<p>I am very torn between these three schools. Which should I choose and why? Thanks.</p>
<p>@dxgoogs, </p>
<p>My name is Taylor, and I am a junior neuroscience major at Lafayette. First, I would like to congratulate you. Lafayette, Tufts, and Bucknell are all excellent schools you should be proud to have been accepted to–you have great choices! However, as you know, each has their distinct strengths. Personally, I would choose Lafayette (no surprises there!). First, let me share with you two advantages that Lafayette offers when compared the competitors you listed.</p>
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<li>Lafayette is a college, not a university.</li>
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<p>This is an important distinction to make. At universities such as Tufts and Bucknell, there are many graduate students who take priority over undergrads when it comes to the use of resources and the attention of the faculty. The beauty of an undergraduate only institution like Lafayette is that you don’t have that problem. The professors are here for the college students, and they receive their undivided attention. Similarly, research opportunities abound for students–many such opportunities only go to students at the graduate level in many schools. For example, I presented research at the International Neuropsychological Society’s annual conference last February. When I presented my work, I realized that I was actually the only undergraduate at the entire conference. I was utterly shocked…it made me realize just how early on students are able to get opportunities at Lafayette. Our strong alumni base and interdisciplinary opportunities help us to secure these opportunities, but the biggest component is really the fact that Lafayette is dedicated exclusively to students at the undergraduate level. This is a huge advantage.</p>
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<li>Lafayette is small.</li>
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<p>Of the 3 schools you are considering, Lafayette is the smallest. Other than small class sizes (which are not much different among the 3 schools), being at a small school like Lafayette allows you to flourish much more outside of the classroom. With fewer students, it is easier to become deeply engaged in campus life and to make a name for yourself. It is also easier to get to know the administration and faculty. In addition, our size facilitates a really tight-knit community that you might not find at schools that have larger student bodies (plus all of the grad students). For me, this was critical in my college decision. I wanted to go to a college where I can establish myself on campus, and Lafayette has allowed me to do just that. </p>
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<p>With direct comparisons to Tufts and Bucknell aside, Lafayette has some specific features that make it a unique and powerful institution. First and foremost, I’d like to note that Lafayette is a liberal arts college. As such, we strive to give our students a well-rounded education. However, what distinguishes us from other LACs is that we have a very strong engineering division. From that engineering division radiates strengths in the maths and sciences. This gives us a distinctive combination of strengths (STEM and the liberal arts) that few of our peers have. Going right along with that, Lafayette is known for being a very interdisciplinary school. The departments are well-integrated and there are a lot of research collaborations between the different disciplines. This not only makes for a more interesting education, but it also gives you the opportunity to think outside the box and see how different fields connect. Courses such as “Neuroscience of Music” (co-taught by a neuroscience professor and a music professor) are not uncommon at Lafayette, and you will find that we place a strong emphasis on teaching students to make connections between their academic field and the real world. Lafayette graduates are great team players who can see from multiple perspectives, and employers are aware of that!</p>
<p>I would remiss if I failed to mention Lafayette’s career resources. Our career services office has been in Princeton’s top 20 list for the past 4 years in a row. This is largely due to our well-renowned Gateway Program, in which students are paired one-on-one with a career counselor who they have for all 4 years. They can meet with their counselor as much as they would like, and I can tell you from personal experience that they are very very helpful. Career Services has many career data bases, resume reviews, mock interviews, networking nights, workshops, and many other opportunities throughout the year (such as externships with alumni in January). They do a great job of getting students where they want to go, and for the class of 2013, 95% of our students were either full time employed, in a graduate program, or in an internship 6 months after graduation. In addition, they have a full time staff member dedicated specifically to Lafayette alumni, so even after you graduate, our resources will still be available to you. </p>
<p>Lastly, I strongly recommend that you visit all the campuses of the schools you are considering. This was valuable in my decision-making process. All of your options are excellent colleges, so “feel” should definitely play a role. For me, I sensed that Lafayette has a very friendly, collaborative, and spirited community that was not quite the same as anywhere else. It’s been a great choice for me, both as a college and as a home. Hopefully you will feel the same way!</p>
<p>If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to ask!</p>
<p>Taylor</p>
1 Like
<p>Taylor – I was looking for you today at Junior Day to say what a great guy you are in front of the crowd. CC is a great resource cuz of you!</p>
<p>Thank you! I was in front of Watson Hall all afternoon :)</p>
<p>@captainclueless‌ I am very interested in Lafayette, particularly to study Neuroscience. How strong do you feel the program is? Do a lot of students do research? Get accepted to med school?</p>