Small College vs. Large University: Which is Better for Engineering Students?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision-making process for an engineering student choosing between a small liberal arts college (Macalester) and a large university (U Minnesota). Participants explore factors such as financial aid, class sizes, research opportunities, and personal preferences in relation to academic and career goals.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant highlights the significant financial aid package from Macalester, suggesting that financial considerations are crucial in the decision.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of graduating with less debt, questioning the relevance of cost if the parents state that it isn't an issue.
  • Some participants argue that personal motivation and passion for the chosen field may outweigh the institutional choice, suggesting that working harder is more important than the specific school attended.
  • A participant notes that small liberal arts colleges may offer fewer research opportunities compared to larger universities, but mentions that Macalester's location near U Minnesota could provide access to additional opportunities.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the importance of financial considerations versus personal motivation in choosing a school. There is also a discussion about the availability of research opportunities at small colleges compared to large universities, indicating a lack of consensus on this aspect.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not resolve the implications of financial aid versus educational quality, nor do they clarify the extent of research opportunities available at Macalester compared to U Minnesota.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering their options between small liberal arts colleges and large universities, particularly in the field of engineering, as well as those interested in the impact of financial aid on educational choices.

toforfiltum
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Hi all, I've applied to some unis in the States and heard back from them. Now I have problem deciding between two completely opposite schools. At the time I applied, I don't really know what I wanted to do, though I chose engineering. I'm still undecided now.

I got accepted to Macalester, which is the only liberal arts college to accept me, I was rejected and wait listed by all else. They gave me a nice financial aid package of $ 179530 for 4 years. U Minnesota also accepted me with scholarship covering the difference between out of state and in state cost.

So now, I don't know which school to choose. Of course, if I'm firm on engineering, I should stick with U Minnesota, but I'm not very sure. Anyway, back where I'm from, I could still work as an engineer with a physics degree. And, seeing that I was rejected by all the other liberal arts colleges I applied to, it would seem a waste of opportunity if I decline Macalester.

U Minnesota would have more name recognition, but Macalester would give smaller class sizes. So which school should I choose?
 
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The one with smaller debt upon graduation.
 
Dr. Courtney said:
The one with smaller debt upon graduation.
What if my parents say cost isn't an issue?
 
Go with your heart, because you'll work harder.

Working harder is more important than the choice.
 
Dr. Courtney said:
Go with your heart, because you'll work harder.

Working harder is more important than the choice.
Thanks for your advice!
 
A point that people bring up against small liberal-arts colleges is that they probably have a smaller range of research opportunities than big universities do. Macalester might be an exception to this, because it's in the same city as the U of Minnesota, so you would probably have some access to opportunities there. I suggest checking their website and maybe asking them specifically about this.
 
jtbell said:
A point that people bring up against small liberal-arts colleges is that they probably have a smaller range of research opportunities than big universities do. Macalester might be an exception to this, because it's in the same city as the U of Minnesota, so you would probably have some access to opportunities there. I suggest checking their website and maybe asking them specifically about this.
Ok, will do it. Thanks for your suggestion!:smile:
 

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