College Match • A Blueprint for Choosing the Best School for You
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College Match Copyright © 2020 Steven R. Antonoff. All Rights Reserved
Qualities That Will Make a College Right for You
When you see numbers from 1 to 5 sandwiched between two statements, circle the number that best reflects
your level of preference. Circle 1 if you have a strong preference for the quality listed on the left. Circle 5 if you
have a strong preference for the quality listed on the right. Use 2, 3, or 4 to reflect varying levels of preference.
Quality 1—Size
Colleges vary in size from under 100 to more than 60,000 students. As you think about this quality, try to picture the
size college that is best for you academically AND socially. The following considerations may help you.
Smaller colleges. Smaller colleges provide students with many benefits. First, they can be just as diverse, fun, and
interesting as larger schools. Students at these schools often rave about the range of opportunities and the depth of
their friendships.
Second, because classes are more intimate than those at large universities, they allow for greater interaction
between student and professor. You’ll have more opportunities to contribute in class, and it’s likely you’ll really
know your professors. By knowing your professors, you can benefit from their expertise and they can help you with
any academic weak points. Further, they will be able to write you knowledgeable recommendations for jobs or
graduate schools. Smaller colleges are best if you prefer discussion classes (where you are a participant) as opposed
to lecture classes (where the teacher does most of the talking). You are also more likely to be able to register for the
classes you desire. And at smaller colleges, you experience less competition for the use of academic facilities such as
library resources and specialized equipment.
In addition, smaller colleges tend to place greater emphasis on personal development. In other words, it’s easier
for students to learn about themselves: their interests, abilities, and possible career paths. The best preparation
for students who are unsure of their career direction is a liberal arts and sciences curriculum found at most small
colleges. A college does not need to offer every one of your potential career majors to be a good place to prepare for
your future; many studies have highlighted career successes that began with a liberal arts and sciences education.
At smaller colleges, teaching is usually the top priority of faculty members—research may be less important. This
emphasis may mean more exciting classroom experiences (which often result in increased understanding and higher
grades). At larger universities, in contrast, you may be taught by graduate students, not professors.
Smaller colleges provide greater opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities because you don’t have to
be a superstar to get involved. If you don’t find the club or organization that feeds your particular interest, you can
always start one. You might enjoy a smaller college if you want to fairly quickly find a place in a new community.
Because it is difficult to get “lost,” small colleges often facilitate the development of student confidence. Don’t
discount the advantages of being a significant fish in a small pond—it can do wonders for your self-esteem and sense
of accomplishment.
Larger colleges. Larger colleges also offer many benefits. Here, you’ll find great range and variety in the courses
offerings. You may be able to explore (and perhaps take classes in) two different fields of study— for example, arts
and sciences and engineering. Also, students who are very undecided about the subjects they want to study may
feel that large universities (offering many strong majors) are their safest educational choice. In addition, special