Liberal Arts Colleges for a Shy Kid

Publisher
Tue, 18 Aug 2020 00:05:58 +0000

Small rural LACs tend to have fewer options for students.

Medium sized & large universities have small classes, honors colleges or honors programs, many types of living options from theme houses to substance free housing, and a wide variety of activities both on & off campus.

I worry that some may think that a small, rural college environment equates to a more nurturing, more parental type of setting. While possible, it is equally likely that one may not fit in and be left with few options and unable to transfer due to financial concerns.

Many students have wonderful experiences at LACs and many students experience growing pains during their first year at large universities. Honors colleges / programs and theme housing are two ways that larger schools become more intimate during one’s first year. Once adjusted, students at larger schools have more options socially & academically.

Is an LAC experience superior to that of a large university or vice-versa ? It really depends upon the individual.

My concern in this thread is that the parent OP may have unrealistic expectations for the shy, introverted student. If these expectations are not met at a small, rural LAC, there are fewer options socially & academically. For many, transferring simply is not a financially realistic option.

Small, rural LACs are tiny, isolated communities.

Small, rural LACs are not designed to perform parental duties. “Nurturing” is a word that raises this concern.

Again, it really depends upon the individual’s ability to cope with matters. Unrealistic, idealistic expectations are likely to lead to disappointment.

Many students have engaging, meaningful developmental experiences at medium and large sized universities from their freshman year through their senior year.

Small, rural LACs can be an unpleasant experience for those who do not fit in due to limited opportunities academically, socially, and otherwise. More options and more opportunities are why the vast majority of people are attracted to-- and live in-- large cities and metropolitan areas rather than in rural areas.

And, in my opinion, it is more than just “different strokes for different folks” as one can make a large school small, but one cannot make a small school large.