<p>I already put a thread up similar to this one, but figured it doesn’t hurt to have multiple opinions. I am currently choosing between Brown and a small liberal arts school.</p>
<p>I’m undecided as far as majors go, so that isn’t really a factor.</p>
<p>I want a small, personal classroom experience with lively discussions. I’d also like to have professors who genuinely care about their students. The idea of a “small learning community” is what drew me to apply to so many small LACs (midd, williams, wesleyan, etc.), and I’m not sure if Brown would be “too big” for me. </p>
<p>Any advice?..</p>
<p>Have you visited Brown and your LACs, stayed in the dorms, sat in on a few classes? That’s the best way to tell which is right for you - far better than reading opinions online.</p>
<p>Like you, my son is very interested in LACs. He was accepted at seven great LACs - plus Brown. He visited Brown during the accepted students days, and really liked it, but also concluded that Brown is bigger and quite different from an LAC. He didn’t think Brown offered a “small, cohesive community of scholars” which is one thing that appeals to him about LACs. On the other hand, he thought Brown’s campus was simply abuzz with a myriad of activities, and that its students were smart, creative, and vibrant. Which is better for him? That’s what he’s currently trying to figure out.</p>
<p>At some point in the process, and you might have reached it, the inquiry stops being about the college and starts being about you. Both Brown and the LACs you mentioned will have more opportunities than one person can do in four years, Brown ridiculously so. But the question should be where YOU think you will best avail yourself of those opportunities. One kid might revel in the huge variety Brown offers. Another kid might actually be more prone to being fully engaged in classes, dormlife, and other activities at a small LAC. Depends on the kid. By now, I’d bet that you know all you need to know about Brown and your LACs. Time to start looking at yourself.</p>
<p>It sounds like your son and I are almost the same person… :)</p>
<p>I did visit both, and I felt very comfortable and at home at the LACs. While I was there I think i liked the LAC feel more. Although, I agree with what he thought about Brown (about the activities and the students).
Since coming home and “weighing my options” so to speak, Brown seems like the better choice for me because of the opportunities it offers.
I just hope i’m not choosing Brown because I THINK it would be better for me…if perhaps it wouldn’t…
I’m not sure to go with what I “felt” on the campuses or what I “feel” now.</p>
<p>Take comfort in knowing you can’t make a bad decision. Good luck!</p>
<p>My S loved the feel of the campus and the excitement of the students at Brown - and he chose Brown. Everyone told him he would know where he belonged after visiting the campuses, and it was true. We visited twice, and both times he was excited about campus life there. I think he made the best choice for him.</p>