<p>I used to think a small LAC was perfect for me. Now I am starting to think that I might find my niche better at a big university, where there is more variety, honors dorms, dry houses, etc. </p>
<p>But honestly, it makes me feel anxious when I step on to a huge crowded campus. I do not know why. Is this just something I will quickly get over when I get to college? Or would this be a big stumbling block?</p>
<p>I do kind of feel like a college with 2000-4000 undergrads might be more my speed, but a competitive one. It is kind of hard to really find that.</p>
<p>Why not focus on smaller or mid-sized universities, there are lots of good ones.
My son wanted a smaller school but once he got there he realized he would have been right a home in a much bigger one as well. Once you get to know people, and especially start taking courses in your major, it feels smaller and more like home.</p>
<p>From an academic standpoint, a small LAC that is conveniently near a large research university that it has a cross registration agreement with can be helpful, though that may be less helpful in terms of the social environment (dry houses, etc.).</p>
<p>Never discount your gut feeling as an important part of the college selection process. If you are most comfortable at a smaller school, then it may well be the best choice for you. There are always tradeoffs and two reasonable people may well like two different types of schools. For example, my S felt a LAC was too confining and loved attending a mid-sized university but my D fell in love with the close-knit atmosphere of a LAC and is thriving as well. </p>