Pros and Cons of the Biggest Private Colleges?

Hey all, junior here. I've been looking into some of the largest private colleges, but I'm unsure if the size would be a good or a bad thing for me. Does anyone have any insights or experiences with larger private institutions they'd like to share?

Given your query, I'll just lay out some general pros and cons of attending larger private colleges, and using New York University (NYU) as an example given it's one of the largest private institutions in the U.S.

Pros:

1. Diverse Academic Opportunities: Larger private colleges generally offer a wide variety of majors/minors and electives. NYU, for example, has numerous schools and programs to cater to almost any academic interest.

2. Research Opportunities: Larger private colleges usually have a robust portfolio of research projects happening across disciplines. These institutions often have the resources to support research, which is beneficial if you're considering graduate school or a career in research.

3. Networking Opportunities: With a larger student body, you have the chance to meet students from diverse backgrounds and experiences. A broader alumni network can also provide more potential opportunities for career connections.

Cons:

1. Class Size: Often, especially in introductory courses, classes can be large, which might impact the individual attention you receive. It might also take longer to build relationships with professors because the student-to-professor ratio is higher.

2. Competitiveness for Opportunities: Whether it's leadership positions in clubs or internships, there might be more competition due to the larger student population.

3. Campus Community: Depending on the school, the sense of a tight-knit community may not be very strong. For instance, NYU doesn't have a traditional enclosed campus, which some students find impersonal or isolating.

These pros and cons may apply differently depending on the institution, the student's personality, academic interests, and lifestyle preferences. I suggest researching specific schools, talking to current students or alumni, and if possible, visiting campuses (virtually or in person) to get a better feel for each school’s culture and community.