<p>what are the advantages / disadvantages of attending a small school like Knox versus a large public university such as UW Madison? (my dilemma at the moment)</p>
<p>I have 2 children: one goes to a large state U and the other to Knox. They both are happy with their choices. Child at the big school loves being hidden in a crowd. She has always marched to her own tune and has found others like her. However, it is also easier to fall through the cracks there. It is much more inpersonal than Knox. However, State U child would hate to be somewhere as small as Knox. My daughter at Knox, on the other hand, loves the place. She has been out to dinner with her prof and a small study group. She went with another prof to hear Jimmy Carter speak. She is involved all over the place in things she had never done before. She has close relationships with her advisor and some of her professors. She has even talked to the president of Knox. On the flip side, Knox doesn't offer as many majors or classes as the big universities, but if they have the major you want, you will have quality classes for it. It's funny. I attended a big state U and I loved it but I sure can see many advantages for the small college. I think you have to go with what feels the best for you.</p>