<p>Monydad:</p>
<p>I agree totally, especially since we fell for the LACs' image of smaller classes. Personally, I think that, past a certain size, it does not really matter if the class has 70 or 210 students. The size dictates a certain pedagogy--usually lectures-- and the instructor cannot see past the first row or so of students. It matters, however, if a fairly large class has TAs who can help students review the materials, lead discussions, help choose paper topics and provide bibliographic leads, and so on.</p>
<p>There are certain advantages to going to well-endowed schools (either LACs and mid-sized research universities; seldom large state unis): the resources that get thrown at students. For example, at Harvard, classes that are advertised must be held even if only a couple of students register. I used to know someone who taught at a state uni and was in yearly anxiety over whether his class would attract the minimum of 15 students or not. If not, the class would not be held and he would not get paid.
Members of freshman seminar (capped at 12) are currently spending spring break in Tokyo, which is the subject of the seminar. All expenses paid by the uni. I wish my S had known about it!</p>