College Match • A Blueprint for Choosing the Best School for You 1
Qualities That Will Make a College Right for You
When you see numbers from 1 to 5 sandwiched between two statements, circle the number that best reflects
your level of preference. Circle 1 if you have a strong preference for the quality listed on the left. Circle 5 if you
have a strong preference for the quality listed on the right. Use 2, 3, or 4 to reflect varying levels of preference.
Quality 1—Size
Colleges vary in size from under 100 to more than 60,000 students. As you think about this quality, try to picture the
size college that is best for you academically AND socially. The following considerations may help you.
Smaller colleges. Smaller colleges provide students with many benefits. First, they can be just as diverse, fun, and
interesting as larger schools. Students at these schools often rave about the range of opportunities and the depth of
their friendships.
Second, because classes are more intimate than those at large universities, they allow for greater interaction
between student and professor. You’ll have more opportunities to contribute in class, and it’s likely you’ll really
know your professors. By knowing your professors, you can benefit from their expertise and they can help you with
any academic weak points. Further, they will be able to write you knowledgeable recommendations for jobs or
graduate schools. Smaller colleges are best if you prefer discussion classes (where you are a participant) as opposed
to lecture classes (where the teacher does most of the talking). You are also more likely to be able to register for the
classes you desire. And at smaller colleges, you experience less competition for the use of academic facilities such as
library resources and specialized equipment.
In addition, smaller colleges tend to place greater emphasis on personal development. In other words, it’s easier
for students to learn about themselves: their interests, abilities, and possible career paths. The best preparation
for students who are unsure of their career direction is a liberal arts and sciences curriculum found at most small
colleges. A college does not need to offer every one of your potential career majors to be a good place to prepare for
your future; many studies have highlighted career successes that began with a liberal arts and sciences education.
At smaller colleges, teaching is usually the top priority of faculty members—research may be less important. This
emphasis may mean more exciting classroom experiences (which often result in increased understanding and higher
grades). At larger universities, in contrast, you may be taught by graduate students, not professors.
Smaller colleges provide greater opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities because you don’t have to
be a superstar to get involved. If you don’t find the club or organization that feeds your particular interest, you can
always start one. You might enjoy a smaller college if you want to fairly quickly find a place in a new community.
Because it is difficult to get “lost,” small colleges often facilitate the development of student confidence. Don’t
discount the advantages of being a significant fish in a small pond—it can do wonders for your self-esteem and sense
of accomplishment.
Larger colleges. Larger colleges also offer many benefits. Here, you’ll find great range and variety in the courses
offerings. You may be able to explore (and perhaps take classes in) two different fields of study— for example, arts
and sciences and engineering. Also, students who are very undecided about the subjects they want to study may
feel that large universities (offering many strong majors) are their safest educational choice. In addition, special
College Match Copyright © 2020 Steven R. Antonoff. All Rights Reserved
, College Match • A Blueprint for Choosing the Best School for You 2
advanced facilities and equipment are available at many large universities. Students whose learning style is more
listening-based may prefer lectures to classes that are more discussion-oriented. Many students may appreciate the
anonymity that a large school offers.
At large universities, students invariably find more activities from which to choose. Nationally known and popular
sports teams not only increase a school’s name recognition but also promote school spirit and camaraderie among
students. At colleges with large student populations, there are organizations and clubs that focus on an array of
interests and serve all kinds of social groups.
Be cautious about generalizations. Important as they are, size considerations often cause students to limit the field
of potential colleges too early in the process of choosing a college. Students who cross all larger colleges off their
list before they even begin should be aware that larger colleges may vary in terms of how much personal attention
is available from teachers, career advisors, and others. Students who reject smaller colleges as too bland or boring
should know that small colleges can be just as varied and just as lively. They’re also overlooking the more than
80% of private colleges in the U.S.—and almost a quarter of the nation’s public colleges—that have enrollments
under 2,500.
Just because you attended a large high school doesn’t mean you should attend a large college or that there is
something regressive about going to a small college. On the other hand, students from smaller high schools should
not assume they are now “ready” for a bigger school. It’s also true that students from smaller high schools aren’t
necessarily happier at a small college. Some students make false assumptions when comparing high school size
with college size. The reality is that college is very different from high school, and your consideration of size is
dependent on many factors, including the dimensions you see outlined in this worksheet.
High desire for accessible teachers. 1 2 3 4 5 Low desire for accessible teachers.
I would likely get better grades in I would likely get similar grades in small or
1 2 3 4 5
small classes. large classes.
More discussion-oriented classes. 1 2 3 4 5 More lecture-oriented classes.
I learn best discussing ideas and interacting I learn best by reading, listening,
1 2 3 4 5
with the instructor and students. taking notes.
Desire for tutors/extra assistance. 1 2 3 4 5 No desire for tutors/ extra assistance.
A close-knit, family-like environment. 1 2 3 4 5 A place where I can blend in with the crowd.
First, look at the following size distinctions. (These distinctions are arbitrary and are intended merely to assist you in
considering general size parameters.)
Small size—fewer than 3,000 students
Medium size—between 3,000 and 10,000 students
Large size—between 10,000 and 20,000 students
Largest size—more than 20,000 students
, College Match • A Blueprint for Choosing the Best School for You 3
Now, on the basis of the discussion and your checked responses above, check those sizes that you feel are best
for you.
______________ Small______________ Medium______________Large_____________ Largest
Any comments/further thoughts about the size of your ideal college?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Quality 2—Academic Environment
To determine what kind of academic environment will be right for you, you will need to think about the priority
you put on academics and the level of academic pressure that motivates you without making you feel stressed out
or frustrated. Naturally, since college is an academic undertaking, classes and other academic concerns make up
the bulk of your collegiate experience. Finding the appropriate level of academic challenge is important to your
choice of colleges. Think about how much academic challenge is right for you. Do you want a college where you
must work hard and study hard, or would you prefer one where you could earn respectable grades without knocking
yourself out? Think carefully about how much time you want to spend on academic pursuits in college. If you truly
enjoy talking about ideas and intellectual subjects, you may choose the “very intellectual” side of the “Priority on
Academics” scale that follows.
Also, think here about your response to academic pressure and competition from others. Are you at home with a
tremendous workload? Do you prioritize well? Can you discipline yourself? If your answers are “yes,” you should
select a vigorous academic environment. If, however, you prefer to perform consistently at the top of your class, if
you become distraught with a grade lower than an A, or if you don’t work well under stress, you may respond better
to a college with normal academic pressure.
Priority on Academics
Balance between intellectual/ social sides of
Very intellectual/scholarly emphasis 1 2 3 4 5
campus life
Academic Pressure
Ready/able to handle the most vigorous Ready/able to handle normal
1 2 3 4 5
academic environment academic pressure