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Bucknell University Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See Bucknell University reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending Bucknell University. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free Bucknell University reviews, or contribute your own Bucknell University review if you're a current student there.

  • 14 out of 14 people found this review useful.

    Margaret from Islip, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    As a small private school, Bucknell pays attention to their students. I have never had a hard time talking or staying after with professors. They truly care that you learn the material and know your name. Taking on average five courses a semester, unlike high school where you glide over eight of nine courses, the smaller course load allows you to dig deeper into subjects and truly appreciate what you're learning.
    Am enjoying being here

    I have never felt so at home when I'm not at home. Bucknell is beautiful, open, and welcoming in every sense of the word. There is excellent food, nice dorms and great faculty who will come and eat lunch with you if you invite them. The social scene is mostly Greek dominated, so over 50% of the student population is involved in Greek Life. There are also great concerts and speakers which come to the campus frequently. The university makes sure that the student body gets a chance to experience things outside the bubble as it's not close to any major cities.
    Bang for the buck

    If you are going for an engineering degree, every engineering student I've spoken with has gotten a job offer right out of senior year. Bucknell prepares their students for the work force. They teach you how to solve problems and use your own resources to come up with solutions. That's not to say that engineers are the only ones who succeed. The College of Engineering is only a small portion of the student population. The other Liberal Arts majors can excel in many aspects, from business, to art, to drama, to education.
    Tips for prospective students

    If you're looking for a work in the park, Bucknell is not for you. This small private university is very selective and is considered a Baby Ivy. If accepted, don't toss it away because it's not actually an Ivy. Depending on your course of study, Bucknell may suit your tastes even more. It truly is an excellent school. You will work hard and play hard.
    Great for these types of students

    -Hardworking
    -Determined
    -Resilient

  • 3 out of 3 people found this review useful.

    Maddie from Trappe, MD

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I came to Bucknell for an Engineering degree, not fully realizing how much I would begin to get out of it. My classes are interesting and involved, taught by professors who care about how you are doing and go out of their way daily to make sure that you are not left behind. Bucknell attracts very smart people from all over, taking the learning experience beyond just the classroom every day.
    Am enjoying being here

    Many often refer to the Bucknell Bubble, suggesting that we live in our own little world here. In many ways, this is true. Students and faculty at Bucknell are so happily intrigued and involved in their passionate studies that we often tune out the rest of the world and simply enjoy what we are doing. The happiness at Bucknell is contagious year round, maybe except for those early morning walks to class in a blizzard.
    Bang for the buck

    Being a small, private college, Bucknell is certainly pricey. Thus, students get a lot of cool perks for going here. We have free concerts, great food, an awesome gym, various cafes around campus there to cater to our daily need for a latte, and the beautiful campus we live in. However, the pricey part is difficult for many families, and each student must weigh their own pros and cons. For me, Bucknell is worth it simply for the professors. My freshman year I had classes averaging at 20 students, often less than, and professors that were there every day, particularly noticing when we were not. I spent many nights before a homework assignment was due at my teachers house going through a problem set, or afternoons in their office simply to talk about how I was doing. The attention and caring that Bucknell professors have for their students is worth the money.
    Tips for prospective students

    From experience, I would definitely recommend applying early decision. So many students you meet on campus applied early decision simply because Bucknell wants students that want them. For a small school we have a great deal of spirit, and if you are questioning if Bucknell is the right fit, a quick visit on a pretty day will seal the deal for most anyone.
    Great for these types of students

    As for any difficult college, Bucknell looks for students that are hardworking and particularly ambitious. My freshman year this past spring, I took the initiative to start up a new chapter of Engineers Without Borders at Bucknell. Thus, if you are bright, motivated, and looking for a campus with welcoming professors and students you can be close with whether it be academically, through clubs, or through Greek life, you will love Bucknell!

  • 3 out of 3 people found this review useful.

    Katherine from Marblehead, MA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I feel like I've been able to learn so much in just one short semester! So far, my learning experience at Bucknell has been incredible. The professors at Bucknell are extremely dedicated to teaching and they are always happy to help students. My professor's office hours proved to be very valuable. Not only did going to office hours reinforce my understanding of class material, but it also helped me to create better relationships with my professors. I'm even making plans to do research with one of my professors in the spring semester! Doing research as a freshman is an opportunity I doubt I would have had at most of the other schools I was considering.
    Am enjoying being here

    I absolutely love Bucknell. I love the campus, I love the students, I love my professors, I love my classes...EVERYTHING. Bucknell is a truly welcoming community that makes you feel right at home. I've made a lot of great friends at Bucknell, especially on my hall (freshman orientation at Bucknell is AMAZING). There are many ways for students to get involved on campus which can make the experience even more enjoyable. Bucknell is a lot of work, but it's also a lot of fun!
    Bang for the buck

