<p>Ok, so I recently posted a similar comparison, but this time I don't want money to be a factor. </p>
<p>I am currently debating between Macauly Honors College at Hunter College and Bard College. One is a large public college of 15,000 in the heart of Manhattan, the other is a small, liberal arts college, in the middle of the woods in upstate NY. I plan on majoring in biology or physics. Both colleges have given me enough money that either is affordable, and while money is a factor, I would like some input on which one you would prefer and why without talk of finances.</p>
<p>If you don't know anything about the schools, input on liberal arts vs. big university would be much appreciated as well.</p>
<p>I live very close to Bard (40min), but I can make it as far away as I want. My parents are not overly clingy and I've already spent a year abroad so we are all used to the separation. I am going to go there and sit in on a couple classes tomorrow.</p>
<p>This decision is causing me a lot of stress at the moment and if anyone can give me any helpful info about either college or type of college experience it would help me out a lot.</p>
<p>Very different environments. Both will be good experiences if you are open to what they offer. Are you a nature person? Or do you thrive on the energy of the city? Both sound appealing; I can see your dilemma.</p>
<p>Is one more affordable (I know, you don’t want to focus on that, but…) if one is considerably less expensive, will that open up study-abroad and other options that might not be possible at the more expensive one?</p>
<p>Have you looked at course offerings and faculty and resources in the major(s) you are interested in? Sometimes a clear winner will emerge when you realize one has a more dynamic department/major than the other.</p>
<p>Are you focused? If that is ever an issue, it might be easier to stay focused in a small, rural liberal arts environment. </p>
<p>My D originally thought she wanted small/rural/LAC but then spent a couple weeks at one for a summer program and decided she’d go crazy in such a small pond. But that’s her. For many, that small community is like family.</p>
<p>Sorry, not really helping! Good luck in your decision.</p>
<p>I visited bard today and sat in on some classes, I think the most remarkable thing is that I met a good portion of the staff of the biology department and was able to speak to all of them for a good amount of time, and I am not even a student yet. I asked one biochemistry professor for directions and ended up having an hour long conversation with her about Bard’s science program.</p>
<p>This mixed with the conversation based classes at bard really lure me in, but hunter has all the opportunities of nyc and a large department with a graduate school.</p>
<p>I have lived in a rural area for long enough that Bard would actually be a huge step up, if only for the campus. The city is a big plus, but so is the abundance of nature here. </p>
<p>I don’t know. Its driving me slowly insane.</p>
<p>BUMP, sorry guys. Please help!</p>