Is A Small College Right For Me?

Katherine and Cara discuss the benefits of attending a small college.  Watch the video or read the summary below for more information.

One of the questions that we get a lot from students who attend large high schools and are looking for a “big” experience in college is, “What are smaller colleges going to be able to offer me and is it going to be too small?”
 
Size is differently something that students need to consider in their college search.  One of the questions that students should ask themselves is, “How to I learn?”  Are you the type of student that really enjoys having conversations?  Are you not the type of student that can just sit in a lecture and absorb information?  Do you need to be able to participate in the discussion of the class?  Do you want to be able to ask questions and build relationships with your professors?  If that is the case, then maybe a smaller school may be the right place for you.
 
However, many students have a lot of social concerns that come with attending a smaller school.  One of the great things about small colleges is that they often put a lot of effort into making sure there are a lot of things happening on campus for the students.  It is a chance for students to get involved.  Also, since there are a lot of clubs available at most small colleges, students have the opportunity to take on leadership roles, that they would not normally have a chance to, or try something new, that they would not have gotten to do somewhere else.   For example, students may be able to play a sport when they would not have been able to make the team at a larger school.  So, in terms of social opportunities, small colleges can really still provide an incredible social outlet.
 
Students should consider the old saying “Do you want to be a big fish in a little pond or a little fish in a big pond” and it really comes down to what is the better fit for you.
Katherine Price & Cara Ray
Educational Consultants