<p>Hi all,
I got admitted to both and I am having a really hard time deciding. Here's some info that definitely factors into the decision:
I grew up in Lewisburg (Bucknell's Town) and can go there tuition free, while I can go to SLU paying 12k of tuition. I was torn between SLU and Colby originally, but I didnt get into Colby. I really like SLU, but (although I hate even considering name recognition because it is stupid) I feel like nobody has really heard of SLU while Bucknell is fairly reputable. Also, I dont really know much about how difficult/rewarding the education that I would get from SLU would be. I love Bucknell as a University and the town of Lewisburg, but a change of scenery would be nice. Finally, is SLU a "mediocre" school, because when I was researching the school some people referred to it as mediocre. I definitely dont think it is but I am wondering if that is how people view it. Any sincere input would be greatly appreciated. Oh, and I am interested (at least for now) in neuroscience and/or environmental studies. Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>Pittpens: Perhaps you have already made your decision, but if not, let me share some thoughts. First I need to disclose that my son will be attending SLU in the Fall. Like you, he applied for and did not get into Colby (at least ED, whereupon he switched his ED to SLU). Also like you, he is not from the far north (although we live further south).</p>
<p>Now to your questions/concerns. I personally have never heard anyone call SLU “mediocre,” although in comparisaon to some other schools (e.g., Williams, Swarthmore, Colby, Davidson, some others), it clearly does not carry the same prestige. In fact, SLU is probably not as prestigous, and certainly not as well know as Bucknell. That said, prestige is one one of many factors to consider and, in my view, should not be the guiding factor (I have met many Ivy league failures and state school powerhouses). On the plus side to Bucknell in addition to name, is the fact that it is FREE to you. As someone who graduated many moons ago with sizable debt, I can say that this is not an issue to be taken lightly. However, if you can afford the $12k difference, then do not worry about it too much as the amount over the span of you work and life expectancy is de minimus. As for SLU, a plus for you may be that it gets you out of your hometown (personally, I think leaving ones comfort zone is a good thing, and college is a good time to explore new things). Another factor that may weigh in favor of St Lawrence is that it is close to Canada, with excess to fun and culturally interesting Montreal; it also has a terrific overseas program. There are other differences. Bucknell is heavily Greek, SLU is not. SLU is really liberal arts, Buckell has more engineers and business folks. Bucknell is cold, St. Lawrence is really cold. Bucknell is probably stronger in spring and fall sports, SLU in winter sports (although if you golf. SLU has its own course which is used with snow for Xcountry skiing). Similarities, probably more than differences: Both schools will provide you with great educations, are relatively small, in rural communities, with very energetic and athletic students, and both are well regarded (neither is considered top, top tier but neither is mediocare). Bottomline, either way you cannot go wrong. This really funnels into what I think is the most important question for you to ask yourself: if you can afford the difference in price, what school do YOU like more and where do you think you will be more comfortable? Good luck and please post your decision after you decide.
–KD</p>
<p>It may not have the name like Bucknell but it is still a very good school. The kids that go there from our school are very good students. Best of luck!</p>
<p>If the cost was reversed, I’d still go to Bucknell. SLU is solid, Bucknell is on par with Colby and has D1 sports, to boot. I understand about a change of scenery, however, look to spend a semester abroad. Both schools are very good but it is a no-brainer to choose Bucknell for free vs a lower level school costing more.
**I believe, recently, that Bucknell was named #1 for undergrad starting salaries, if that kind of thing is appealing. Bucknell has their own golf course, too.</p>
<p>I think “no brainer” is hyperbole. Obviously if it was a “no brainer” the thread would never have started. This is not to downplay the better known Bucknell name and cost, but the delta is not that big. More importantly, the issue comes down to what is the better fit for the particular student. Btw, I don’t know about Bucknell’s science facilities but I do know SLU has a top notched Environmental Studies program and new science center.</p>
<p>Thank you all, especially kiltdad. I have not reached my decision and am struggling considerably more than i thought i would. I am honestly 50-50 split. I did my overnight at slu and bu and i really liked the kids at slu. I feel that i can overcome the lack of a new area at BU. To be honest, if you could put the kids from slu at bucknell i’d go there in a heartbeat. I really like Bucknell as an institution, but i have some big reservations when it comes to the kids. I know this is a generalization, but i think/am scared that the guys are all dicks and most of the girls are stuck up. The overnight wasnt helpful beacause i stayed with a friend who is an engineer (bucknell doesnt do official overnights). The whole look and feel of the campus is super attractive to me, its just the kids. Im totally stuck and running out of time. But on a more appreciative note, thank you for your help thus far.</p>
<p>Pittpens, go with your gut. If you are not sure of it, try the following trick. Imagine accepting at BU and see how you FEEL. Then do the same for SLU. If one of those choices makes you feel good/relaxed and the other bad or anxious, then you have your answer.</p>