How Do I Know if a Large University is the Best Fit for Me?
How Do I Know if a Large University is the Best Fit for Me?
Thousands of spirited, joyful students all dressed in the same colors pouring into an overflowing stadium. An impressive, iconic library that features millions of volumes of the world's most important literature. Dining halls loaded with hundreds of options for cuisine from around the world. The giant quad that functions as the pitch for a muggle quidditch game, the stage for an impromptu a cappella concert, or a massive school-wide demonstration. These are just some of the images that come to mind when people think about the quintessential large university experience. Schools with ten-thousand or more students, like UCLA and Texas A&M, offer a wealth of opportunities that aren’t found at their smaller counterparts.And while there are many advantages to attending a large university, they are not right for everyone.Let's take a closer look at the kind of students who usually thrive in a large university and see how you compare.
Independent Learners
Students who have mastered the ability to be self-starters tend to do well in large university settings.These are the students who don't rely on their professors to supply them with information but seek knowledge on their own. They can excel in a class of six or six-hundred.If the thought of being in a vast lecture hall for the majority of your classroom experience is intimidating, then attending a large university may not be best for you. However, if you are confident in being able to get what you need in that setting and seeking the rest on your own, then you can thrive in this environment. Large universities require proactivity. A student must seek out office hours to get information that might be lost on her. She must form meaningful relationships with teacher's assistants so that she has a network to support her when the professor is unavailable.She is the kind of student who organizes study sessions with classmates and takes advantage of the writing or quantitative skills centers on campus. If being more independent in crafting your learning experience sounds exciting, a large university could be a great fit for you.
Comfortable in a “Big Pond”
At large universities the reality is that the undergraduate student is not the main or only priority of the campus. And while there will be plenty of resources dedicated to your success, those must be shared with an immense student body.Students who excel in a large university tend to be comfortable being one of many fish in a big pond. They don’t need to be the center of attention to still make an impact.Rather, they embrace the benefits that come from being part of something so all-encompassing. They welcome opportunities to conduct research, collaborate with professors and talented graduate students, and explore career options by tapping into the vast campus alumni network.While it may be more difficult to be number one in a grade of five-thousand than five-hundred, having greater access to people and opportunities that could launch your career excites many.
Interested in Studying Niche Subjects
One of the major (no pun intended) advantages you’ll find in attending a large university is a wider array of disciplines for you to study. Just by definition of having a bigger faculty, there are more opportunities for specialization that undoubtedly appeal to certain students.Having a hundred or so major options versus several dozen opens possibilities for how you can shape your undergraduate education. Whereas a small college might have a business degree, a larger university is likely to have an entire school of business housed within it.At a large university you might choose to focus on marketing, hospitality management, or entrepreneurship—all of which are difficult to find as majors at small colleges.This gives you the chance to dive deeper as an undergraduate into a particular interest. Or, for the undecided student, it presents ample opportunities to find something that intrigues you no matter how off the beaten path it is.The possibilities of finding your niche—whether it’s paleontology or post-modern art—are strong at larger schools.
Social Creatures
While every place is different, attending a large university will expose you to abundant opportunities for getting involved in campus life. Having more students means more clubs, service organizations, and social activities.For many students, participating in extracurricular activities and joining clubs define their college experience. Fraternities, singing groups, and sports teams provide a way for students to explore their passions and form lifelong bonds.The kind of student who prospers at a large university enjoys meeting new people and making new friends. On a bigger campus, it’s possible to see someone new every day.If the prospect of introducing yourself to thousands of people excites you, factor that into your college process. But if it seems overwhelming, then smaller schools may offer you a more suitable social environment.
Is Attending a Large University Right for You?
Where do you see yourself among these four categories?Reflect on how you like to learn, the kind of environment you succeed in, what fields you hope to study, and your ideal social settings. These factors will help you decide whether a large university is the best fit for you.A great way to find out for sure is to visit. Arrange an overnight stay where you can be a student for a day at a large university to find out whether it’s an environment you can thrive in. An admissions professional who has expert knowledge of the application process can help you navigate this process. Many students need more time and attention to build a strong college list than their high school college counseling office can offer.The expert admissions consultants at Wise World Prep have helped hundreds of students maximize their potential of being admitted to their top choice colleges and universities. Over 20 years, we have successfully guided students through each stage of the application process – from choosing competitive high school courses to building an appropriate college list to drafting winning essays to writing persuasive update and appeals letters. We would be happy to answer your questions and partner with you to create a successful admissions roadmap.Ready to get started? Schedule a complimentary 20-minute conversation today!Want to stay informed? Subscribe to our newsletter.See what others are saying about us