Bucknell University Top Questions

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.