I have 2 introverts who are social, and both chose a large public. I think they wanted a larger feeling campus and the ability to blend in and be anonymous when they want. Not having to see a dining hall full of people they know every day and feel like they need to interact with them.

Perhaps high school size plays a part for some? Theirs was over 1500 students, and the thought of going to a college not much bigger had no appeal.

We toured a mid-size elite private near our home where at the time DC knew 6 students there who'd graduated from her high school. During our one hour campus tour, she somehow ran into ALL OF THEM. It was crazy. I think that drove home her wanting a larger campus/student population.

They both run into friends around their large campus that they know, but they don't feel like they're in a bubble.

I'm an introvert who can be extroverted when I need to be and can even enjoy getting in touch with my extrovert-side, depending on the situation, the time frame, and, most important, the people involved. I didn't like my small public high school in an affluent, cookie-cutter suburb of NYC, but I found my people and flourished at my diverse SLAC and large law school. I have three kids, two of whom are introverts. Both are having college experiences similar to mine, one at a mid-size school and one at a SLAC. YMMV, but introverts can find happiness in different kinds of settings. And, FWIW, my extreme extrovert kid, a recruited athlete, will be going to a SLAC, which they chose over a big public university.

This seems so kid dependent. I’m an introvert and went to a huge state school where I could disappear when I wanted but found friends through extracurriculars and my dorm. DC would be totally miserable in that scenario and is only looking at SLACs.

My DD’s high school friend is a socially awkward introvert and is at an isolated Midwestern SLAC. He is not thriving and has no friends. Oddly, I think he would have done better at a bigger school where there are more people and activities to try.

Another introvert here, I would have hated a small school.