I spent my freshman year at a big SEC school in Mississippi. You know the one. Football games with 60,000 people, lecture halls with 300 students, a sea of faces where no one knew my name. I felt like a number. So I transferred to a tiny college you've probably never heard of: Blue Mountain Christian University (yes, it's a real place, near New Albany).
The difference has been night and day. Here's what I gained by going small:
My professors know my name. Actually, they know more than my name. They know my major, my hometown, my career goals, and that I have a dog named Rufus. When I missed class because I was sick, my professor texted ME to check if I was okay. That never happened at my old school.
Class sizes are tiny. My largest class has 18 people. We actually have discussions. We sit in a circle. The professor asks follow-up questions. You can't hide in the back, which sounds scary but actually means you learn more.
The community is real. It's a Christian school, so faith is part of it, but even beyond that, people actually look out for each other. The cafeteria workers know my order. The library staff know my name. It feels like family, not a factory.
The social life is different. There are no frat parties with 500 people. Instead, there are bonfires, game nights, and small gatherings where you actually talk to people. It's not for everyone, but for me, it's perfect.
If you're feeling lost at a big school, consider going small. Mississippi has some hidden gems.
Anyone else make the transfer from big to small? How did it go?
The difference has been night and day. Here's what I gained by going small:
My professors know my name. Actually, they know more than my name. They know my major, my hometown, my career goals, and that I have a dog named Rufus. When I missed class because I was sick, my professor texted ME to check if I was okay. That never happened at my old school.
Class sizes are tiny. My largest class has 18 people. We actually have discussions. We sit in a circle. The professor asks follow-up questions. You can't hide in the back, which sounds scary but actually means you learn more.
The community is real. It's a Christian school, so faith is part of it, but even beyond that, people actually look out for each other. The cafeteria workers know my order. The library staff know my name. It feels like family, not a factory.
The social life is different. There are no frat parties with 500 people. Instead, there are bonfires, game nights, and small gatherings where you actually talk to people. It's not for everyone, but for me, it's perfect.
If you're feeling lost at a big school, consider going small. Mississippi has some hidden gems.
Anyone else make the transfer from big to small? How did it go?