    Bucknell is up there with some of the most expensive schools in the country and I believe that the price they ask is a bit much to ask a family to pay for the education of their child. However, I also know that I wouldn't be at Bucknell if my family and I didn't think that Bucknell was worth the money. The key to Bucknell's education is the opportunities that it provides for it's students. As a student, I believe it is my responsibility to take advantage of these opportunities and make my education worth the high cost.
    Tips for prospective students

    My biggest tip for prospective students is to visit as many schools as you can. Before I visited schools I had an idea of which schools I thought I liked and which ones I wasn't so sure about, but I was very wrong. I never thought that I would love Bucknell the way I did, but visiting campus skyrocketed Bucknell to my top choice in one day. When you visit campus go to the info session, take a tour, but also give yourself time to explore. Go to the office of the major you're interested in and ask questions! Talk to students, professors, and staff members. Truly get to know the schools you want to apply to!
    Great for these types of students

    Bucknell is great for the hardworking student who is looking to work closely with faculty members. Bucknell is great for students who enjoy living in a rural, small town environment (the nearest big name city is about three hours away!) and don't mind the seclusion this brings.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Matthew from Long Valley, NJ

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The number one thing I was looking at during my college search was the school's academics. I knew of Bucknell's great scholastic reputation going in, and it was easily why I chose Bucknell over all the other schools I applied to, but I can't begin express how much I have already learned after just my first semester! My courses were so academically stimulating that I found myself at times going to the library to do extra research. I was always excited to go to my professors’ office hours to ask questions because they were always excited to help their students. I was told students at small schools have one-on-one relationships with their professors and at Bucknell this really is true. I cannot wait to start the next semester!
    Am enjoying being here

    College is a scary thought for someone who hasn’t been away from home for a long time. I remember it was for me, but Bucknell does such a good job at settling first years in. Their orientation program is exceptional at getting everyone comfortable with one another. You make tons of friendships with your hall and really get to know those living around you. The cafeteria has a wide variety to choose from and I can always find something good to eat. Whenever I walk around campus I often find myself in awe that there could be such a place as amazing as Bucknell.
    Bang for the buck

    Although I haven’t been at Bucknell for more than one semester, I would say I am definitely getting what I pay for. Looking at the overall cost, Bucknell is quite expensive. It’s overwhelming at first, but they do give out a good amount of financial aid in the end. I will have quite a few loans by the time I get out, but I think it is definitely worth it to continue going to Bucknell.
    Tips for prospective students

    What really did it for me was the visit. On paper Bucknell University seems like a nice place with a great academic program, but once you visit it will be clear that it is much, much more. While Bucknell is a very tough school to get into, don’t let that discourage you from applying if you really believe that’s where you want to go. The Admissions team looks at the applicant as a whole and decides based on more than just your scores. I still wonder to this day how I made it in, but the point is that it is not impossible. Attend Bucknell and you will not be disappointed!
    Great for these types of students

    If you decide Bucknell is the place for you, I would say you should be ready to be worked, but have a lot of fun too! You may find that course work takes up a good deal of your time, but it is so worth it because this is where you can really explore your interests. Socially speaking, get ready to feel right at home here. If you truly want to get to know the professors on campus and the students on your hall, in your classes, and in the activities you join then Bucknell is for you. There is something for everyone at Bucknell!

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Stephanie from Punxsutawney, PA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Classes are definitely challenging, but the Professors are great! All of them offer office hours and are more than willing to help you if you ask. The library is a great place to study if your dorm room isn't quiet and the downhill dorms that are away from the library often have study rooms that are just as comfortable. It's a great learning environment and I don't know many students who aren't happy with the educational aspects.
    Am enjoying being here

    Being a freshman is difficult at any school, that's for sure, but the orientation process is impeccable at Bucknell. You become SO close with your hall and many other freshman immediately, even the orientation assistants. I, myself, have become very close with both of mine. Furthermore, Bucknell is BEAUTIFUL, the cafeteria is great and the Bison (the order your food place) is great too. I've heard that it's much better than other college cafeterias. There are a million clubs to get involved in and the people are genuinely nice and caring. There is something for everyone. I'm proof.
    Bang for the buck

    Being a freshman, I can't fully attest to this just yet, however my classes are great, I have no complaints about the quality of my room or the food because, of course, it is a dorm, and it is a cafeteria. I think in the end, my degree will be quite valuable. Also, by going to Bucknell, you are guaranteed a great liberal arts education that many employers appreciate. The career development center is incredible and hooks students up with interviews with prior Bucknellians in many professions and financial aid is great.
    Tips for prospective students

    Apply Early Decision if you definitely want to go here. It increases your chances of acceptance and of course it's great to know a head of time, and get it out of the way! Furthermore, don't be scared off by the tuition. They are more than willing to help you or your parents with Financial Aid. Visit, do an overnight stay, do whatever you can to really get a feel for the campus. I knew I loved it when I arrived.
    Great for these types of students

    Academically driven, those who want an INCREDIBLE greek system, those who want to KNOW their professors, those who want to be really close friends with their freshman hall, those who want a small community, those who want a liberal arts education, those who want to have fun, those who want to be around people who will challenge their skills in the best way possible, Engineers especially, (great program) there are a lot of english and psychology majors, international politics, economics, and a lot more! Check out the website for list of offered disciplines.

