Is a Small College Your Best Choice??

 

I never thought going to a small school would be an issue. In fact, it is one that I am confronted with every day. I go to a school with a little more than 2,000 students. I thought this was a relatively big number before I came to my college. It was the same amount that attended my high school and I’d never had much of a problem there. Of course whether the small college problem affects you depends largely on being outgoing, involved in activities, and living on-campus.

Here are several issues that I have encountered and that high school seniors may want to consider when picking their college.

1. You know everyone. This can be both good and bad. At first I found it exciting, I wanted to know everyone and did my best to remember everyone’s names. Sometimes it’s nice when you walk from one place to another and encounter at least ten people who will greet you. However, that can be annoying when you’re in a hurry. Also, if you live on-campus you’re constantly surrounded by people and when they all know you privacy and keeping a private life become infinitely more difficult to obtain.    

2. Actions matter. There is no escape. If you choose to do something that action will forever be remembered by all the people around you. It’s a small school. Gossip is very really. If you get into a fight with or dislike someone you will probably run into them a lot and if you ever want to do activities will run into them even more and maybe even have to work with them.

3. The people you meet will become your boss and run things. Technically, most people going to college are adults. College life is basically run by college students. This means you have to be careful about who you offend. For example, a guy I know who is in my grade is now going to be the RA (Residence assistant) of the dorm I’m living in. He will be the boss of my dorm.

 

 

Small colleges are great for some, but not so great for others. Make sure you consider what you’re dealing with when you choose a college. Small or large. If you do go to a small college make sure to be consciousness of what you say and do.    

by: Madelaine A.