Small Classes, Big Opportunities: Your Academic Support System
Bucknell University presents a paradoxical fit for this student. Academically, it's nearly perfect: exceptional programs in all interest are...
AI Recommendation
Bucknell University presents a paradoxical fit for this student. Academically, it's nearly perfect: exceptional programs in all interest areas (business/marketing, psychology, pre-law, pre-PT), outstanding 9:1 student-faculty ratio with small classes, 96% internship participation, and 95% career placement rate. The campus culture strongly aligns with preferences for school spirit (Division I athletics, strong traditions) and active social scene (90% residential, robust weekend programming). Dance team walk-on opportunities are excellent. However, there are two CRITICAL mismatches: the rural small-town location is the opposite of the desired urban/near-city setting, and the limited sunshine (176 days/year) with cold, gray Pennsylvania winters contradicts the 'loves sunshine' preference. The 40-45% Greek life presence may also feel dominant. Total score: 79/100 places this in MODERATE FIT range. Student must seriously weigh whether outstanding academics and culture can compensate for significant location and climate drawbacks.
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Performance vs. Average College
Score Breakdown
Top Strengths
5
- 1 Outstanding academic support: 9:1 student-faculty ratio, average class size of 20, highly accessible professors perfectly match need for teacher support
- 2 Exceptional career outcomes: 95% placement rate, 96% internship participation with dedicated funding, strong alumni network in major East Coast cities
- 3 Strong programs across all academic interests: AACSB business with marketing, psychology with research, 85%+ law school acceptance, 3+3 DPT partnership
- 4 Excellent school spirit and non-commuter culture: 90% residential campus, Division I athletics, strong traditions ensure vibrant community
- 5 Dance team walk-on opportunities available with competitive team performing at games and competing nationally
Things to Consider
5
- 1 CRITICAL MISMATCH: Rural small-town location (population 5,600) is opposite of urban/near-city preference; closest cities 1+ hour away, major cities 3+ hours
- 2 Limited sunshine (176 days/year, below national average) with cold, gray Pennsylvania winters contradicts 'loves sunshine' preference
- 3 Greek life dominates social scene at 40-45% participation, which may feel exclusive despite non-Greek options
- 4 Isolated location creates transportation challenges; car helpful for leaving campus, limited public transit
- 5 Relatively homogeneous student body with lower economic diversity (12-14% Pell Grant recipients) compared to urban schools
Detailed Research
Internships
96% of students complete at least one internship; strong connections in NYC, Philadelphia, DC. Dedicated funding for unpaid internships through Sophomore Internship Experience program
Avg Class Size
Average class size is 20 students; 57% of classes have fewer than 20 students, only 3% have 50+ students
Teaching Style
Highly interactive and discussion-based; strong emphasis on hands-on learning, undergraduate research opportunities, and applied projects. Residential College model integrates living and learning
Academic Support
Comprehensive support including Writing Center, peer tutoring, Academic Advising Center, Office of Accessibility Resources, and faculty office hours. Professors highly accessible
Career Placement
95% career outcomes rate (employed or in graduate school within 6 months of graduation)
Program Rankings
- No specific pre-law major but strong advising program; 85%+ law school acceptance rate for advised students
- Strong - AACSB accredited Freeman College of Management, ranked among top undergraduate business programs. Marketing concentration available within Management major
- Well-regarded program with neuroscience focus options, strong research opportunities for undergrads
- Exercise Science major available through Kinesiology department, strong pre-health advising, 3+3 DPT partnership with Thomas Jefferson University
Student Faculty Ratio
9:1
Greek Life
Significant presence - approximately 40-45% of students participate in Greek life (fraternities and sororities). Influences social scene but not exclusive; non-Greek students report active social options
Social Scene
Vibrant but somewhat homogeneous; strong sense of community, work-hard/play-hard culture, Downtown Lewisburg offers restaurants and shops within walking distance
School Spirit
Very strong - Division I Patriot League athletics, especially basketball and lacrosse. Chryst Arena renovations completed. Strong traditions include First Night celebration, House Party Weekend, Chrysalis Ball
Retention Rate
93% freshman retention rate
Graduation Rate
90% six-year graduation rate
Weekend Activity
Active campus - approximately 90% of students live on campus all four years, robust weekend programming, Greek life parties, athletic events, student performances
Political Climate
Moderate to moderately liberal; predominantly centrist with active engagement from various political perspectives. Students describe it as more moderate than peer liberal arts colleges
Setting
Small town/rural - Located in Lewisburg, PA (population ~5,600). Bucolic campus setting along Susquehanna River, NOT urban
Sunny Days
Approximately 176 sunny days per year (below national average of 205); four distinct seasons with cold, snowy winters and warm summers
Nature Access
Excellent - Campus borders Susquehanna River with walking trails. Nearby: R.B. Winter State Park (20 min), Ricketts Glen State Park (45 min), extensive hiking, kayaking, and outdoor recreation
Transportation
Limited public transportation; campus is walkable. Susquehanna Valley Shuttle provides airport service. Most upperclassmen have cars. Zip car available on campus
Nearest Airport
Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) - 60 miles/1 hour drive. Larger options: Philadelphia (PHL) - 3 hours, Newark (EWR) - 3.5 hours
Surrounding Area
Historic downtown Lewisburg is charming with local shops, cafes, and restaurants within walking distance. Very small town feel - NOT near a city. Closest cities: Harrisburg (1 hour), State College (1 hour)
Dance Team
Bucknell has a competitive Dance Team that performs at basketball games and competes nationally. Team holds auditions annually - walk-ons welcome with experience. Also: Bison Dance Club (non-competitive, all levels), various dance classes through Kinesiology
Recreation
Excellent facilities - Gerhard Fieldhouse, Kinney Natatorium (pool), Davis Gym, Sojka Pavilion. Extensive intramural programs (50+ activities), club sports (30+ teams), outdoor recreation trips, fitness classes
Food Quality
Above average - Multiple dining halls including Bostwick Marketplace (main), The Bison (late night), various retail locations. Local sourcing emphasis, accommodates dietary restrictions. Niche Grade: B+
Campus Beauty
Stunning - Consistently ranked among most beautiful campuses. Georgian architecture, well-maintained grounds, views of surrounding mountains and Susquehanna River. Campus is compact and walkable
Housing Quality
Good to very good - Guaranteed all four years, most students remain on campus. Options include traditional dorms, suites, apartments, and Residential Colleges. Recent renovations to several halls. Mix of older and newer facilities
Dance Team Contact
Dance Team typically managed through Campus Recreation or Athletics - contact: Campus Recreation at 570-577-1561 or recreation@bucknell.edu for current coach information
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