I've gotten into a big college university and a smaller liberal arts college. I'm torn, where should I go?

Question

Both will cost the same. But which will overall give me a better education. Both are academic equals. They are just polar opposites. Big vs. Small and I'm ok with either.

Answer 1

I think this is a question we can't answer for you, per se. You have to think about your learning and social style. If you thrive in smaller environments with one-on-one access to professors, and the "closer camraderie" that a smaller school probably fosters...go for the small school. It can take a "big personality" not to get lost in a big school with 100s in an auditorium class, where the teacher will likely never get to know you as a person. It's a very personal decision based on your comfort level and thoughts about each.

My son is at a small liberal arts school in New England, after an entire school career at a relatively small private school (K-12.) This was the absolute right choice for him. My other son, a junior in high school, is looking at the gamut right now...small liberal arts to major university. I presume by the time he applies, he'll have more definitive thoughts about which would be "best" for him.

Answer 2

Why are you torn?

Just cuz a college is big doesn't mean you can't get a good education there. However, it does make it easier to get to know the professors well enough for them to take more than a passing interest in helping you out. Still, unless you went to a select few liberal arts schools, they might not have the name to match up to many big colleges in the general public.

There are pros and cons to each. You can get a great education at each. However, you need to be clear what you want in life and why you are torn. For many people, college is just something they do in order to get a good job. That may not have anything to do with getting a good education.

Answer 3

If they are truly academic equals -- then you should think about other factors. Location is important to some people. Class size is often better in small schools -- but not always. The variety of classes available is better in big schools -- but that may not matter for certain majors.

Try this -- flip a coin. Heads -- the big school & tails the small school. Once you have done this -- ask yourself -- are you disappointed with the answer? If yes -- switch.

Answer 4

I would go to the smaller school because, personally, I learn better in a smaller environment and classroom. It would also help me to get to know my professor better, which is a key learning factor for me. I like to be able to relate to the teacher in some way -- it's just my way of getting inside their brain and learning the material.

But, here's some questions to consider:
1) Do I learn better when there are fewer kids in the classroom (or does it make a difference)?
2) Which school would give me more opprotunities to be where I want to be in life?
3) (If you liked your high school..) Which school would make an easier transition? Which is more like the environment I have now?
4) Would I be bothered by how condense the school is? Or would I be bothered by a large school that could cause you to get "lost in the crowd?"

good luck!

Answer 5

Go to the big school...for a few reasons:

-You will have more opportunities (the big university will have more money, resources, name recognition)
-As you get into your chosen major, your classes will become smaller anyways (case in point...my university has 30,000 people...as a graduating senior, all of my classes have around 25-30 people-so did all of mine last year)
-More fun...probably. There's probably more to do around the bigger university.
-You CAN get to know your professors well at big schools, you'll just have to put in more effort. If they're scientists, ask if they need a volunteer in the lab...that's what I did.

Answer 6

A. Name the schools.
Schools are never equal.

B. Why did you apply to each?
Big differences, as to types of schools, so why did you
apply? That may help you decide which to attend.

C. What is your educational goal?
Again, big differences, so depending on what your
educational goals are, may help you decide which school is
better for you.

Answer 7

It depends on what kind of person you are. Big campuses are great for people who love to be around others. Small campuses are great for that intimate atmosphere. I went to a small college and loved it! Classes were small, professors were more than willing to help out, and friends were tight.

Answer 8

I say small - you can get to know your professors better and get more personalized help if you ever need it.

Answer 9

The big one of coarse. The bigger ones are more famous.

Answer 10

I'd go big. Bigger is better.