<p>This is an interesting topic that I think must be addressed and that anyone who is thinking about going to college should consider. How much attention will I get? Keep in mind that this post was in response to a person who said that top ranked universities only care about research and dont care about undergrad's. also keep in mind that YOU have to take the initiative and start relations with your prof...anyway here is the post</p>
<p>I think it is important to note that just b/c you go to a well ranked school doesnt mean you have the large lectures Dr. Reynolds speaks of. I go to CMU, I believe ranked in top 10 for undergrad. The largest class i was in was Physics one with around 250. The recitations for that class were led by mostly international grad, but they could all speak english fairly well and could express their ideas and elaborate on questions. Keep in mind that this is freshman year. For my major, mat sci, the most number of ppl I will have in any class is around 30. which is small and allows for super personal attention. The teachers care about helping you learn and go out of their way to do it. I have 2 examples:</p>
<p>A mechE prof regularly invites his whole class to his office hours and buys them all pizza. When they are there they dont always talk about class. but this allows anyone that has any questions to ask them.</p>
<p>A friend of mine didnt understand a topic in an upper level class. over a 2 day span of time the prof worked with her for 12 hours!!!! </p>
<p>although my school get lots of research money and our prof do lots of research, they do help you whenever you need it. They make time for you and even schedule meetings if you cant meet when they are free.
this doesn't just happen in engineering but all across the board in CMU. faculty student relations rock, even though we are a major research center.</p>