How do I choose between applying to a large university or a small college?

Hey everyone, I'm a junior and I'm trying to decide whether I should apply to large universities or smaller colleges. What are the pros and cons of both, and how can I determine which is the best fit for me? I'd love to hear any advice from collegevine or the applyingtocollege community!

Hey there! It's great that you're starting to think about this important decision. Both large universities and small colleges have their own unique advantages and disadvantages, so it really depends on what you're looking for in your college experience. Large universities typically offer a wider variety of majors, more research opportunities, and a more diverse student body. On the other hand, they can sometimes feel overwhelming and may have larger class sizes, making it harder to connect with professors. Small colleges, however, usually have a close-knit community, smaller class sizes, and more personalized attention from faculty. The trade-off is that there might be fewer majors and extracurricular activities to choose from. To determine which is the best fit for you, consider factors like your preferred learning environment, the importance of research opportunities, and the types of clubs and organizations you'd like to get involved in. I'd also recommend visiting both types of schools (if possible) to get a better sense of the atmosphere and how you feel on each campus. Good luck with your decision!