<p>I'm writing this post as a student who debated between a large research university and a small women's college, and ended up choosing the large research university. While I am only half way through my first semester, I feel I can offer some helpful advice to those of you deciding between these two very different school types. Let me say that I am not trying to be over critical of my current school, as it is an excellent choice for many people. I simply wish to explain why it is not right for me, in the hope that other students can benefit from a different perspective on this issue.
First of all, I should say that I am seriously considering transferring next year, and I regret my decision to go to a large university. I chose to go to University of Michigan, and I am in the Residential College. U of M touts RC as being "a small liberal arts college within a large university". Oftentimes, people who argue for large universities say that there are many ways to "make the school smaller". The RC is one such way, as you have a few classes that are small seminar-style classes, and you "live and learn" in a dorm for two years. Indeed the RC does, to some extent, make the school smaller. However, the fact remains that you are in a large research university, and this dominates your academic and social life here. In other words, the advantages of the RC only go so far.
Socially, what I do not like about a large university is the Greek life, partying, and sports events. These things are very prevalent on campus. On football Saturdays, you can expect the campus to feel very empty, as many are in the stadium or watching the game on tv. If you are not very interested in sports, you will probably find it slightly tiresome when this topic creeps up in many of your conversations. In terms of Greek Life, the sad reality is that most of the stereotypes you've heard are true. And while some argue that only a small percentage of students join sororities or frats, I was surprised to see how prevalent Greek life is on campus. A huge number of people who didn't rush still frequent greek parties. To a large extent, social life revolves around frat parties and/or drinking and partying. Sororities always claim "sisterhood", but this is in NO way comparable to the sisterhood at a women's college. The "sisterhood" of sororities is extremely superficial, and most sororities would make feminists cringe.
Finally, and most importantly, I do not like the academics at a large university. Having one small discussion based class (because of the RC), I have experienced both the typical small LAC class and a giant lecture hall. I absolutely love this small class, and strongly dislike/hate my lecture classes. Proponents of large universities always point to the "brilliant" professors at universities. And maybe some of them are brilliant, but that does not necessarily help you as a student. Unfortunately, many, if not most, of the professors care mostly for their own research, and not for teaching. And you may have a brilliant teacher who graduated first in their class from a prestigious ivy-league school, but if you are in a class of hundreds of students, that doesn't really matter. You cannot absorb their brilliance simply from listening them speak for an two hours per week. If you never have any personal interaction with them, their credentials really become insignificant.
I cannot stress enough the benefit of having a teacher (the one from my small rc class) who actually cares about you- as an individual and as a student. Not to say that professors of large classes don't care, but they will probably never know your name, even if you go to office hours, and they are often very inaccessible to students. Having a teacher who is accessible (they have time for you) means that you can develop a personal relationship with them, they will help you with academics and with life in general. Especially when you are getting used to being away from your home, family, and old friends, this makes a HUGE difference.
I'm sorry this is going so long, and may be turning into a rant, but one more point: </p>
<p>Most women's colleges are small LAC colleges. In small liberal arts colleges, your classes involve a lot of reading and a lot of writing. In large lecture halls, you have very few, if any, chances to write (In a class of hundreds, it is often impossible to assign and grade writing assignments). Writing is probably one of the most important skills you can have, and if you are constantly doing it for class, you will greatly improve this skill. While lecture halls are a lot of just regurgitating information, small LAC classes involve discussion, writing, and critical thinking. </p>
<p>I could go on, but I feel I should cut myself off now. Feel free to respond and/or ask any questions you may have.</p>