<p>I've heard a lot about how the top LACs are supposed to be more focused on undergraduate education. Three questions:</p>
<p>Does anyone know how LACs <em>really</em> compare to the top 25 "National Universities" in this regard? </p>
<p>Which (if any) of the "top 25" stand out in their commitment to undergrads? (like Princeton...)</p>
<p>Is one type of school better suited for hard workers with medium test scores? (e.g. Hard work pays off at Swarthmore; good test taking pays off at UC Berkeley)</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
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Does anyone know how LACs <em>really</em> compare to the top 25 "National Universities" in this regard?
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You've asked a good question, but it'd be difficult to answer in a straight-forward way. By "really" compare, are you seeking quantitative measurements of such things as matriculation rates, acceptances into graduate programs, etc.? Or are you seeking a comparison of the undergraduate academic experience, i.e., access to professors and being able to create collaborate working relationships with them? A lot will depend on what your personal preferences are. There's no right and wrong in choosing an LAC vs. a national university, or vice-versa... just like there's no right/wrong between large vs. small... urban vs. rural vs. suburban... etc.</p>
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Which (if any) of the "top 25" stand out in their commitment to undergrads? (like Princeton...)
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"Commitment" comes in different flavors and is accomplished in different ways. It's safe to say that none of the "Top 25" would be rated as such (notwithstanding that some people don't like rankings, per se) without having done a lot to ensure a quality undergraduate education. I would have to say that these "Top 25" have all done a good job in their own respective ways.</p>
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Is one type of school better suited for hard workers with medium test scores? (e.g. Hard work pays off at Swarthmore; good test taking pays off at UC Berkeley)
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If you have a "medium" test score, your likelihood of winning admission to a top LAC (like Swarthmore) or a top national university (like UCBerkeley) is diminished from the get-go. Regardless of LAC or national university, if the school is highly selective, you will be compared against all other applicants. If your test score is "medium", will you bring a high GPA to be considered? or an unsual demonstration of adversity? or a possible cure for cancer? Most all of these schools will look for how you stand out, what has distinguished you, and the "voice" projected by your essays to give pause to the admissions committees (adcoms). </p>
<p>Personally, I favor a college that follows a liberal arts tradition because I place value on gaining breadth in one's education. Wherever you end up, you will need to apply yourself ("work hard"), and if you do, it will hopefully "pay off". Each college presents a different set of educational/growth opportunities. Each student will choose to take advantage of what s/he sees to be valuable. For many students, it will not matter because they will be successful regardless... but they will have personal preferences that they will seek out to optimize their college experiences.</p>
<p>do you like apples or oranges?</p>