school size

<p>So I applied to Cornell CAS because of the great diversity of classes and the many opportunities that a big school offers. I feel that if I went to this school, I would have so many different and exciting classes/parties/people/food at my fingertips. However, I have also been accepted to small liberal arts schools (Bowdoin, Hamilton, Bates, Wesleyan) that seem equally exciting. With these schools, I feel that I would be in a closer community where I would get to know most students/professors and the administration would be more accessible. However, I would not have as many subjects to choose from.</p>

<p>I am very confused about what kind of school would be better for me, and I am just wondering whether students at Cornell ever feel like just a number. Any input would be greatly appreciated.</p>

<p>Just as a side note: I come from a fairly small high school (300 people), so any of these schools would be significantly bigger.</p>

<p>bump......</p>

<p>One of the reasons I came to Cornell is that it's a large school. It's really about preference. I felt confined in my high school of 1300 kids. The advantage of a large school is that if you seek something out, you're very likely to find it. I've found many tight-knit groups, and haven't "felt like just a number" or anything like that. It's still easy to get to know professors, as long as you talk to them and stuff. I don't think you'll go wrong with either small/large, though I think larger is safer. But this is also coming from the guy who could never survive at a small liberal arts college.</p>

<p>Well, you're not wrong. One of Cornell's strengths (and perhaps weaknesses) is its size. It's course offerings would dwarf any LAC's and even most other private colleges'. However, if you're the type that needs someone to hold your hand and pat you on the head once in a while, you won't be happy at Cornell. The professors are, in general, very friendly and available. But, with larger classes, they won't single you out to make sure you're doing okay. You have to be willing to come to them.</p>

<p>I don't know about you, I don't want to go to a school where everyone knows everyone else's business. That's high school. I want a school where I can have a close circle of friends but also a large group of acquaintances with the possibility of meeting new people each and every week.</p>

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I want a school where I can have a close circle of friends but also a large group of acquaintances

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<p>Im sorry, but how can you have close friends in a massive school that makes it difficult to have friends in the first place? :confused:</p>

<p>I don't understand how a larger school makes it more difficult to have close friends.</p>

<p>Yeah...I have to agree with norcalguy. I actually found it very easy to make friends here. My sophomore year roomie is my best friend to this day and even though she's not in Ithaca anymore she still comes to visit me every month. I'm also close with my other Transfer Center buddies. </p>

<p>I don't understand how Cornell's massive size would make it hard to find friends....unless you're some kind of social recluse.</p>

<p>Rather, a large student body makes it easier to make friends. You have a larger pool to pick from... you're more likely to find people you get along with.</p>