How Do I Know if a Small College is Right for Me?
How Do I Know if a Small College is Right for Me?
Trying to select the best college forces you to confront many different factors and often competing interests. But if you know what conditions are likely to make you happy, making a wise decision comes easier. One of the most important conditions is size. There are over 1,000 small colleges in America, and each has its own unique culture. Whether you are looking for an urban experience, like the New School in Manhattan provides, or the quintessential rural feel of liberal arts schools like Amherst or Dartmouth, you have many options. Small colleges—defined here as schools with a population under 5,000 students—are not the best fit for everyone. How can you tell if attending a small college makes sense for you?Let’s examine some clues that may help you figure it out.
Do You Enjoy Knowing Most of Your Classmates?
If so, then small colleges may be a comfortable fit for you. Chances are high that over the course of your four years there, you will run into nearly every student in your grade. Whether it's at a sporting event, concert or play, or that really popular Intro to Psychology course everyone wants to take, you are likely to find yourself in a seat next to most of the students with whom you entered college. You will have a great opportunity to make connections, form business partnerships, collaborate on research, and make lifelong friends in an environment small enough to nurture those relationships. Some students find this liberating, while others may find it claustrophobic. Where does it fall on your scale?
Do You Prefer Smaller Classes?
Another hallmark of small schools is classes with fewer than 20 students. It is entirely possible to be one of only a couple students in any given class, especially after your freshman and sophomore years.For some students, this is intimidating. They learn best in lecture-style classrooms, or settings where they feel less pressure to openly participate in class discussions.For others, this is stimulating, and the opportunity to form close relationships with professors and engage in deep conversations is the main thing they look for out of a college education.Be mindful of how you learn best. That will help you make smart decisions about where to apply.
How Do You Feel About TAs?
At large universities, there is a high likelihood that your classes will be taught by someone other than a tenured professor. On these campuses, many professors are more occupied with research than teaching. The result is that some of your classes will be taught by teachers’ assistants (TAs), grad students several levels above you. To be sure, many of them are excellent instructors and pride themselves on connecting with undergrads.For some students, however, learning directly from professors is important. If you agree, then small colleges, particularly those liberal arts schools that don't feature graduate programs as part of their curriculum, might be a better fit.
How Big is the “Big Game” to You?
Every school has its traditions, but some of those traditions end up on ESPN on Saturday mornings, whereas others remain little hidden secrets. Do you want to be one of tens of thousands of screaming fans cheering on your alma mater against that dreaded rival school?If that's the case, then attending a small school may not make as much sense for you. Small schools are full of spirit, but the size of the student body determines what that spirit looks like. Even the biggest little game in America pales in comparison to the pageantry and spectacle of any of the dozens of bowl games that happen during winter holidays. For some students, these large events are fundamental to the ideal college experience. For many others, it’s not an issue. Knowing how much this matters to you will help you determine whether or not attending a small college is the best choice.
Would You Rather be a Big Fish in a Small Pond?
The fewer the students on your campus, the easier it will be for you to make an impact. Many students choose to attend a small college, because it gives them an opportunity to form deep connections with professors and distinguish themselves within a field of study. Your undergraduate years are a valuable time to build professional and personal skills, as well as demonstrate leadership and accomplishment. These are foundational experiences, whether you intend to continue your studies as a grad student or begin your career path.Many students find this easier to do in an environment where the main task of professors is teaching rather than research, or where there is less competition for resources.
Should You Consider Small Colleges?
Few factors will affect your college experience as much as the size of the student body. Understanding what’s best for you will look different for every student. The questions above will help you think about how it might feel to attend a small college. Reflect on your own answers as you begin to research the schools that interest you.If you aren’t sure yet, that’s OK. Visiting colleges will help you get a better sense of what you like. Working with a professional who understands the process and can get to know you personally will also help you find the schools that fit you best.
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.
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