Hi I’m a student from South Korea
I’m having a hard time choosing between HKUST(Business and Management) and Bucknell University(Markets, Design, and Management)
HKUST
What I like: close to home, higher ranking in business, high employment rate after graduation, I can learn Chinese as well, more Koreans so it’ll be easier to get along(i hope)
What I’m hesitant of: never thought of studying in HK(I’ve planned on studying in the US for years)
Bucknell
What I like: fulfilling my dream of studying in the US, the major I got accepted to is exactly the kind of study I pursue, slightly cheaper than HKUST because of the financial aid I got
What I’m hesitant of: lower ranking, lack of diversity, “preppy” characteristic(according to niche), I’m not sure I can get used to the Greek life
Now that I’ve written it like this, it seems a bit clear that HKUST is better, but the fact that Bucknell’s major fits me so well is quite strong
WHAT SHOULD I DO?!?
Bucknell is very highly regarded in the US. To be in a non Greek/non drinking environment, see if Bucknell has a substance free/healthy living housing option .
If it’s cheaper then go for it.
Thank you for your opinion. @MYOS1634
But in terms of business, I believe that HKUST has a higher reputation worldwide so I’m still in a dilemma…
Also, then if I choose to stay in a somewhat non Greek environment at Bucknell, will that affect my career/path options? Cuz I heard that building personal connections through fraternities/sororities leads you to have more options(regarding careers, internships etc)
That’s true for Americans. I don’t even know if internationals can join fraternities - ask Greek life council whether it’s possible and whether non Greeks are invited to parties.
(Girls tend to be invited but must be careful).
Also, email the college to ask for a typical weekend schedule in terms of film, music, theater… offerings. What else is there to do beside drink?
Also, ask about professional fraternities (ie., Business organizations focused on career, not social organizations focused on parties).
Did you get another acceptance?
Do you prefer HKUST ?
I guess it depends whether you’re aiming for an Asian career or a US-Korea career.
There are plenty of other things to do at Bucknell other than go to parties; the school has a partnership with the restored art-decco theatre downtown and shows first run films, along with classics, art house films and timely documentaries. There is an art gallery in the Langone Center, one downtown and a large performing arts center on campus. There are local state parks where you can hike, bike and climb. The school offers many day trips off campus. Deciding not to join a fraternity/sorority will have no affect on your career path/options at Bucknell (international students are more than welcome to join and you may find having many “brothers/sisters” so far from home comforting and supportive). Your career path will be influenced by professors you interact with, any research projects you may undertake, the chance to study abroad, opportunities offered by the school, such as the Bucknell Public Interest Partnership (stipends for unpaid public interest/non-profit internships) and alums, who generally look to help any Bucknell student, regardless of whether they were in their particular fraternity/sorority or any greek organization at all. Finally, there are substance free housing options and many themed housing options. Good luck with your decision.