Many international students choose large schools. But a growing number of them are attending smaller ones. Douglas Bennett, the president of Earlham College in Indiana, has written several articles aimed at helping students choose a college that best fits their needs. He says one of the important things for the international students to consider is the size of a school. He says Earlham College is small for a reason. "We're that small because we think we educate much more effectively and much more powerfully because we stay small. It stretches everyone more. It draws everyone into more different kinds of activities." Of course, there are also good arguments for attending a larger school. Many big schools are widely recognized. And in some cases that might lead to more job interviews than a degree from a lesser known college. Larger schools also have more money, which can mean more resources for education and research. In addition to size, Douglas Bennett says there are other important things to consider. For example: Which programs at the school are the strongest? Some schools have stronger programs in the sciences. Others are stronger in the liberal arts. Also, what do the school’s top students go on to do after they graduate? What kinds of activities are offered that might add to the educational experience? Are there sports teams? What about a radio station or newspaper? But Douglas Bennett says . "The most important choice you make is who you choose to be yourself. If you're prepared to bring your best self to the college, then it matters where you go to college. On the other hand, if you choose not to prepare to work very hard, it doesn't matter where you go."
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