<p>Hello, one thing that I have been wondering about where I should go to college is class size. I'm a bit skeptical about going to a big college with classes numbering in the hundreds. Being a quiet and reserved person at times, this can be overwhelming and I think I could get lost in the crowd. How have some of you who have been in a large school handled being just one in the many hundreds and what were some of the pros and cons being there for you. In contrast, to those who have gone to small schools, what were some of the pros and cons you experienced being in a smaller but more expensive school (as of now cost has really not crossed my mind as a problem to whether I should attend a certain school or not, except maybe an Ivy league school unless I get some big scholorships).</p>
<p>Just bumping this because I would really like to hear about some peoples experiences.</p>
<p>Once class size gets over 40, I didn't really notice much of a difference. I've had classes from five people up to around 250, and that transition to a larger lecture hall and multiple recitation sections seems to be the crossing-over point for me.</p>
<p>If you're a shy person who would benefit from a smaller LAC enviornment</p>
<p>Small schools can be like high schools - just about everyone knows you and you know just about everyone. Definitely hard to get lost in a crowd'</p>
<p>I love going to a big school. I've been in a class of 11 and a lecture of 500+. I love that if I have a big lecture for a class I'm only taking because I have to and have no real interest in it, I can be completely anonymous in a big lecture, but if it's one of my major classes, I can be active in the small classroom and/or make my presence known in a big lecture by getting to know the professor and other students.</p>
<p>How do you go about making yourself known in a big lecture and what are some good ways to get to know the professor, and get them to know you exist.</p>
<p>I realize I worded that post horribly. Not make yourself known as in draw attention to yourself, but the prof knows your name and can call on you in the lecture because they know that you'll know the answer. It's hard to explain. Most of my classes that I've been very active in are the ones in my major where someday I may need a recommendation from the prof or I'm genuinely interested in studying the subject further. Talk to the prof during office hours or after class if something interests you or if you have questions that you didn't want to ask in class because it would put everyone behind schedule.</p>
<p>Oh ok I see. Thanks Cards4Life.</p>
<p>Now one of the advantages to having a bigger school would be more activities to take part in. Is there really a big difference between a big school and small school here, or are there still plenty to do and join at small schools?</p>
<p>Should I look into what colleges offer for activities or do most have mainly the same things going on at campus?</p>
<p>I am a big fan of the "medium LAC-type schools"</p>
<p>Wake Forest
Rice
William & Mary
Dartmouth
Tufts
Claremont Consortium
Brown
Dartmouth
Princeton
Georgetown</p>
<p>They are fairly unique and offer IMO the best of both worlds.</p>
<p>How big are the class sizes in the "medium LAC-type schools"?</p>
<p>Medium can be a very broad term sometimes, and I am just wondering....</p>
<p>You will find big introductory classes at almost any school. Even Dartmouth and Princeton have many classes that have over 50 students each. Class sizes at "medium LAC-type schools" usually range from 15 to 35.</p>
<p>I like the smaller school where you feel you have a connection with everyone and that you are a valued part of the community.</p>
<p>For some people who have gone to a bigger school, have you found it harder to get that feeling of being a big part of the community and knowing a lot of people because of so many people?</p>
<p>Nope. I've been told that my school's math department is more personal and has a better sense of community than a higher ranked school with 1/30th as many undergrads.</p>
<p>Spasteak, in huge schools, people tend to make friends within their dorms and university groups they join. Also, those huge classes you're worried about usually have smaller discussion groups, also a good place to meet people. In many schools there are ways to avoid them (taking equivalent classes, for example) and once you're past your freshman/sophomore year and more into your major, the classes quickly get a lot smaller. </p>
<p>The drawback of a small school is that many kids outgrow them by their junior year... with big schools, you grown into them. That said, do some soulsearching and follow your gut. Ask yourself do I like small environments where I know everyone -- or bigger, busier settings? There really is no right or wrong answer.</p>
<p>One thing I don't see mentioned...but it should be fairly obvious. Large schools can offer vastly more areas of study.</p>