Skip to main content
What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Are research universities better for undergraduate education?

Hey everyone, I'm a junior trying to finalize my college list and I'm torn between choosing a research university or a liberal arts college. I'm particularly interested in English and creative writing. Are research universities better for undergraduate education? Or should I stick to liberal arts colleges for a more well-rounded experience? Your advice would be much appreciated!

a year ago

Hello there! I can definitely understand your dilemma. My own child faced a similar choice when looking for colleges, and we found that there isn't necessarily a one-size-fits-all answer. Both research universities and liberal arts colleges have their pros and cons.

Research universities could offer more resources, bigger libraries, and potentially more widely recognized faculty in your desired field. On the other hand, liberal arts colleges typically provide smaller class sizes, a more close-knit community, and possibly more opportunities for collaborative work and personalized attention from professors. It really depends on your learning style and personal preferences.

I recommend visiting both types of schools, if possible, and seeing which environment you prefer. I also encourage you to reach out to current students in the programs you're interested in, as they can give you firsthand insights! Good luck on your college search!

a year ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.