<p>Comparing Tufts to a LAC suggests to me that perhaps some people don’t understand fully what a really great LAC experience can be. Size and student professor ratios are only one component of what makes a top LAC experience different than a university. Professors at LACs are hired for their excellence in teaching… and in the case of HC, the excellence in their research as well. For example,…</p>
<p><a href=“http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:kVa9J-LoO_YJ:www.aai.org/Awards/2005/2005Announcement.htm+jenny+punt+immunology+award&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us[/url]”>http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:kVa9J-LoO_YJ:www.aai.org/Awards/2005/2005Announcement.htm+jenny+punt+immunology+award&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us</a>
<a href=“http://www.haverford.edu/biology/Punt/Research/Research%20for%20Web%202004.htm[/url]”>http://www.haverford.edu/biology/Punt/Research/Research%20for%20Web%202004.htm</a></p>
<p>In addition, the students who choose to attend a top LAC like HC do so because they value such things as community, personal attention, rigorous course work, a sense of ownership with their college experience (ect…) over other things like general name recognition, greater course selection and more social opportunities (ect…). It’s this self-selection of people, both faculty and student, that makes a LAC a unique educational environment… good for some but not for many.</p>
<p>Finally, it’s been my experience that the best preparation for professional school and work isn’t content of knowledge but rather skills like writing, analysis, thoughtful questioning, high volume output, time management, public speaking, ect… and this is what makes a true LAC education great. All of the professors at HC obtained their PhDs or training at the most respected universities for their field and they know what is most essential with an undergrad education. Instead of miring your early career in details (that will likely change by the time you graduate), the professors focus on helping you develop and master the skill set that you will need later in life. For you to be trained in the most rigorous forms of analytical research and intellectual engagement is the best way to prepare for a future career.</p>