I dislike the question “Where do you go to school?” It isn’t because I have no school pride. On the contrary, I love my college. However, to answer “I go to Williams College” is never enough. Almost every time, my short answer results in puzzled looks and warrants an unnecessarily long explanation.
The bottom line is that liberal arts colleges are notorious for under-the-radar reputations. People often pay little attention to these small schools and, as a result, view them unfairly.
Nevertheless, liberal arts colleges provide a valuable experience for students. They are small undergraduate colleges (although some have limited graduate programs) that focus on academics and a pursuit of knowledge rather than a career path. They champion their rigorous curriculum, small class sizes, and accessibility of professors. Students are sure to graduate with a well-rounded education, developed critical thinking skills, and a sense of what “community” means. Overlooked in many students’ searches for the ideal college, liberal arts schools are worthy of all students’ consideration.
When I was applying for colleges, I never imagined I would be attending a liberal arts college. Coming from an overcrowded, cutthroat public high school, I had my eyes set on large, well-known universities, just like most of my peers. However, the college application process has a funny way of opening your eyes to the unexpected. In the end, I wound up choosing a liberal arts school over both an Ivy League institution and a highly prestigious large university.
A small school
As a former public high-school student, I came from a system where my graduating class was more than 800 students. My college is a lot smaller than most public high schools in the city. My college’s class of 2017 has roughly 500 students. With fewer students per class, even lengthy lecture courses are livened by discussion. I feel at ease in a more intimate setting and am more willing to participate, because I do not have to “compete” for the attention of the professor.
Additionally, a small community fosters a tight-knit student body and a supportive atmosphere. Needless to say, students are very concerned about their academic performance, but their attitudes are significantly different. Students focus on their own progress and achievements. They pride themselves in their own work ethic and ability as means of advancement rather than pulling a peer down. The support system is extremely encouraging and has greatly helped to build my confidence.
Focus on students
Liberal arts colleges also tend to be small because of their lack of a graduate program. In most large universities, resources are shared by undergraduate and graduate students, which makes it difficult for undergraduates to get the attention and opportunities they deserve. Without a graduate program, liberal arts colleges can place their emphasis on their undergraduates. For students interested in research, this can be extremely valuable. Research mentorship is hard to come by, but liberal arts colleges tend to offer proportionally greater opportunities.
The focus on students never ceases to amaze me. Liberal arts colleges pour resources into creating a better experience for the students. Williams, for example, takes advantage of the rural area and offers students the chance to camp in the woods. My school brings entertainment to campus, including performers, bands, and cultural events. Students can see the Alvin Ailey dance company perform for a discounted price.
Financial consideration
Liberal arts colleges are not exclusively for the wealthy, as many believe. Most schools give out some form of scholarship or financial aid. Liberal arts schools can offer surprisingly generous financial aid, compared to large private universities. That was one reason I chose Williams over an Ivy.
Accessibility of professors
Liberal arts colleges often attract professors who are passionate about academia and devoted to teaching. The professors who choose to teach at these schools actually want to be there. They are knowledgeable and their enthusiasm for their subjects translates into engaging classes.
I am amazed by how open they are to bridging the gap between faculty and students. Professors love to further discussions outside of class and get to know their students personally. I had one professor who offered to map out a four-year plan for my time at Williams. Another let me run my ideas by him for essays, and a third invited me to his house for lunch.
Preparing for the future
The most important quality of a liberal arts college is the academic programs. These schools offer a top-notch education. Liberal arts schools encourage their students to explore a variety of subjects and foster critical thinking and verbal skills — assets for the professional world. Employers and graduate schools are familiar with the quality of education these colleges provide. Some employers even favor liberal arts students because of their diverse knowledge and ability to think analytically and creatively. If graduate school is in your future, a liberal arts education will provide you a solid base to build upon.
Of course, liberal arts schools are not for everyone. They do lack the “brand name” that larger universities have and formal pre-professional programs for those lucky few who are set on their career plans. However, they do provide a unique haven for the students interested in learning and academia. I hope that liberal arts schools will someday gain the attention and merit they deserve.
Aglaia Ho is a sophomore at Williams College and a native New Yorker. She is also the author of “Aglaia’s New York,” her blog at aglaiaho.weebly.com.
