One of the most important decisions a person can make is where to go to college. Liberal arts colleges and research universities are very different, but both have their benefits. To make the best choice for you, it is important to determine what you would like to study, and then research colleges and universities to figure out which choice is best for you. Some helpful tips are listed below.
Benefits of a Liberal Arts College
There are many benefits of attending a liberal arts college, including:
1. Professors who are focused on teaching – At a liberal arts college, professors are more focused on teaching than research, meaning they are more likely to know you by name. Smaller class sizes mean a better chance to get one-on-one interaction with your professors, and get assistance from your professors in areas you are struggling in.
2. Personal enrichment – Liberal arts colleges do not just focus on helping students get a job after graduating. According to USA Today, they also teach students about diversity, change, and complexity. Basically, liberal arts universities prepare students for all aspects of the real world, not just the job force.
3. Closer relationships – Liberal arts colleges are smaller than big universities. This closeness leads to stronger bonds between classmates, which can lead to lifelong friendship and even relationships.
Benefits of a Research University
There are also many perks to attending a research university, including:
1. Work with experts – According to US News, many classes at research universities are taught by professors who are expert researchers in their field. This gives students access to some of the latest research, and classes taught by energized and recognized researchers who can help them get ahead in their program of study.
2. Specificity – Larger research universities tend to have more fields of study available, which gives students the ability to make changes as needed, and fine-tune their major to a specific part of their field, as opposed to just a generic major.
3. Network with field experts – A research university opens students up to the possibility to connect with more experts in their field. Professors are researchers, and may have connections to other top researchers in their field who do not teach. Professors are in a good position to assist students with networking to get internships and connections for after graduation.
Conclusion
Choosing a college can be one of the most difficult decisions of your life. Luckily, with some research, you can make an informed decision and determine whether a liberal arts college or a research university is best for you. Liberal arts colleges focus on the entire education of the student, while helping them achieve success in their field of study. Research universities, on the other hand, focus on more specific fields of study, and give students access to top experts and the latest research in their field. To make the best choice, determine what you would like to study, and then use this helpful information to decide which choice is best for you.
