shiningstar17

I'm not sure what's harder to believe; that i somehow got into these two amazing schiools or that i have to decide between them. I'm soo confused right now and i can't believe i have one month to decide where i'm gonna spend the next 4 years of my life. Any input would be GREATLY appreciated!
I kno Tufts and Mid are two completely different worlds and it doesn't make much sense that my decision would come down to these two, but there are things about both of them that i love. Middlebury seemed more laid-back and i felt like i would fit in there better, especially since i come from such a small high school. Also, my town is just like Middlebury. However, i feel there's so many more oportunities at Tufts, especially with its closeness to Boston. I just can't decide.

What would you guys do???

sweetraspberry99

thats really hard. hmm..I feel like middlebury has a slight edge on tufts when it comes to selectivity and prestige, and not to mention amazing campus food. On the other hand tufts has got boston, maybe the best college town ever. Middlebury is smaller so it might be more comfortable for you, but tufts is by no means huge. My advice is visit or talk to people who you know that have gone there. I know kids who have gone to both and love them both.

IsleBoy

Middlebury...if you like the ethos of LACs.

arcadia

Midd (biased)

Drew00

Middlebury, esp. if you're an english major

gojumbos

I actually had the same dilemma when I was originally considering where to apply ED. They are such different schools and the atmospheres are virtually opposite but they are still extremely strong liberal arts colleges and it is no surprise that you would have trouble deciding between them. Of course, I am a bit biased myself, but here are a couple of things to consider:
- Tufts, while a larger school, still has an incredible small student/faculty ratio and you will, by no means, get lost.
- I also attended an extremely small high school and originally I did not even consider a school with more than 2000 students because I was worried that it would be too large of a transition. However, 5000 is an amazing number. There are just enough students that you can always see familiar faces around yet not feel confined in any way. Also- Tufts is just so international it's amazing. Middlebury is also known for it's international presence, but the fact that Tufts is close to a city has made a huge difference for me. There are simply more resources for entertainment and academic purposes...
- I actually found Middlebury and Tufts to both have very down to earth and friendly students....but Middlebury gave off more of a preppy vibe. I guess that since Tufts is larger it's easier to find a niche that is outside of that stereotype...but I'm sure that a "Midd Kid" would know about that better than I would so feel free to comment...

It is definitely a tough call and I would recommend that you visit both schools again and attend the atmitted students weeekends. Tufts' April Open House was a great program and you will be able to see where you feel more comfortable. Good luck!

PS- read my e-pinion is you want to learn more about Tufts:
http://www.epinions.com/content_124965129860

Mongooser

Middlebury

TourGuide446

A lot of what you learn in college happens outside the classroom. You say you grew up in a Middlebury-type town, so I'm guessing being near Boston would open your eyes to the whole suburban/urban world. I don't think there is a significant difference between the two schools in prestige or fame.

Duffman28

^ Yeah, I'm a bit biased, but if you are "used" to a small hokey kind of rural town, it might be worth it to go to Tufts because you won't be in complete shock, as Medford is still a fairly small town, but you will also be right next to Boston and have many more opportunities for internships, etc. The programs are about the same, IR is obviously a bit better at Tufts b/c of Fletcher, but languages are easily as good, if not better at Midd. I chose Tufts, was going to apply to Midd but it was simply too secluded for me, good luck deciding.

shiningstar17

Thanks so much guys! Lots of interesting and very valid points. Wow this is really going to be a tough decision. I guess I'll visit both again and then see. Money's also a concern so maybe when i get Tufts package next week my decision will be made for me. Prolly not tho...that would be too easy lol.

sheetmusic

I'm going to Midd...Tufts was on my college list for a long time, but ultimately got cut. I like small schools though, and didn't really want to be near a city (I'm from a small town as well).

shiningstar17

does ne one know ne thing about how Tufts and Middlebury would compare in terms of their math or teacher education programs??