Everyone has different opinions on whether small or large colleges are better, but, to me, small colleges seem to reap more benefits. For a lot of high school students who are college hunting, school size plays a major factor in where they decide to go. It is beyond important to weigh out the pros and cons of large and small schools, but there are a plethora of reasons to choose a smaller school.
1. Syllabus day
I can't speak for the larger schools, seeing as I go to a relatively small school, but syllabus day is the best day of the semester. Attending a small college means that it is rare for professors to begin a lesson on the first day of class. On average, the professors will treat class just like the first day of high school. The professors tell you about themselves, go over the syllabus, and then go around the room and have the students say their name, major, hometown and a fun fact. Sound familiar to anyone? That's probably because every year of grade school you do this. After getting through all of the students, you'll be on your merry way. That's it. That is your first day of college, as long as you have nice professors.
2. Your professors know who you are
To some kids this sounds horrible, but if you are a diligent student who always shows up to class it is extremely beneficial. Most professors at small colleges will go out of their way to try and know the students by name by the end of the first week. This does mean that they may take attendance, but that's just another grade booster if you don't skip class! Plus, the professors will always be willing to meet with you to go over any course work that you need help with.
3. You know everyone
Walking across campus and seeing familiar faces everywhere is a huge benefit of going to a small school. Being able to say hi to at least five of your good friends on your way to class is not something that will happen as frequently at a large school. I am personally an extremely social person, so knowing a large number of people on my campus makes me feel more at home and lightens my mood everyday.
4. Small campus = short walk
Having a small campus is great in the aspect that every class is only five minutes away from your dorm. Many large schools have classes that may take you 15 minutes to walk to, or even require you to drive to another part of campus. If you are running late in the morning, it's always better to be five minutes late rather than 15. Those extra 10 minutes can save you a lot of confusion in class.
5. You can ask questions freely
Going to a small school means that you have small classes. You don't have to feel uncomfortable asking a question because you won't be sitting in front of 100 other students. Most of the time you'll be with around 20 other students, just like in high school. The professors will answer your questions 99 percent of the time and this helps keep you caught up on the material being presented in class so that you do not fall behind and end up clueless by the end of class.
6. It is easy to get involved
There are so many different activities to get involved with when living on a small campus. Whether it's joining clubs or going to weekly activities put on by your school, you will always hear about the various things going on that week. Plus you'll more than likely know at least one person at an event, so going alone is not even a problem! If you don't know anyone, these activities are an excellent way to make friends and get to know more faces on campus.
7. The party life
On average, if you are looking to have an extraordinary party life, and you want to go out every night, then a small school is not the place for you. But if you realize that there is more to college than partying, then a small school is perfect. Of course there will be parties here and there for you to go socialize at, but it will typically not interfere with your school work. As I look at it, less partying is a great thing. There is a simple equation that I have worked out:
Less partying + being more focused on school work = getting into graduate school and/or getting a job.
In the long run, that's why we are all here in the first place, right? We want to have jobs one day. You won't remember that "awesome party that you went to and blacked out at," but you will remember walking the stage to get your diploma.
At the end of the day, small colleges are definitely a great choice without a doubt. As long as you came to college for the right reason (AKA learning), then you will love attending a smaller college, just like I do