  • 1 out of 2 people found this review useful. 1 person found this inaccurate.

    Mary from Los Angeles, CA

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments

  • Olebogeng Sithandazile from Lewisburg, PA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    bucknell is a wonderful institution with a great network of alumni, staff and faculty that invest heavily in your education and career development.
    small class sizes that enable student-teacher connections and student development.
    great school of management
    Tips for prospective students

    you must be willing to integrate and be open-minded to different views and personalities.
    Academic Rigor

    great academic programs that challenge students
    Dorm Life

    residential college experience is awesome especially for freshmen. i am still close o my freshman hall.
    Food and Dining

    the food is not too bad. many options but it does get monotonous
    What to do for fun

    hang out with friends
    got to the bar
    go to frat parties
    Bang for the buck

    its worth the money you pay for it.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    reunion weekend has many traditions that are observed, such the then and now skit that shows how life was say, 50 years ago.
    we all have fireworks on reunion weekend
    Great for these types of students

    greek life
    driven students
    business students
    social justice
    Clubs and Activities

    over 150 clubs and organizations
    Greek Life

    very dominant. 50% of campus
    Campus Safety

    very committed public safety. also the school is in a small town. so its very safe. i don't have to lock my room

  • John from Rogers, AR

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Academic Rigor

    this is why students, and professors, come here. they want to learn from the best and of the best. bucknell puts education and students first in ways that most schools don't. coming here you can count on quality education and a challenge waiting to be met.
    Dorm Life

    for first years dorm life can be hit or miss. if you are lucky to end up in a dorm such as mcdonnell hall you are set for the year. if you end up in larrison you may not have as much of a great experience. of course, it was what you make it.
    Food and Dining

    food is not bad but you can quickly run out of options. small town so not too many new places to go eat. on campus food is not bad but starts to all taste the same after a while.
    What to do for fun

    bucknellians know how to party. if you are looking for an active social scene heavily influenced by greek life then this is the school for you. there are tons of other, non greek, options available on the weeks that can be hit or miss.
    Clubs and Activities

    if you want it, we have it. it seems there is a club for everything here and if you can't find it, there is definitely the funding to start your own.
    Greek Life

    the crux of social life depends on greek life. parties, weekend events, and house party weekend are all made responsible by greek organizations. most would argue that greek life has a positive influence on the school and community. although one can certainly get by without being greek, most do rush. first years can not rush.
    Campus Safety

    you'll always feel safe. lewisburg is a very safe town but public safety is always there in case.

  • A Senior Guy

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    Be ready to spend a lot of time on campus!
    Bucknell is not in a major metropolitan area and students tend to spend most of their time on campus or in the downtown area that borders campus. Despite the rural area, Bucknell brings good
    Academic Rigor

    Engineers will find that they spend more time in class than their liberal arts counterparts (this should really be a 5 star review for engineering). The engineering programs are among the top in the country, and the ability of the professors to teach undergraduates is unsurpassed by any institution that I have encountered. Most liberal arts students could complete a double major with decent planning. Regardless of one's major, students benefit from the undergraduate focus at Bucknell and often have the opportunity to do research with their professors.
    Dorm Life

    Almost every dorm is air conditioned and have more than enough room for students. There are a few older dorms that are still being updated, but the vast majority of students have few if any complaints. Additionally, the custodial staff is incredibly friendly!
    Food and Dining

    Tasty, but a little pricey. If you ever abandon your cafeteria plan after first year (all first years are required to have an unlimited meals plan), you will dearly miss the desserts.
    Great for these types of students

    Students who want a balance between academics and social life. The guy you see out imbibing on a weekend night might have a 4.0 in chemical engineering.
    Clubs and Activities

    You will not find a school of this size with more activities. On top of that, you can set up new organizations with relative ease and receive funding from Bucknell Student Government. That being said, students are sometimes spread too thin because Bucknellians tend to be involved in multiple activities including Greek organizations.
    Greek Life

    Most fraternities are great. Some provide a greater degree of brotherhood than others. Sometimes students become overwhelmed with the social scene as it is dominated by Greek Life. Unfortunately, some Greek organizations make poor decisions and have been removed from campus in recent years.

    Sororities are questionable, but incredibly popular. Girls are friends with many of their sisters, but not the majority of their sisters because sororities are so large.
    Campus Safety

    Public Saftey officers truly have the students' needs in mind. Despite the fact that they have full jurisdiction over campus (they are a legitimate police force as defined by the laws of PA), they are not out to bust students. Students know that the officers care about students and have no problem calling the department if things get out of hand.

  • Jonathan from Lewisburg, PA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    Form good study habits BEFORE attending
    Great for these types of students

    Hard-working, wanting to be engaged, able to think critically and hypothetically.

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