Bucknell University Top Questions

It is important in my opinion to visit the school and to do an overnight visit so you can get a feel for what the campus social life is really like. Talk to current students and get their feedback. Figure out what you would like to be involved in before you come to campus.

Visit all of the campuses and try to have a moment where it all "clicks" and you can imagine yourself there taking classes, having fun, etc.

Prospective students should defintied visit as many schools as they and and perhaps stay overnight and talk to current students. They should talk to financial advisers and get the real story on financial aid and how much extra financial aid they will need beyond what the school gives as their total cost. Make sure you can afford the school so that you do not have to be stressed out over financial aid and taking out loans. Believe me. that makes the college experience less pleasurable.

School size was a huge influence in my university choice. Larger state schools will not be able to give students the individual attention that a smaller, sometimes private university can offer. For a student craving independence, the larger schools are a fine choice, expecially if financing is an issue. It was important to me to find a personal faculty and student body that I truly related to. Having community environment made all the difference in my university choice. I didn't want to sacrifice a liberal arts experience for a technical education, and that really narrowed down my search. Finding out the difference between a large tech school and a small, liberal arts univeristy with an engineering college was very important in the identification of my top choice schools. Also, a distinctive characteristic I looked for in schools is the opportunities for campus envolvement outside of academics. I recommend asking successful students if they are able to find the time to engage in the univeristy outisde of their classes, such as sports, publications, and academic societies. Such small details make the difference between a simple college expereince and the greatest four years of your life.

Going where you feel comfortable is more important than going to a school for its reputation.

In finding the right college, the best thing you can do is visit. You won't get a feel of the campus or the student body unless you actually go there. If you can, talk to students and don't be afraid to ask questions. Staying on an overnight visit is helpful to some, so perhaps consider doing so on your visit. Once accepted to schools, you might want to visit again to get a second look. Take into consideration financial aid and how you think you want to do while in college. My primary reason for attending college was academics, so I chose a school accordingly. I am also a varsity athlete at a Division 1 school, but I decided this after I chose a school that suite me academically. Once at school, do as much as you can without spreading yourself too thin. There is so much to do and so many people to meet!

I think one of the most important thing for parents and students to remember is that there so many options. It is very important to keep an open mind, and to look at schools that may seem too far away, or obscure. You will never know if you will fall in love with a school if you never look. Also, when you do look, make sure to look closely. Sit in on a class, if possible. Stay over night. Tours and information sessions are helpful - to a point. They can never really portray what it is actually like to live at a school. Four years is much longer than an hour. College is an experience. It is not just school. The point of college is not just to learn, but to grow as well. To find your passions and your dreams. Keep your mind open to any possibilities. Colege is not a place to lock yourself away. Keep yourself free, try new things. These four years are the most freedom you will ever have. Make the most of it. Find yourself.

I would say the most important thing that the student can do is find a place that makes them feel like they are "at home." The comfort and thought of being in a place that reminds you of where you know best, a place where you would consider the epicenter of your life (does not necessarily have to actually be your home) is going to help with the transition to college. Often the transition into a new environment, surrounded with people that you barely know is overwhemling and can effect students in a multitude of ways; their feeling of safety/comfort, ability to concentrate on one's studies, and new relationships with others are highly at stake and given the right circumstances, can be a great experience altogether. One piece of advice to for students is to find friends that you know will be there for you and support you throughout the four years that you will be at school. One piece of advice for the parents is to support your children no matter what they choose to do, however do not neglect your parental duties, just because your children seem so "grown up"; they need you!

Don't think you'll know what you want to major in, you won't and you'll change and still it will not be what you really will enjoy doing post-graduation, so instead of working your ass off, have fun in college cause its all downhill from there

Having an open mind and be willing to try things that you normally would not. College is a place for experimentation and growth so be sure to go out and do what you think is best.

When you find the college that connects with you you have a feeling, a magical feeling instantly!

