4 answers
Brianna
Student
Addison, Alabama
1
Question
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What is the average class size of upper-division courses in larger colleges?
I attend a very small high school. There are roughly 52 students in my senior class. I would like to enroll in a large college, but i do not know if it will be too much for me. #size #college #new
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4 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
657
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Usually, at the four year universities, college courses can be held in large auditoriums and lecture halls and have hundreds of students attending. Many times the actual professor will not be teaching the course, but an assigned graduate student or teaching assistant will be handling the instruction duties.
At a smaller junior or community college the classes are smaller, the courses are taught by the actual professor, and you are more likely to receive personalized instruction and better quality of communication.
At a smaller junior or community college the classes are smaller, the courses are taught by the actual professor, and you are more likely to receive personalized instruction and better quality of communication.
Scott Amor
Tax Associate at PwC
7
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Scott’s Answer
For large schools, which I would consider universities that have in between 20,000 and 40,000 students, your large lecture classes during your freshman year will range in class sizes of probably 50-200 students per class. However, as you get to your junior and senior year in school, your class sizes will drop dramatically to around 20-50 students per class depending on your chosen major.
Darren Hoveydai
Risk Assurance - Associate at PwC
6
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Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Darren’s Answer
Hi Brianna!
Great question and it's one I was concerned with too when applying to universities. I received some advice when I was applying and I wanted to share that with you.
The school will be as big as you want it to be. You can sit in the back of the class or lecture hall and get lost in the crowd or be consistent and sit close to the professor, meet with them outside of class for help (or just to network), and never shy from asking questions. Outside of the classroom, since there are many students, you'll have so many people in the same position as you and you'll be able to make friends by being yourself. Somehow in a school of 40,000 students, people gravitate to find one another. I found many of my close friends now by accident.
Overall, there are opportunities to have a good relationship with your professors, classmates, friends, etc. it's just a matter of managing your time and resources well. Take advantage of office hours and visit your professor for help and advice. There are students just like you every year, so they are fully capable of answering questions.
In the end, it's personal preference. Luckily, many smaller schools offer great degrees, so if you really feel uncomfortable at a bigger school that's fine! For me, I ended up loving the big school setting after experiencing it. So you may even surprise yourself! Best of luck and no matter where you go, work hard and it will all pay off!
Great question and it's one I was concerned with too when applying to universities. I received some advice when I was applying and I wanted to share that with you.
The school will be as big as you want it to be. You can sit in the back of the class or lecture hall and get lost in the crowd or be consistent and sit close to the professor, meet with them outside of class for help (or just to network), and never shy from asking questions. Outside of the classroom, since there are many students, you'll have so many people in the same position as you and you'll be able to make friends by being yourself. Somehow in a school of 40,000 students, people gravitate to find one another. I found many of my close friends now by accident.
Overall, there are opportunities to have a good relationship with your professors, classmates, friends, etc. it's just a matter of managing your time and resources well. Take advantage of office hours and visit your professor for help and advice. There are students just like you every year, so they are fully capable of answering questions.
In the end, it's personal preference. Luckily, many smaller schools offer great degrees, so if you really feel uncomfortable at a bigger school that's fine! For me, I ended up loving the big school setting after experiencing it. So you may even surprise yourself! Best of luck and no matter where you go, work hard and it will all pay off!
Nicole Baillie
Data Analyst
484
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
Hi Brianna C. I see that you posted this question a little while ago so I hope my answer to you (or others who may read this response) is still helpful.
I can relate to your question. My high school, was/still is a public school but was pretty small. And the college I went to was pretty big...AND it was in a big city. To be fair, I was used to being in a big city but I wasn't used to being in a class where you had to find a seat.... in a 150-seat lecture hall :D. I think, though, this is where an individual's sense of focus can kick in. Initially, it can be overwhelming to see so many students and so much movement. On the campus, in the library, at the food halls. After a while though, that newness will subside and it will become a non-issue. During that time of transition, though, you still have to learn to pass your classes. And that can be done whether your are in a class with 20 people or 200 people. If you make the decision to attend a large university, give yourself the time you need to adjust. And ensure you are building your capacity to focus when and where necessary.
Best of luck to you!
I can relate to your question. My high school, was/still is a public school but was pretty small. And the college I went to was pretty big...AND it was in a big city. To be fair, I was used to being in a big city but I wasn't used to being in a class where you had to find a seat.... in a 150-seat lecture hall :D. I think, though, this is where an individual's sense of focus can kick in. Initially, it can be overwhelming to see so many students and so much movement. On the campus, in the library, at the food halls. After a while though, that newness will subside and it will become a non-issue. During that time of transition, though, you still have to learn to pass your classes. And that can be done whether your are in a class with 20 people or 200 people. If you make the decision to attend a large university, give yourself the time you need to adjust. And ensure you are building your capacity to focus when and where necessary.
Best of luck to you!