Help!
I’m stuck in between these three schools, and with social distancing, all of the accepted students’ events have been canceled. Could any alums/current students/enlightened individuals that know about W&M, Bucknell, and Colgate weigh in on academics/social life/campus/etc?
Thank you so much!
Tentative academic interests?
Psychology
Bucknell and Colgate are the most similar, probably. Very rural, small town feels. high % of athletes. Frats are big at both. Colgate is has some kind of classical core curriculum and prob gets the nod in terms of academic rep but Bucknell is good too. I am sure that many if not most people who apply to Colgate also apply to Bucknell, but I also suspect that there are quite a few at Bucknell who did not get into Colgate (fewer the other way).
W&M is not in a major metropolis but it is more of a large town than the other two. It’s also bigger itself, but I think has a rep of being a little tamer and quirkier. Certainly if you are a VA resident it’s a great deal and I wouldn’t pay more for the others. But if you are out of state, I would go for one of the 2 private schools unless you see yourself as more of a quirky introvert.
Good choices to have. sucks you can’t visit. Watch some youtube videos and go with your gut, I guess.
I also find Colgate & Bucknell to be similiar to one another. College of William & Mary is different than the other two, but one needs to visit to appreciate the difference.
Some Wm. & Mary profs have connections to Wash DC & the federal government & to consulting firms that do federal government work.
Colgate sends a lot of grads into finance related positions.
Although not sure if still accurate, but Bucknell attracted students from successful family owned businesses.
I have no idea as to which school is best for psychology, however.
Beyond its range of excellent academic programs, Colgate’s appeal resides in its campus beauty, in the small-town charm of Hamilton and in its authentically rural surroundings. With respect to social life, Colgate (as well as Bucknell) enjoys a bit of a reputation in this area as well.
https://www.bestdegreeprograms.org/best-beautiful-small-college-campuses-america
https://www.forbes.com/sites/morganbrennan/2012/12/19/americas-friendliest-towns/
https://www.princetonreview.com/college-rankings?rankings=party-schools
Bucknell is huge on Greek life. Colgate is also known to be a party school, but slightly less so than Bucknell. Both attract wealthy/preppy students in general.
My .02: William and Mary. I’ve visited all 3 and that’s my favorite of the three. Not as preppy; fun town; closer to major metro area.
I am a freshman at Bucknell. Chose it over Colgate and Lafayette and couldn’t be happier. I was concerned about Bucknell"s party reputation. My experience is s that BU is more of a social scene vs a hard party school. We have Saturday day parties known as Supers every week. I usually go for a few hours if at all. Its a great place to meet new people but there is much more to Bucknell. It starts with great academics , facilities and a welcoming and collaboration culture that exists throughout the campus… Simply put, most people are happy to be here. I am one of them!!!