Hello,

I am wondering if it's stupid and naive to choose a program based on the class size? I've read that particularly bigger class sizes are somewhat less effective than smaller ones. Should I let the class size of a first year program influence my decision? Thanks!

It depends on what you value and how you learn, whether or not class size is a factor and how much weight (if any) you give it.

I think you should choose what interests you more as a whole first to make sure you're in the right area. If it's a subsection you could do that but you get plenty of tutorial time to get more 1on1 time with TA's etc

Leeoku pretty much said it all, at first you should see what interests you and then go from there. If you pick a small program but you really hate the material, then you're just gonna waste 4 years of your life and if you really have no interest in the material you might not finish the program.

After you see what interests you, then i guess you could look at other factors, like class size and all. You could start comparing different schools that have the same program that you like.

Personally I can't learn from a person talking. I mean I can but if theres a textbook and assigned readings that cover what is covered in lecture I rather just read the textbook. So to me the class could be 10 or 1000 it wouldn't make a difference. It really depends on you!

I think you should consider all aspects of the course you want to go into.

Choose what you are interested in, since labs/tutorials/groups can make even big classes feel smaller, and if you want more time with a prof then you can usually make an appointment or office hours

Just because you're in a certain program first year, doesn't mean all the people in that class are in your program. First year classes are littered with a broad spectrum of people.

Take this year to figure out what you want. Small class sizes and large class sizes make no difference, learning is up to you.

Small class sizes just lead to a tight knit community, but that shouldn't be your reason for being in a program.

Ignore these horrible advices.

Choose what will make you money! Money is everything. It gives you power which lead to respect. If you end up finding that its not the career you want, at least you have shit load of money to do a change over.

Money first, everything else second.

Originally Posted by AvacadoLover

Ignore these horrible advices.

Choose what will make you money! Money is everything. It gives you power which lead to respect. If you end up finding that its not the career you want, at least you have shit load of money to do a change over.

Money first, everything else second.

I heard making meth makes a lot of money, so I suggest taking ALL the organic chemistry and the most difficult chemistry classes and disregard all your other interests.

Originally Posted by gggggg

I heard making meth makes a lot of money, so I suggest taking ALL the organic chemistry and the most difficult chemistry classes and disregard all your other interests.

Making meth is also illegal unlike lets say, going to med school and becoming a doctor. <-- See? MONEY! And who doesn't respect a doctor? Hell, when I go out to a unfamiliar place, I always say I'm a med student to girls.

^ Please tell that to the unemployed docs.

Also, m bombing people tends to fail.

Originally Posted by AvacadoLover

Making meth is also illegal unlike lets say, going to med school and becoming a doctor. <-- See? MONEY! And who doesn't respect a doctor? Hell, when I go out to a unfamiliar place, I always say I'm a med student to girls.

It was a joke................. .........

John, enjoy your loveless, friendless, and sad future, while the rest of us continue our journey towards true happiness.

Originally Posted by AvacadoLover

Ignore these horrible advices.

Choose what will make you money! Money is everything. It gives you power which lead to respect. If you end up finding that its not the career you want, at least you have shit load of money to do a change over.

Money first, everything else second.

Don't get sucked in by the quest for filthy lucre! All those would-be plumbers and bean-counters are interested in is money.

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