Some schools look for your sense of community and how you take part in service and work (e.g. outreach programs for homeless, less fortunate, children, elderly, environmental situations, etc). Many faith-based schools see your "service" as "merit", but higher schools look for actual application rather than check marks for more hours of work.
I get to a point sometimes where I'm crying and I literally can't breathe from something that just happened. Usually I let out ear-screeching wails and cackle for a solid 5 minutes straight hahahaha
There are many options open for schools that large! I would think that if you're looking for money-saving options, look for a well-renowned in-state school that covers for tuition through your taxes, and if possible, get some sort of merit scholarship or athletic scholarship to lower that even more. But the size shouldn't affect too much; classes usually cap out at MOST at a hundred-something people. Those are usually lecture halls though, and you'll have an even smaller classroom size the more specific you get with your major and requirements. I've seen schools that will have around 20-30 per class, with some not even topping 12-14 people per class. Another huge tip: make sure the professors are people you want to bond with and truly learn from on many different levels. That alone can change your whole college experience!
