<p>Im debating whether or not maintaining a high gpa in undergrad would be more difficult in a big university like University of Pittsburgh or Penn State vs a liberal arts college.
My sister who is in med school thinks that for me being with a higher teacher to student ratio and smaller classrooms will make it easier for me to get a high gpa, is it really that difficult to go to a school like a pitt and maintain a high gpa, is it really that horrible?</p>
<p>This depends on the school itself, and to some extent on you.</p>
<p>If you are the kind of person who has great study habits, and enjoys studying, then it will not matter much. However, if you have breezed through high school without studying hard, then a small LAC might keep you from slipping through the cracks. Also, many LAC students take their education more seriously than at large universities (especially state schools with hugely popular football or basketball programs).</p>
<p>There is no doubt that, all else being equal, liberal arts colleges pay more attention to their students. At big universities you are largely on you own. However, many liberal arts colleges are demanding, which can result in “grade deflation.” So, there is the potential to learn more at a LAC while actually getting lower grades.</p>