Do not pick the college that you believe has the best reputation. When you're on the right campus, you'll know it's the right school for you, so go there. And when you're there, work hard during the week, but have fun on the weekends. Be resposinble about it, but have fun, or you'll get way too stressed and not enjoy youre college experience. Also, go with a major you're interested in, not one that you think will eventually make you the most money. You may not do well and you certainly will not enjoy yourself if you don't like what you're doing. All this being said, have fun with college. It's a once in a lifetime experience... usually.

Parents: When you approach your child about higher education, ask about their ambitions. If they are unsure, perhaps a year (outside of academia) spent in the working world will solidify their preferences & paths. Now more than ever, it is far too costly to move aimlessly through college. If I could do it again, I would have taken a year off to learn more about myself, my talents, my values. Students: When selecting the right college, it is often tempting to go where your friends plan on going. Though nice for some, there is an adventure inherent in doing something different, meeting new people, experiencing a life unlike that which you have lived thus far. Take a chance - challenge yourself both academically and personally. Value yourself and be an active consumer of schools; remember that society incorrectly emphasizes that 'a college chooses you', while in truth YOU choose which college fits your needs, desires, and goals. Finally, once in college, challenge yourself again - this time, academically, socially, philosophically, morally. Some of the most incredible growth occurs during your collegiate years, helping to shape and define the person you are and help you attain the person you wish to be. Thank you.

You won't love it immediately. People always tend to remember college as the best experience of their life, where they met the friends of a lifetime and really enjoyed themselves. It takes a while for college to become that place for any student. It's important to do your research in learning about the library and the professors at the school. Go with your gut. That's all.

College is about learning who you are and interacting in a community that is larger than yourself. Get involved in your school's campus and be proud of the community you are a part of because it is the students that make the school what it is; the administration can only do so much to enhance your experience and the rest is up to you. Ultimately, you want to end up a school that fits your own personality and expectations. There are plenty of options, city or rural, big or small, there is something for everyone. Just don't be closed minded because some schools might surprise you by what they have to offer. Get out an go after what you want, because if you sit back and wait, life is just going to pass you by.

You must definitely explore your own personality to find a perfect fit. Does a big school excite you or make you feel overwhelmed? Do you like being recognized by professors or would you rather remain a number? Once you find that school, try not to look back. Instead, look forward to every possible way you can interact with other students and faculty. Clubs, sports, research are all great ways to make your college experience everything you want it to be. "Don't let your studies get in the way of your college education." Just remember not to completely neglect your studies! It's easy to become wrapped up in a social life but academics are why you're there.

You may not believe it, but the weather in the area of your college may impact your performance. This is important especially when moving from warm to colder climates. Also, no matter what, always make the most of every situation. You never know how much fun you could be missing out on. Last but not least, get to know your professors and falculty. Not only will that personal connection give them more insight in knowing you, they will become extremely important to helping gain access to the professional world.

Visit the college. For me, that is how I knew that Bucknell would be the place for me. Everything about it felt "right," and I visited my share of colleges back when I was looking in high school. Research the college, see what it offers, and really engage with the surrounding community. Really, that's the absolute best advice that I can give you. If you can feel comfortable being there for 4 years, go for it. More often the school that is a better fit for you is one that you will excel in. Don't go to a school just because it's academically rigorous; there are plenty of those around. Choose one that fits you for who you are - the less transferring you have to do, the better. Go with the gut feeling!

Finding the correct fit during the college admissions process is unique to everyone. In my personal experience, I attended a small private school and sought the same for college and have thoroughly enjoyed both institutions. I suggest that you reflect upon your high school experience in order to determine what style institution you seek after high school. Once selecting a college, get involved. My freshman year I made the mistake of staying on my dorm hall and never venturing out. Only after I joined a fraternity did I get involved with community service, intramurals, philanthropy, and yes a real social scene. In engaging in these activities I stopped sqwandering my time on video games and started actually accomplishing things that made me feel more accomplished and overall, better. However, the best part of being involved is the people you interact with. I can honestly say that there are friends of mine I would never have thought we could be friends, but now there is not a thing I wouldn't do for them. Thus, I have learned, if you commit and get involved with activities on campus, you dont simply receive what you put in, but so much more.

Take advantage of every opportunity afforded to you. Visit and meet with your professor. Don't waste the four years, they go by so fast.