Roy (罗易)

Do you intend to go to college in the United States? If so, perhaps you have some confusion about the difference between big universities and liberal arts colleges.

I am now a freshman at Claremont McKenna College in California. I have never studied in a big university, but through chatting with my friends who study at university and my own experience in the college have given me some insight into the characteristics of both. I hope this article can help you learn more about liberal arts colleges so you can make the right decision.

An obvious difference is the number of people on campus. My college campus is seldom crowded.

Classes are small; the largest introduction class I take has fewer than 50 students and seminars often have fewer than 20. Students get more tutorial time with professors. Having a smaller class makes it possible for every student to contribute to a discussion in seminars.

Why apply to enter a liberal arts college? I have been asking myself this question for a year. The classes are small; the community is more intimate; a liberal arts education teaches critical thinking and lays a solid foundation for specific skills.

No two liberal arts colleges are the same. My college, Claremont McKenna College, is one of five Claremont Colleges. Claremont McKenna College is well-known for its focus on subjects such as business and government. Pomona College is highlighted for its traditional well-rounded liberal arts education. Harvey Mudd College cultivates scientists and engineers. Scripps College is a women’s college for women who love the arts and humanities. Pitzer College is a college for young artists.

A coin has two sides. So does a college. Choose wisely.