Attending A Large University

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I attended a specialized, rigorous program within a large state school. I loved it. I easily found my niche in academics and in extracurriculars outside the Greek system. It obviously depends on the student, but a good student with a focus will do great even in a big school, I think.

I could have written this. The great thing about the large school is that they have so many more clubs, organizations, activities, that you can truly find your niche. Even if an unfortunate disagreement breaks out among a group of friends, just find a new group!

I really thought I wanted at SLAC, and ended up going to University of Texas because of finances. I'm SO glad it worked out that way. I know I'm better off for having gone the Big State U route rather than SLAC.

[Anonymous]

Really depends on the student's personality. I went to UMD and loved it.

[Anonymous]

It's all about personality. No matter what , I think you come out of a large school tougher and more adaptable.

[Anonymous]

^ yes! no coddling. Better equipped for adult life.

[Anonymous]

I went to the University of Florida. Fabulous experience, great education, very affordable. The great thing about a large university is you can sample so much! And it just has the whole, full college vibe with sports and every kind of group imaginable. I was in a sorority, and that was terrific as well, and I still am in contact with many of the women. I got a job at a big company when I left and haven't been voluntarily unemployed since.

My husband, on the other hand, went to a very exclusive small college, and had a miserable experience because there weren't enough types of classes or teachers. He took a bunch of courses he wasn't interested in because that's all that was available. He struggled at small jobs when he got out of school, before he got on track. And his parents paid 10 times what mine did to send him to the school.

[Anonymous]

I went to Virginia Tech. Could not have loved my experience any more. There was something for everyone and always lots to do.

However, as one of the PSU grads pointed out, it would have been easy to be lazy and fail out because at large schools you have to advocate for yourself.

[Anonymous]

I went to a big ten Midwestern school. I made friends in my dorm and my living learning center and then lived with friends in a group house. It was fun and fine. I didn't worry about "making the most of it" nor did my parents. I was adequate, ended up going to grad school and all is well. I think parents over think college for their kids these days. Maybe because it's so expensive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I went to University of Michigan and bleed maize and blue. I adored it. I am from NYC so I am no stranger to large groups of people. Going to college was my first time away from home. At first it seemed large and scary but it wasn't long before I made friends and could get around easily.

I know you said this is not a discussion about the greek system but at a large school you have to find smaller group with whom you can socialize. Think fraternity/sorority, sports, you need something.

Once of the best things about Michigan was any day of the week you wanted to party you could find someone to party with but likewise any day of the week you wanted to study you could find someone to study with.

I would do it again in a heartbeat. I met my best friends at Michigan. It was a great 4 years and I can't imagine my life had I gone to a smaller school or frankly a different school. Go Blue!

My DC is going next year. Hoping DC likes it as much as you!

Congrats and good luck to your DC. I am sure s/he will love it.
While I hear student attendance at games is down I hope your purchased season tickets. The Michigan Saturday Football experience is fantastic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I went to Virginia Tech. Could not have loved my experience any more. There was something for everyone and always lots to do.

However, as one of the PSU grads pointed out, it would have been easy to be lazy and fail out because at large schools you have to advocate for yourself.

+1 another Hokie here and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat, but I can see how certain personality types don't mesh well with big universities.