Nadia
Is a small college better than a big college?
I'm applying for college and I'd like more insight on the advantages and drawbacks of both small and large campuses. #college #highschool #college-applicatons
5 answers
Jill Hoff
Jill’s Answer
You need to visit each. This will help you decide. Small colleges make it easier to meet people and make friends. Class sizes are usually smaller and the campus is not so overwhelming. A larger college might offer the full range of what people think of as the college experience. Such as a football team, traditions, Greek life....but it is easier to feel lost an out of place. You need to consider where you would fit the best. Go for a visit. You'll know when you have the right place.
Alysa Hunton
Alysa’s Answer
Hi, Nadia,
Like the other two answers you have received, a large college is not necessarily better than a smaller one. It really depends on what you want to study, i.e. what subject(s) you like, what you like to do. Knowing what you like or are interested in one of the most important things when choosing a college/career. Some colleges are noted for having the best programs for certain careers. But then you must take into consider their cost, location, etc.
Once you have found a program that you want to study (say, fashion design, for example) you could speak with one of your high school counselors and have them help you narrow it down to a few schools. Then go to that school's website, and email an advisor who works directly in that particular program and set up a phone interview with them so you can get information from them directly. They should be happy to assist you.
Good luck with your search!
Best,
Alysa
Ken Simmons
Ken’s Answer
Hi Nadia!
You asked a good question.
Colleges with smaller student enrollment tend to have smaller classes which will greatly benefit you as a student, but many times these tend to be the ones that cost the most, except for community colleges.
A more important way to evaluate a college is how well it will prepare you for your intended career major.
Let me know if and how this might be of help. Keep me posted. I would like to follow your progress.
Agata Indiatsi
Agata’s Answer
To make an informed decision, you should introspect and ask yourself: What is my preferred learning style, and in what kind of environment do I thrive academically?
Rob Lee
Rob’s Answer
That's a great question. The differences between large college environments and small college environments can be wide in some case and inconsequential in others. Overall, college is a great choice either way so the fact you are starting to think about choice is a great step!
Most large colleges(think state schools) will have a large range of curricula and majors. There is a ton of flexibility in which academic path you choose, so if you are thinking double majors or a diverse minor, there are a lot of opportunities to craft your own path. Introductory classes tend to be much larger than smaller colleges just because of the sheer number of students so many classes will have large lectures that can sometimes number in the thousands followed by break out study sections taught by teaching assistants. For some, it can easy to get lost as a "small fish in a big pond" but for others, they thrive in the large college environment and the variety of people they meet.
Smaller colleges tend to be privately funded and focused on specializing in certain areas. The classes are definitely more intimate and the ability to meet and get to know people a lot easier. The downside is the small college environment may lack the diversity in majors as well as people just because the student population is a fraction of larger universities and more targeted around specific areas of strength. Tuition does tend to be higher for smaller colleges but the ability to get financial aid is a little bit easier process.
In the end, you should ask yourself what you want from college when deciding big or small. It will be a very personal decision based on who you are.
Rob recommends the following next steps: