How do I decide between a liberal arts college and a research university?

Hi everyone! I'm a junior who's trying to decide between applying to liberal arts colleges and research universities. I know there are pros and cons to both, but I'm not sure which type of school would be the best fit for me. Can anyone share their thoughts or experiences to help me make a more informed decision? Thanks so much!

Hey there! It's great that you're thinking about the type of school that would be the best fit for you. I'll share some thoughts based on my child's experience. Liberal arts colleges tend to be smaller, with a strong focus on undergraduate education and close faculty-student interaction. Professors usually prioritize teaching over research, which often results in smaller class sizes and more accessible professors. On the other hand, research universities are usually larger and offer a wider range of academic and extracurricular opportunities. They are often strong in STEM fields and provide opportunities for undergraduate research. However, class sizes can be larger, especially for introductory courses, and you might be taught by graduate students instead of professors. It's important to think about your learning style, the kind of campus community you're looking for, and your academic interests. Visiting campuses (in person or virtually) can be really helpful in getting a feel for each type of school. Best of luck with your decision!