Does Size Matter in College Admissions?

Your college admissions process is about fits you best. In this respect, size does matter. Big or small, every college portrays its size as a strength. Big schools will tell you they have what's right for you, and small schools will tell you the same. Can they both be right? What's really best for you is a matter of personal preference. To help you decide we break down the pros and cons of big and small schools are broken down:

Big Colleges
Pros: Large schools are large for a reason. Bigger schools usually offer more of everything: Clubs, classes, majors, professors, students, activities, buildings, etc. A big student body means many clubs and activities which can accommodate niche interests. By offering many majors, big schools offer undecided students more options. Whatever your first, second or third choice in a major may be the chances are good a big school offers them all. Big schools may also have big budgets which can mean money for research programs, work-study opportunities, facilities, campus-speaker budgets and so on.

Cons: At a big school a student can feel more like a number than a person. Large lecture halls may accommodate hundreds of students; expect to see these during your first and second years. Some students feel overwhelmed at a big school. Indeed, everyday you will see classmates you do not know, and you will have to be proactive in forming relationships with professors. There can be more competition at a big school, so don't think of hogging the spotlight.

College search special note Regardless of school size, most entry level courses at all colleges are large lectures.

Small Colleges
Pros: Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name. Class size is, generally speaking, smaller at smaller schools. Students often have more one-on-one time with professors, which is ideal for students that need a more nurturing environment. Being a stand-out student is also easier with fewer students on campus. And small school students will be known a higher percentage of classmates. Also, small schools may provide a quieter, more focused learning environment. Some students excel with fewer distractions.

Cons: Smaller schools offer fewer majors. They may only offer a minor in your field of study. Other times courses are consolidated. For example, they may offer a mass communications degree, but not individual degrees in journalism, broadcasting, public relations, etc. Small schools also, in general, have fewer clubs and activities. So while you can probably play intramural basketball your passion for synchronized diving may lie dormant.

Each year students succeed in college big and small. When comparing school size during your college search keep in mind there are no right or wrong answers. What may fit you best may be completely wrong for someone else. Whether you went to a big or small school, and if you liked the experience, may greatly impact your college admissions decisions. Before applying to a college of any size you should examine everything a college has to offer. And just like the other factors, size matters.

I want to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to go to college. This means getting in, finding the right college fit and paying for school. I love to share what I've learned and I hope you can find some useful information useful in your college search.