| Your college admissions process is about fits you | | | | most entry level courses at all colleges are large |
| best. In this respect, size does matter. Big or small, | | | | lectures. |
| every college portrays its size as a strength. Big | | | | Small Colleges |
| schools will tell you they have what's right for you, | | | | Pros: Sometimes you want to go where everybody |
| and small schools will tell you the same. Can they | | | | knows your name. Class size is, generally speaking, |
| both be right? What's really best for you is a matter | | | | smaller at smaller schools. Students often have more |
| of personal preference. To help you decide we break | | | | one-on-one time with professors, which is ideal for |
| down the pros and cons of big and small schools are | | | | students that need a more nurturing environment. |
| broken down: | | | | Being a stand-out student is also easier with fewer |
| Big Colleges | | | | students on campus. And small school students will be |
| Pros: Large schools are large for a reason. Bigger | | | | known a higher percentage of classmates. Also, small |
| schools usually offer more of everything: Clubs, | | | | schools may provide a quieter, more focused learning |
| classes, majors, professors, students, activities, | | | | environment. Some students excel with fewer |
| buildings, etc. A big student body means many clubs | | | | distractions. |
| and activities which can accommodate niche interests. | | | | Cons: Smaller schools offer fewer majors. They may |
| By offering many majors, big schools offer undecided | | | | only offer a minor in your field of study. Other times |
| students more options. Whatever your first, second | | | | courses are consolidated. For example, they may |
| or third choice in a major may be the chances are | | | | offer a mass communications degree, but not |
| good a big school offers them all. Big schools may | | | | individual degrees in journalism, broadcasting, public |
| also have big budgets which can mean money for | | | | relations, etc. Small schools also, in general, have |
| research programs, work-study opportunities, | | | | fewer clubs and activities. So while you can probably |
| facilities, campus-speaker budgets and so on. | | | | play intramural basketball your passion for |
| Cons: At a big school a student can feel more like a | | | | synchronized diving may lie dormant. |
| number than a person. Large lecture halls may | | | | Each year students succeed in college big and small. |
| accommodate hundreds of students; expect to see | | | | When comparing school size during your college |
| these during your first and second years. Some | | | | search keep in mind there are no right or wrong |
| students feel overwhelmed at a big school. Indeed, | | | | answers. What may fit you best may be completely |
| everyday you will see classmates you do not know, | | | | wrong for someone else. Whether you went to a big |
| and you will have to be proactive in forming | | | | or small school, and if you liked the experience, may |
| relationships with professors. There can be more | | | | greatly impact your college admissions decisions. |
| competition at a big school, so don't think of hogging | | | | Before applying to a college of any size you should |
| the spotlight. | | | | examine everything a college has to offer. And just |
| College search special note Regardless of school size, | | | | like the other factors, size matters. |