<p>since eric’s thread is dying out a little i thought i’d start a new thread with the same idea. i am just finishing my first semester but i’d love to answer any questions people might have about life at bucknell. i don’t know more about anyone else how the admissions office works so i can’t chance accurately but i got in ED1 last year as a girl in engineering with a B average in honors/AP classes, really good recs, and 800CR/660M/730W SATs.
here, i’m a civil engineering major, am in a residential college, have a few leadership positions, go out most weekends (just kidding, mom), and do a couple other things that would make it really easy to identify me.
let the questions begin =)</p>
<p>I'm curious about student life. What do students do when they aren't in class? Do they study most of the time? Are most weekends spent on or off campus? Is the party-type scene the only social scene? Is it impossible to have a social life if you don't drink?</p>
<p>I would say that like any school, there are a lot of different kinds of people so not everyone does the same thing when they aren't in class. While I would say that everyone does study, they also have time to have fun too. Fun can be whatever you want; there are people who party a lot, there are people who live in choice (substance-free) housing and never drink, and most people are somewhere in between. ACE (activities and campus events) always sponsors a bunch of events on the weekends, like $1 movies, performers or game tournaments at uptown (our nightclub), open-mic nights at seventh street cafe (which is a popular spot for the non-drinking kids on the weekends), etc. Bottom line is, there are always alternatives to drinking or going to frat parties. I was worried about the party atmosphere before I came but it's not as big of a deal as I thought. I don't think you'll have trouble finding friends to go to non-drinking things with you. Even people who drink will take nights or weekends off. While you do hear people talk about how drunk they were the night before, I've never heard anyone be made fun of or even mentioned for not partaking.</p>
<p>Sounds great :) Thank you so much.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Are students concerned about politics and international affairs?</p></li>
<li><p>Are there a lot of opportunities of internship, programs linking classroom and practice, or community service like that? Since it seemed that "Bucknell is in the middle of nowhere"! (I am interested in biology and environment)</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Does Bucknell have a big rival school? If so, who?</p>
<p>Is it true that there are no classes on Fridays?</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Are students concerned about politics and international affairs?
I wouldn't say that Bucknell is the most politically active campus out there, but the "bubble" reputation (that we don't know what is happening off campus) is mostly undeserved. Before and during the election, a huge segment of students hung up posters, gave out stickers and flyers, and wrote on the sidewalks in chalk to promote both of the candidates. </p></li>
<li><p>Are there a lot of opportunities of internship, programs linking classroom and practice, or community service like that? Since it seemed that "Bucknell is in the middle of nowhere"! (I am interested in biology and environment)
Bucknell is really into our Career Development Center, so they help a lot of students with getting various jobs and internships. I think they're actually having an internship fair next semester... I'll have to check on that. An option that a lot of sophomores take advantage of are "externships" which occur during winter break. The student basically job shadows a Bucknell alum or someone they know for a few days to get an idea if they really want to pursue a career in that area. These externships are set up through the CDC, and are timed right around when students in the college of arts and sciences have to declare their majors. Since it's during break, Bucknell's location doesn't affect what sort of externships students can do or where they can go.
There are also a lot of community service oppurtunities around Lewisburg. There is a prgram called "I Serve 2" and it tries to get students to do at least 2 hours of community service. Many do more than that because of fraternity and sorority requirements. I'm sure you could find something that fits your interests.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>3) Does Bucknell have a big rival school? If so, who?
We are part of the Patriot League (Lehigh, Lafayette, Colgate, Army, Navy, American, Holy Cross) but as far as I know we don't have a huge rivalry with any of them, at least not to Lehigh/Lafayette levels.</p>
<p>4) Is it true that there are no classes on Fridays?
