<p>OP asked if a certain kind of person would do better at a LAC. I think the answer is yes: Happy LAC students have different educational and social priorities than those who opt for large schools. (I’m assuming here that these are financially equal choices, which they often aren’t).</p>
<p>I think LAC students value a tight cohesive community more highly than having greater variety, novelty and diversity in their community. They don’t mind having fewer choices when it comes to classes or majors or research projects or ECs– if what they get instead are closer relationships with the faculty, smaller classes, and a more cohesive student culture. They value participation (their own) over being spectators where others, who may be more skilled, are in the lead roles. They value being known and recognized by their peers and teachers, over being able to vanish into a crowd.</p>
<p>This isn’t to say that LAC students don’t value diversity, can’t appreciate a really professional performance, and don’t care what class they take as long as it’s small – it’s just when forced to choose between two competing values, they place a higher value on certain things. One is not better than the other for most professional choices: It’s really about what environment brings out the best in you as a student and as a person.
I have one kid at a LAC and another at a large research university. Neither would trade places with the other because they are in the right places for who they are and what they need.</p>