private liberal arts colleges

LasMa
Fri, 03 Oct 2014 04:09:10 +0000

I’m not familiar specifically with either of those two schools, but it reminds me of the difference between myself and my daughter. I went to a large public university when I was young, something like Univ of MD, and my daughter went to a small LAC, something like Hood. She visited my university when she was looking at colleges, and of course I’ve been to her school. Maybe if I tell you our different reactions, that will give you an idea.

What I loved about my big public university: lots and lots of things to do, activities, clubs, sports. It was exciting and vibrant 24 hours a day, there was always something going on, and varsity sports were a big deal. I liked the large classes (one lecture hall holds almost 1000 people!). What my daughter hated about it: She felt overwhelmed and lost when she visited. The large class size was very unappealing to her.

What my daughter loved about her small LAC: Everyone knows everyone else; there’s a much more intimate feel. Students get to know their professors, and can work with them on research if they desire (not an opportunity usually available to undergrads at a public university). The small class sizes mean you really learn, and profs can give you individual attention. She became a student leader of a group, which would have been much harder at a public U. What I would have hated about it (although I loved the LAC for her): I might have gotten bored seeing the same people every day. I like to “hide” sometimes in crowds and big classes, and that’s impossible at an LAC.