Not unless you're really lucky with your schedule. Most people have class on Fridays.</p>
<p>My son was just accepted for next year and we haven't been able to find any on-campus religious oriented groups for protestants (lutheran). I see there is are Catholic and Jewish student groups only. Do you know anything about the Canterbury Club and if would be a place where students would seek a spiritual/community service connection on campus?</p>
<p>One of the nicknames for Bucknell is "Country Club on the Susquehanna." Do you think there's any truth to that, either in relation to student life or the campus itself?</p>
<p>If this nickname is referring to the beautifully, well-kept campus and facilities there is some truth to the nickname.</p>
<p>If this nickname is implying the exclusivity of a country club in terms of socioeconomic status, I don’t see that.</p>
<p>For students who love Bucknell, the idyllic setting is very conducive to their academic pursuits… other students would much prefer the hustle-bustle of an urban setting; it’s all a matter of personal preference.</p>
<p>I have a couple of questions...thanks for doing this!</p>
<p>How would you describe the general feeling on campus? Upbeat and cheerful? Nice students? Students tend to hurry to class and not talk to anyone? </p>
<p>Is it very cliquey?</p>
<p>What is the party/greek scene like? Can you have a fun party life without going greek?</p>
<p>In general how were most of your classes? Engaging teacher or kind of boring lectures?</p>
<p>Whew..dont know how I ended up here but after seeing these boards I couldnt stay quite and leave froshies to answer some of these, pulled out the old pass. If anyone wants the prospective of a Junior class '10 here to do what I can before I go abroad.
If seen it all, highs and lows of frosh year, was fraternity pres soph year, student gov jr year. Having been on both sides of the greek system and working with the school Ive seen the school from more angles then most care to see. </p>
<p>For the rival question above a correction*
Our rival is Holy Cross back in the day when our Basketball team was good(06 -07) the holy cross game was on a different level then any of the others.</p>
<p>How would you describe the general feeling on campus? Upbeat and cheerful? Nice students? Students tend to hurry to class and not talk to anyone?
Upbeat definitely. Most people are very nice and easy to talk too class to class.</p>
<p>Is it very cliquey?
Freshman year no. But once you enter the greek system at times there can be the weight of stereotypes and Ive seen ppl completely write off another due to greek affiliation. When you go greek you will tend to spend more time with other members.</p>
<p>What is the party/greek scene like? Can you have a fun party life without going greek?</p>
<p>Parties on the weekends are fun, can be a pain as a frosh to get in as you seem to always be one guy over capacity. Not being greek can be hard at times as your friends will go to their exclusive event, yet its not hard to find others that are either non greek or doing something else and will welcome you so its no problem to find somewhere else to go.</p>
<p>In general how were most of your classes? Engaging teacher or kind of boring lectures?</p>
<p>This can vary. Ive had some incredible classes while on the other hand Ive had classes where Ive literally been un able to stay awake. In terms of work and expectations teachers are always approachable and willing to explain what they want out of an assignment or give guidance.</p>
<p>i just recently went to a tour of bucknell and i got the impression that it was mostly an engineering school. is that true? as of now, i want to go to school for communications and although the school doesn't offer it, i would modify it a bit to english or something but it seemed like everyone was going for engineering.</p>
<p>also, the tour guide also made it seem like everyone is in frats or sororities. is this true also? do they run the social scene?</p>
<p>Bucknell is also known for its business program. Many bankers attend summer business/banking institutes at Bucknell in the summer. It's not mostly engineering heavy.</p>
<p>Yes, the Greek scene is quite strong there, but one can always find non-Greek-related activities, if the frat scene is not your favorite. Bucknell's relatively isolated location, away from large cities, is one reason why on-campus entertainment is so strong.</p>
<p>What's up everyone, I am considering transfering to Bucknell in the fall. I will be a junior and I was wondering if it is hard or rare for juniors to pledge frats?? Thanks</p>
<p>Thanks very much for being available for Q's. How has your experience been in the engineering program? My son is interested in the mechanical engineering program. As you know, many engineering schools have a large "wash-out" rate, especially in the first or second year. What do you see Bucknell doing to help retain students during these initial tough years? Do you have any observations of how this program compares to other engineering programs that have lower retention rates? Did you get many learn by doing experiences in your initial year coursework--enough to keep excited about engineering? And finally, do students generally feel they can get their questions answered and enough help with the material?</p>
<p>Will greatly appreciate any information you can pass on.</p>