Should I go to a big university or a small college?

Question

I visited a bunch of small colleges in the fall and there were a couple that I liked alot. However, lately i've been thinking about going to a big state school. Bigger schools tend to have better sports programs, more majors, more activities, and more people to meet. Should I at least try going to a big college for a year, and transfer to a smaller school if I don't like it. I might as well see what its like, right

Answer 1

You should probably talk to alumni from both types of schools. Try and get as much information as you can and then try to find the college that fits you the best. A smaller college will give you a better learning atmosphere with more intimate relationships amongst students and professors, which will probably make it easier to get into graduate school. Bigger schools tend to give you more of the "college" experience with parties and huge lecture halls. It all depends on what you are wanting out of college.

Answer 2

It all depends on your preferences. Bigger schools have more people to meet, but that also means huge class sizes. It also depends on what kind of city size you want and how popular your major is. If you want an obscure minor that not alot of colleges have, you'll have to go to a bigger college to meet the degree requirements. But if all you want is a 2-year degree, you would do just fine in a small or junior college. It all depends on what you want and what you like. Check out all the colleges you're interested in, talk to people going there about how they like it there, and think about where you want be be spending four or so years of your life. And the college you do pick isn't set in stone, you can always transfer if you find out the one you're attending isn't for you.

Answer 3

I am a student at a small (2100 students), academically competitive Liberal Arts College. First off, it is easier to transfer from a small school than into one. I serve on the student government of my school and I can tell you from my first hand experience that there are just as many organizations to be involved in at a small school as there would be at a big state school. We have more money to give to the organizations so there are no dues in most cases and many times they offer really expensive activities for free, which is amazing. More students are actively involved on campus at a small school. It makes the world of difference to get to know your professors from an academic standpoint. There are plenty of people even at a small school, and I am a very social person. I actually have a larger circle of friends than my friends at large schools. As for sports teams, yeah division III sports are pretty bad. I happen to go to a school near Ohio State so a lot of us go over there to watch sporting events. We also dominate our conference and that can be exciting somewhat. I feel like there are a lot more resources at smaller schools and I have access to more opportunities than I would at a school like Ohio State.

Hope this helps! Good Luck!

Answer 4

Big Vs. Small: There's pros and cons to both. Small schools are better if you want to be the top of your class, but big schools are good if you want to be on top of extracurriculars. You seem to know what are talking.Your idea trying the University then transfering is great. I hope you find a school you like.