Look Beyond Class Size When Determining “Best Fit.”
During a conversation with a fellow faculty member, I was surprised to learn that at the large university (Ivy League) he had attended he only took science tests comprised completely of multiple-choice tests. The science professors at the small college that I had attended never gave the upperclassmen students multiple-choice tests. I only had open-response/short essay tests. Having been a science teacher, I know that multiple-choice tests are easier to correct. If one has a significantly large number of students, it becomes necessary to assess their knowledge through tests that are easier to correct. In addition to the different style of assessment, the science department at my small college allowed the upperclassmen to take their exams whenever their schedule allowed within a five-day period after the assigned test date. The department’s approach was remarkably respectful, enabling students to avoid having multiple tests on the same day. That conversation about different assessment styles within the same academic departments at different colleges highlighted one of many characteristics of a large university and of a small college that aren’t readily apparent at first glance. However, such differences are important considerations as a college list is developed.
While many prospective students might limit their college selection criteria to more obvious characteristics, I encourage you to delve deeper. For instance, you might not think to look beyond a college’s average class size, but I would challenge you to inquire about the professors’ instructional and assessment practices as well. If the classes are large, ask how much access you will have to the professors outside of class? If you need support outside of class, will you meet with a graduate student/teaching assistant or the professor? Think about the teaching practices that best match your learning style.
A student of mine shared that he was having trouble deciding between two seemingly similar colleges. I asked if he had read the schools’ course catalogs? He had not. Course catalogs don’t tend to be riveting reading, nor do many people recommend that you read them, but they are highly illuminating with regard to an academic department’s focus. For instance, does a college’s business department embrace an entrepreneurial philosophy, or is it heavily focused on business basics such as accounting or marketing? Does a college’s science department offer classes in environmental sciences, sustainability, aquatic ecology, or forestry, or is the department’s focus mainly on pre-med? You can capture the essence and philosophical underpinnings of an academic department, if not of the entire college itself, through reading the course catalog. I highly recommend reviewing the course catalog before deciding whether a college is added to your “college list.”
Remember to ask more questions about your possible experience outside of the classroom. At a large university, one could feel isolated, while at a small college one might feel that the social opportunities are too limited. Listen to your gut on which you prefer. When determining what school size is the “best fit,” you might want to note how the university creates opportunities to develop a greater sense of community. Do they offer community-building within residential halls? Do they offer themed housing? Is there a freshman orientation program? How many clubs are there and how are they publicized? How much school spirit is there? What opportunities are there to pursue interests you have developed before arriving on campus and/or to learning new ones?
Determining the school size that offers the “best fit” for you is a highly personalized and nuanced process. Be sure not to be overly influenced by your peers, and remember to ask lots of questions about both the classroom and social experiences that a school offers. You don’t want to be at a multiple-choice test college if you are an open-response test person.