<p>I consider anything under 6000 undergraduates to be non-“big box.” Until recently, I taught at a university with about 5000 undergraduates, and professors were readily available (and were required to be so) for the undergraduates. Class sizes weren’t all that large. I suspect that they were comparable to Smith’s, simply because the faculty was bigger. Still, you could be anonymous there without effort. </p>
<p>The huge state universities are another matter, although I understand that you can make them seem smaller through honors colleges or other programs. I know a young woman who got a provisional acceptance to Cornell as described by the OP, and she went to Penn State as a freshman. When Cornell came knocking a year later, she decided to stay at Penn State. As a side note, she had no trouble making the requirements for Cornell.</p>
<p>As Mini says, a lot depends on the individual. We have a huge variety of educational options in the US, and while some are definitely better than others, it doesn’t mean that they are right for all students. When I was looking at colleges for myself, I wanted a larger college than most liberal arts colleges (although they were on my list), but one that still had the feel/philosophy of an LAC, which is why I chose the one I did. My daughter, on the other hand, wanted an LAC without doubt but was hesitant about the more limited course selection at many, which is why she chose Smith. Fortunately, kids usually end up at the best colleges for them, either as freshmen or transfers.</p>