At Elmira College in upstate New York, students spend several nights each fall serenading the college's president in front of his home with traditional songs. Better opportunities for extracurricular activities. Students at private colleges have more chances to participate in extracurricular activities than students at larger colleges. For instance, if 200 openings are available in the band or choir, the odds that a student will participate are 5 to 1 at a college enrolling 1,000 students and 100 to 1 at a university of 20,000. There are about 1550 students at Georgetown College in Kentucky.
Many private colleges have special programs to help students develop their leadership skills.
In Virginia, Ferrum College has an on-site outdoor leadership training area. The ropes course features a rock climbing wall and zip line. Students use it to help them build confidence and skills in teamwork and leadership. At private colleges, students have plenty of opportunities to try new things and learn what it is they do best. Learning Comes First Private liberal arts colleges and universities emphasize student learning.