Which School Is Right for You?
Determining which school is right for you can be a difficult decision. There are advantages and disadvantages to both small and large schools, and all aspects must be considered in order to make the best decision possible. So which school is right for you?
Small School Benefits
- Smaller Classes
- More personalized education
- Stronger Student/ School Bond
- Closer knit group of friends
- More Student Involvement
Large School Advantages
- More classes offered
- More social opportunities
- Greater sense of diversity
- Cheaper tuition
- Elite staff
Smaller schools
If you are a student that likes one on one attention and feels more comfortable in smaller situations, then small schools are the choice for you. Small educational environments, whether it is a high school or a college, have several benefits to fit one’s needs.
First of all, they have smaller classes, which means more emphasis on actually teaching the children instead of just teaching as much information as possible. This also means that students will have an easier time getting into the classes that they want, as there are not as many students trying to enter classes.
With smaller classes comes a more personalized education. Students get to know their professors on a more personal note, which means that they can recieve the education fit to their needs and learning habits.
Stronger student/school and student to student bonds are formed. Since it is a smaller learning environment, students can feel like they are actually a part of the school instead of just a number. They can feel safe and recieve a sense of belonging at school. Moreover, students can also feel more accepted and a sense of community with peers. A close knit group of friends that will carry over from school is formed from these bonds.
When entering a smaller learning environment, students also have more of an incentive to become involved in school. They have less competition, which means it is easier for them to join clubs or athletics that they are interested in pursuing. Getting involved also accounts for better academic performance and teaches individuals time management skills.
Large Schools
If you are the type of student that loves competition and wants plenty of social opportunities, then a larger school is the right fit. In a large learning environment, there are several added benefits that a student would not otherwise get in as smaller educational environment.
Larger schools offer many more courses and programs than a smaller school. Because they are so big, they ususally offer several majors to choose from, which makes it appealing to students that are not quite sure what they want to major in, or for those who have many interests.
The social opportunities are endless at a larger school. Athletics, clubs for any interest, pep rallies, and Greek life are just a few of the options available. At a large school, students will never feel as if they have nothing to do, because there is always some kind of activity present.
There is
also a greater sense of diversity among students at a large educational environment. This helps give them a more wordly view on society and helps them to understand other cultures.
Larger schools usually have cheaper tuition, as most of them are state owned and funded by tax dollars.
An elite staff usually accompanies a larger school. Since they are so big, they are usually known in other places around the state, country, or world, which attracts the best employers. This also pertains to athletics. The best coaches are usually recruited to work for larger, more well known schools.
Questions to ask yourself when deciding
Which is more important to you: getting more one on one time with your teacher or having a variety of electives to choose from?
Do you feel more comfortable with a small group of friends or in a large crowd?
Are you unsure of what you want to study, or do you have a solid plan in mind?
For additional help on deciding what school is right for you go to:
Sizing Up Colleges: Big Vs. Small http://www.collegeboard.com
Large Vs. Small Universities http://ezinearticles.com/?Large-Vs.-Small-Universities&id=90219
Pros and Cons of State Universities http://www.scholarships.com
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Mr WordPress - April 21, 2008 at 7:16 pm