By Jill Kuhlers
Director, Scholar Recruitment Programs, University of Iowa

Too often, college choice focuses on being a big fish in a little pond, or a little fish in a big pond. But who is to say you can’t be a big fish in a big pond? The diversity, opportunities and possibilities of a large campus help foster active leadership, create unique opportunities to interact with faculty, and, most importantly, allow you to make a name for yourself both inside and outside of the classroom.

The world is changing rapidly. The opportunities available at a large institution allow you to cross boundaries between fields of study and boundaries between countries. The focus is on a broad knowledge base, familiarity with other countries and cultures, and transferable skills. Large institutions encourage you to think globally, and offer the individual courses, minors, certificates, and majors that will let you focus on the issues most important to you.

Large Universities have the resources to help you sharpen communication skills, learn new languages, strengthen writing skills, and explore new technologies. Classrooms and computer centers are wired to bring real-world, real-time information. Also, the flexibility that comes with a larger campus allows students to focus on problem-solving both as part of a team and as an individual. Opportunities for clinical rotations, cooperatives, internships, and research abound. Best of all, if you change your major, it is highly unlikely tha...

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