Deciding what college to attend to is one of the toughest decisions students across the globe make. Many factors play into this decision, such as location, population, campus involvement activities, and the list goes on. For many students, name brand colleges like the University of Pittsburgh or Ohio State University are the way to go. After all, these schools offer great opportunities to show school spirit and a wider range of activities for social life. But, what about the small colleges? Many people overlook them because they are so small in population.
Here are five reasons why small, liberal arts colleges are the best:
1. You are more than just a number.
At a small college, your class size will rarely exceed 50 students. The professors will know you by your name and not just your student ID number. You are defined by more than your ACT or SAT score.
2. The campus is a close community.
With a smaller student population, students have more opportunities to meet most of the students in their graduating class and on campus in general. The community is very close-knit and it will feel like your home away from home. In my own personal experience, every student I met or ran into at Susquehanna always offered a smile and a "hello."
3. Exposure.
While attending a liberal arts college you will be exposed to not only the curriculum in your major, but to a wider range of subjects. After four years, you will have been provided a broad general knowledge across many fields.
4. A huge focus on undergraduates.
Most liberal arts colleges do not offer a graduate school. At larger universities, more time may be spent on research and graduate students. At a liberal arts college everything that happens in class and on campus is focused on the undergraduate student's culmination of knowledge.
5. Off campus activities.
A large amount of liberal arts colleges are located in small towns, which gives way to a handful of off campus activities. The towns will usually offer small businesses that will give a great bang for your college dollar. Aside from small businesses the towns offer great parks and restaurants along with your regular Papa John's and Walmart.
