Expert: Bruce - 10/30/2006

Question
Well, I'm taking this critical thinking class, and I have to write a paper on a large decision I can think critically about. One of the options was to write about a potential school for transfer, so I chose that. The thing is, one of the requirements for my paper is I have to consult some kind of expert in the field, and I first thought of AllExperts. I'm trying to make a decision between going to this smaller CSU and a larger one. Could you please write me a small paragraph on the pros and cons of going to a larger school vs. the pros and cons of going to a smaller one? It doesn't have to be really detailed or anything. Just general stuff will work. I just really need an expert to quote for my paper. Thanks sooo much for your reply in advance! :)  

Answer
Hi Melissa,

Glad to help:

Here are the advantages to a smaller school (generalizations):

1) Accessible professors: it is true that at some larger universities, esp those emphasizing research, students have very little interaction with full-fledged professors until they are sophomores, sometimes juniors. This is because the regular profs are trying to meet expectations for research and publishing (publish or perish). So, while they are off writing and researching, grad students and adjuncts teach their first and second year lelvel classes.

At a smaller college, teaching may be more emphasized, so even courses like Western Civ for frosh is taught by a regular prof. This allows you to get to know the profs better, which helps academically and when you start scouting around for recommendations and internships.

2)Accountability: not all students are keen on this, but it is true, I believe, that you can't run and hide in a school where class sizes of 20 are typical. Profs will know you well enough to know when you are handing in your best work, and when you are not.

3) Less competition for special options. There will be fewer opportunities at some small schools, but you won't be competing with half the recent high schools grads in your state for them, either.

4) less bureacracy: things like course selection, financial aid, etc MAY be easier at a smaller school, and customer service might be better, too.

5) undergrad focus. Smaller schools may be dedicated to teaching undergrads. I have seen it happen that in a place with bach and grad level programs, there is infighting over limited resources.

Pluses for a larger school:

1) Breadth of offerings. I think this is the big one. A major university might have 20 history profs, whereas a small college has 5. That means a whole lot more to choose from when you get to your last two years.

2) Cache - there is attached to some large schools a sense of prestige (earned or otherwise) that could be hard for some small schools to equal.

3) ACTIVITIES - you may be able to find a club for almost any interest at a large university.

In general, my advice to students has been this - go to the small college as an undergrad and benefit from the focus on teaching there. This is what they do best. If you move on to grad work, then look for a larger school with more profs in your area - people with very focused areas of expertise. This is what the big schools do best.

I hope thus helps. Fire away with more questions if they come up.

Bruce