<p>I've always pictured myself going to a smaller school such as Amherst or Pomona, but as I continue my college search I've realized: what if I am limiting myself by this assumption? I love small class sizes, and my high school isn't that big (only about 1300). Does the smaller student body at the tiny colleges limit the social aspect of college? By the way, I am going to be a senior in the fall. Any comments?</p>
<p>I’m going to a small school (around 3400) starting in August, and honestly, I think it’s going to be great! There’s smaller classes, more personal attention, the fact that you’re a person and not just a number, more of a community feel…I think that there are tons of reasons small schools are great! I actually always thought that I would go to a big school, and I got into some big schools, but then I realized that it wasn’t what I actually wanted.</p>
<p>I also thought i was going to go to a big school, and thought small schools just could not match the experience. After visiting both types, i realized nothing could be farther from the truth. I come from a huge HS (4200 kids), and have decided to attend pomona (also accepted into amherst but liked pomona more), so i can tell you that you have nothing to worry about, especially with pomona, with the consortium. Smaller classes lead to a better education and more 1 on 1 time with professors. At large schools i felt like i was just a number competing for a “spot” or time with a professor, while at amherst/pomona i felt truly welcomed there.</p>
<p>I went to a college smaller than my high school. I assumed I might feel a little hemmed in so I had a backup plan to do a semester or year abroad or on exchange with another campus in their consortium. The funny thing was, I never did feel like I’d exhausted the place’s possibilities. </p>
<p>One of the aspects of a small college is that you get to know lots of people in other majors and with other interests, and you find out about all kinds of things you’d like to try. I graduated wishing I could have spent another year or two just to pursue the classes, professors, and activities I hadn’t gotten to yet.</p>
<p>The social life will be just fine. The thing is, though, that you have to make sure, with many smaller schools, that you fit there and would be comfortable, because if you go to a school with 25,000 people you’re bound to find some people you like and can mostly avoid the ones you don’t, but if you go to a school of 2,000 and don’t feel comfortable there you simply won’t be happy.</p>
<p>I also agree that if you feel stifled (or even if you don’t), you can always study abroad.</p>
<p>Thank you all! That is exactly what I needed to hear.</p>
<p>some large universities have honors colleges which offer much smaller class sizes.</p>
<p>Having attened a LAC for undergrad and large university for graduate school, I think LACs are great. It was the best and most important experience of my life. Great social life. Wouldn’t change a thing. But, obviously, LACs aren’t right for everyone. But I think thise people know that straight away.</p>