When high school students start thinking about which colleges and universities to attend, they may find themselves debating between smaller schools and larger ones. Depending on the student's major, location, financial picture and background, it may be an easy choice. For others, however, it can be a challenging decision. In general terms, students from smaller towns and high schools may be looking for smaller colleges and universities, while those from metropolitan areas and larger high schools may find a more comfortable fit with a larger campus size. Although it is a consideration, it is important to go beyond this stereotype, however, and look at what the school has to offer.
Student-Teacher Ratio
While a lower student-teacher ratio is a draw for those who flourish with specialized attention and a more family-type atmosphere, this is not only found in small schools, it is found in larger ones. Look for highly specialized programs and upper-level major-specific courses to have smaller classrooms and class sizes. While large universities are well-known for hosting general studies and required courses in auditoriums with more than a 100 or 200 students in attendance for lectures, these courses may be paired with separate smaller discussion groups that meet regularly, with specialized help from teaching assistants or the professor. In both smaller and larger settings, professors always have office hours and offer students email addresses, forums and bulletin boards for extra communication and academic help. Unlike high school, it is up to the student to take the initiative for one-on-one assistance if it needed, regardless of class or university size.
Housing
Living on campus or off campus has a dramatic effect on the person's social life, meal plan, expenses and ability to attend classes and sporting events. Some schools require freshmen to live in the dormitories for the first year, while others have no on-campus housing available. Finding roommates is usually a simple process either done by assignment for dorms or independently through an off-campus housing office or through online and offline bulletin boards. Free or public transportation is more abundant for universities located in larger cities than in rural places. Having a vehicle may be the lifeline if a someone needs to go to the store, attend special events or enjoy the local sights. Living on campus usually requires little more than comfortable shoes and the ability to plan ahead for long walks across sprawling campuses to class, the union or the dining hall.
Virtual College Fairs
Determining whether to choose a smaller or larger institution of higher learning is a personal choice that students should make only after talking with parents, current students and college admissions counseling advisors. Visiting virtual fairs will help prospective students learn about campus housing, financial aid, academic and athletic programs, as well as social organizations. Virtual fairs allow students to reach out to college recruiting representatives, speak to current students and have a look at the campus through a virtual tour.
Financial Aid
In general terms, most small colleges are typically private and may have a higher price tag than public universities, depending on the particular school and whether the student is considered for in-state or out-of-state tuition. Financial aid is available at all schools. Some have more to share than others, and some have much stiffer competition for the funding. Academic, athletic and need-based scholarships are given to students through funds set aside for those with specific qualifications. Larger schools may have more availability for athletic and other types of scholarships than smaller ones, depending on alumni involvement and donations.
Author writes about a variety of topics. If you would like to learn more about virtual college fairs, http://www.collegeweeklive.com/.
Student-Teacher Ratio
While a lower student-teacher ratio is a draw for those who flourish with specialized attention and a more family-type atmosphere, this is not only found in small schools, it is found in larger ones. Look for highly specialized programs and upper-level major-specific courses to have smaller classrooms and class sizes. While large universities are well-known for hosting general studies and required courses in auditoriums with more than a 100 or 200 students in attendance for lectures, these courses may be paired with separate smaller discussion groups that meet regularly, with specialized help from teaching assistants or the professor. In both smaller and larger settings, professors always have office hours and offer students email addresses, forums and bulletin boards for extra communication and academic help. Unlike high school, it is up to the student to take the initiative for one-on-one assistance if it needed, regardless of class or university size.
Housing
Living on campus or off campus has a dramatic effect on the person's social life, meal plan, expenses and ability to attend classes and sporting events. Some schools require freshmen to live in the dormitories for the first year, while others have no on-campus housing available. Finding roommates is usually a simple process either done by assignment for dorms or independently through an off-campus housing office or through online and offline bulletin boards. Free or public transportation is more abundant for universities located in larger cities than in rural places. Having a vehicle may be the lifeline if a someone needs to go to the store, attend special events or enjoy the local sights. Living on campus usually requires little more than comfortable shoes and the ability to plan ahead for long walks across sprawling campuses to class, the union or the dining hall.
Virtual College Fairs
Determining whether to choose a smaller or larger institution of higher learning is a personal choice that students should make only after talking with parents, current students and college admissions counseling advisors. Visiting virtual fairs will help prospective students learn about campus housing, financial aid, academic and athletic programs, as well as social organizations. Virtual fairs allow students to reach out to college recruiting representatives, speak to current students and have a look at the campus through a virtual tour.
Financial Aid
In general terms, most small colleges are typically private and may have a higher price tag than public universities, depending on the particular school and whether the student is considered for in-state or out-of-state tuition. Financial aid is available at all schools. Some have more to share than others, and some have much stiffer competition for the funding. Academic, athletic and need-based scholarships are given to students through funds set aside for those with specific qualifications. Larger schools may have more availability for athletic and other types of scholarships than smaller ones, depending on alumni involvement and donations.
Author writes about a variety of topics. If you would like to learn more about virtual college fairs, http://www.collegeweeklive.com/.