<p>I’m having a tough decision determining what college is right for me. I feel that a small school would be a better fit, because I like the idea of having easy access to professors, and not having to slog through a lot of bureaucracy. The problem is that the small schools I’ve applied to aren’t right for the majors I’m interested in. When I began the college search, I was not highly considering the departments which I’m interested in now. Thus, the smaller colleges that I’ve been accepted into have limited programs for the degrees I am now leaning toward (Anthropology and Environmental Studies). In fact, the one school’s anthropology department only has five classes (the rest are basically sociology), and its Environmental Studies program is nonexistant. The other is a bit better, but it’s very expensive, so I’m not sure if it’s a viable option. The larger schools, however, have excellent programs in these areas. Even though a smaller school may seem like a better fit for me, would it be wiser for me to choose a college with more extensive offerings in what I’m interested in?</p>
<p>At the smaller school, you might become frustrated quickly with the limited course offerings in the fields that interest you. That’s the easy answer. </p>
<p>Another answer is that the smaller school won’t necessarily be a drawback, depending on what areas of anthropology and environmental studies interest you and the available options for supplementing its limited course offerings in these areas. For example, if you are interested in biological anthropology, you could do a double major in biology and take relevant courses in genetics and evolutionary biology. As another example, depending on your interests in environmental studies, you might be able to draw on a wider range of science courses in other departments (e.g., geology/physical geography, statistics, certain areas of chemistry and physics, etc.) that actually could provide a stronger background for subsequent work in environmental studies. also, at the smaller school, you might find it easier to arrange independent study with professors in areas in which formal courses aren’t offered. In both areas of interest, there are many semester and summer programs offered by outside institutions or consortia of schools that might supplement your courses at your home institution. </p>
<p>Granted, these considerations seem a bit like a compromise, but it will come down to how important it is for you having more vs. less access to faculty and more vs. less vs. more bureaucracy. Don’t go by stereotypes of smaller vs. larger schools, however. Actually, look into this for the particular fields at the schools to which you applied. As for differences in teaching quality, I think you’ll find fewer differences than you expect. The significant differences might be in the level of mentoring to develop your skills, confidence, etc. in your fields of interest, and you can’t determine this without looking into the experiences of other students in those fields at the respective schools and the opportunities/barriers they encountered.</p>
<p>Limited options in the area they have become interested in is the number one reason I see kids transfer from their small college after the first year. Go to the school with the program you’re interested in and find ways to make that school feel more familiar (i.e. live in a smaller dorm, community etc. or join the honors college etc.).</p>
<p>It’s good that you’ve narrowed these interests now - coming to this point after a year in a small school with limited options for you would take away the best scholarship opportunities, transfer students don’t have as many financial options as first time freshman.</p>
<p>You should really visit and spend an entire day on campus at the schools you are considering. See what type of environment you really enjoy. Could you see yourself at a large school? Do you feel constrained at a small school? Would you rather have a school with a brand name or a school that has a particular major but no cache? These are just a few things you need to consider on your visit. It is tough but you have to choose where you will be happy. Also, make sure you attend a school you will be proud to tell you people you attended after you graduate.</p>
<p>The other way to supplement the offerings of a smaller school is to do a semester or a year of study abroad. For example, several Austrailian universities have environmental studies programs that partner with many US universities and colleges. I’m seen a similar program in South Africa.</p>