(I’m from Los Angeles, so i’m wondering if i will live in a small town. haha)
  5. Did you take a lot of difficult classes in High School?
  6. Do you know anything about the performing arts program?
  7. Do you know where I can get scholarships?</p>

<p>Bucknell has been my number one choice since my freshmen year but i’m worried i’m not going to be accepted. I do a lot of extra cirricular activities but my grades aren’t woah amazing, but they aren’t a total fail…They’re B’s…So i hope you can answer my questions!</p>

<p>I am not a current student, but an alum. </p>

<p>Re: Political science - I think Bucknell’s strength is in its liberal arts focus. You will learn to think critically, analyze, and communicate regardless of what your major is. </p>

<p>While I am, of course, biased, consider the student-faculty ratios of the other schools you are looking at. All your classes will be taught by professors, and you will get to know them well. That is important in a discipline like poli sci.</p>

<p>Re: Mary - The latest profile shows the admitted student GPA as 3.62. Bucknell admits around 31% of its applicants, making it a selective school. You can read more stats on the profile: <a href=“http://www.bucknell.edu/Documents/Admissions/10Profile2014.pdf[/url]”>http://www.bucknell.edu/Documents/Admissions/10Profile2014.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>To be honest, I am a little confused about how Bucknell can be your first choice if you know so little about the school?</p>

<p>On Collegeboard.com it has all the school’s information.</p>

<p>[College</a> Search - Bucknell University - At a Glance](<a href=“College Search - BigFuture | College Board”>College Search - BigFuture | College Board)</p>

<p>I know a lot about the school. I was just asking on the person’s(who ever decided to answer that goes to bucknell) personal based experience.</p>