State Universities (Charleston, Harvard, Ohio: relocate, work, houses)

[M TYPE X]

ooooooh, animal husbandry. The university I attended for undergrad didn't have that. They only have a medical school. OK, so I did bomb out of engineering in my first year, but I quickly switched my program and graduated as a double-major within four years.

But enough about me. I was looking for cross-national data on postsecondary education enrollments today. I didn't find that, but I did get a list of largest universities by enrollment in the United States. Wikipedia has a page on it: List of largest United States universities by enrollment - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Notice that the University of Michigan, University of Wisconsin, University of Illinois, and Penn State all have about 40,000 students in total (on the flagship campus of each). Michigan State, Arizona State, and Ohio State are much larger.

Ohio State is the biggest meat grinder out there, but they have an 'award winning' football team. Oh, and they have the biggest riots.

[asearchforreason]

At a big school, you can't just expect everything to come to you and there to be someone pushing you along all of the time. Kind of like the real world. However, you will find many more resources and opportunities for involvement in clubs, sports, research, etc. You will meet people from different places and backgrounds and take classes from world-renowned faculty. Small schools are for some people, but large schools are also an excellent choice for others. So far this discussion has seemed rather one-sided, so I thought I would add my 2 cents.

[M TYPE X]

Originally Posted by asearchforreason

At a big school, you can't just expect everything to come to you and there to be someone pushing you along all of the time. Kind of like the real world. However, you will find many more resources and opportunities for involvement in clubs, sports, research, etc. You will meet people from different places and backgrounds and take classes from world-renowned faculty. Small schools are for some people, but large schools are also an excellent choice for others. So far this discussion has seemed rather one-sided, so I thought I would add my 2 cents.

Actually, you'll be taking classes "taught" by grad students and one-year visiting assistant adjuncts. You'll find all kinds of opportunities to partake in activities sanctioned by the university administration. Large schools are an excellent choice for spending money.

They PAY you in the real world to put up with crap. In Soviet large research university, system OWNS you! and your bank account, too.

I suspect that your two cents wouldn't be enough to convince food court counter lackey to get you a cup of water.

[Katiana]

Originally Posted by CityKidWithAgDegree

I have 2 kids, as undergrads, i recommend smaller schools. As graduates, then hit the high powered public ivys!

I also have two kids, one undergrad, one in grad school. I gave my kids similar advice. The first one did well at a small undergrad college, though she did have to take an "independent study" course to get into the grad school of her choice, as her college didn't offer it. The younger one lasted two years, transferred to the U of Colo, and is living closer to home now. She didn't like the "cookie cutter" student body at her first school. She likes being a part of a big university with big-time college football. OK, I know that sounds lame, but you're going to get an education no matter where you go; you might as well like what's going on there. Point is, "different strokes for different folks".

I will reiterate, I think the high school guidance counselors can be helpful, esp. with a student with special needs. The student should make an appointment and talk to him/her.

[nJohn]

Originally Posted by pittnurse70

Point is, "different strokes for different folks".

Bingo. One school will not satisfy all. I'm a fan of state schools - those that are known to be good. Flagship schools may cost more than your average state school, but sometimes it's a bargain for what you get. Even LACs that offer good aid packages are worth going too if you have the chance. Also, you may be surprised, there are professors who actually want to teach at big state schools - it's not all research for some, even some graduate students may become more useful to students than their actual professor. Point is: just be able to learn the stuff that is given to you. I'm bothered by kids who want to be held and cradled.

[M TYPE X]

I counseled an undergrad today, one of my former students from my exciting times as a TA last year. Of course, it was more of a hallway discussion than a counseling session. He did come to my office to discuss his paper last year, more than most students.

He's from Wheaton, and was quoted in the student newspaper as saying "whoa, this place is too big."

[nJohn]

U of I is big, not gonna argue about that.

[M TYPE X]

Originally Posted by nJohn

U of I is big, not gonna argue about that.

They're moving the department to a really slummy building on the other end of campus while the renovate the current building and the building that will be the new home for the department. "Deferred maintenance" is an epidemic here.

The same things happen/have happened/will happen at Michigan, Penn State, etc but I just think it's a total mess here.

I'm also complaining because my [walking] commute will shoot way up. pfft.

[nJohn]

Originally Posted by M TYPE X

They're moving the department to a really slummy building on the other end of campus while the renovate the current building and the building

What department did they move? I have an older sibling that attends U of I and he said that buildings (new business building, conference center, probably even more. . .) are being built everywhere around campus.

[M TYPE X]

A lot of moving will be going on. It is ongoing, but as a grad student, I don't have much contact outside of my own department.