Unique Middlebury?

tmat91 · 10-24-2009, 01:30 AM

What makes Middlebury unique? How is it different than Williams, Bowdoin, Amherst, or any other top LAC on the East Coast?

OldbatesieDoc · 10-24-2009, 03:27 PM

Further North, own ski area, top in the Green movement of most other LACs, best nationally for languages,well known for writing, recently rebuilt its entire campus, which SPARKLES. The pool and other indoor athletic facilities are incredible. Less endowment than Amherst and Williams, more students go abroad, prob a bit less diverse. My oldest S is attending. He is a skier, plans Poli Sci.According to the Princeton Review "School runs like butter" and tops for food as well as a variety of other categories.

bicycle · 10-25-2009, 11:16 AM

It also has a one month term called J-Term, which most other schools do not have.

Modadunn · 10-25-2009, 03:40 PM

Pretty sure Williams and Amherst have the same calendar set up, but I can't be absolute on that one. Still, it's a unique among the three, I agree.

Today in Vermont, 20 schools across the country have come together on the grounds of Middlebury for what has become an annual event: The Quidittch World Cup! Now, whatever you think of the game (somewhat goofy if you ask me), I know for a fact that a lot of the kids there have a pretty good time with pick up games on Sunday. My doubting Thomas son included.

Also, can't speak for all the schools, but I know Amherst put their science upgrades on indefinite hold whereas Middlebury's facilities are beautiful with the most incredible view found just about anywhere.

In fact, all of these schools are lovely, but the view from all over the campus is pretty breathtaking and the town of Middlebury is quintessential quaint with some great spots for eating and shopping. The people are some of the friendliest I've come across and while there is no Target or Walmart in the immediate area, between TJMAxx and the downtown hardware store, they'd supply just about everything you'd reasonably need that couldn't wait for a road trip into Burlington.

And again about those nice people? The town/gown relationship between the town and the college seem to be very good across the board. In fact, just this past weekend as party of the green initiatives in the state in general, there was a joint event in support of 350.org celebrated on the town green.

Also, Middlebury's handling of the economic crisis has been refreshing despite the many difficulties ALL of these schools have going for them. They've been extremely open and so far have avoided lay offs and cuts that would directly affect the academic program. As for the others, keeping their problems a little closer to the vest might not be so bad if it wasn't also wasn't potentially affecting the relationships between professors and students, Trustees and administrators as it has threatened to do at Amherst. Let's just say that a perusal of Amherst Student (their student newspaper), there seems to be a lot of finger pointing going on with no real reflection going on.

When you ask about these schools in their current state, I don't think it would be fair to not mention that none of these schools are going to be the "same" schools in the next four years. Unfortunately for those now just thinking about the college decision and for those who've just recently embarked, cuts have come and will continue coming to these campuses. How those changes will manifest to affect the student experience as it stands today is really on unsure footing. However, I like the way Middlebury is handling things more so than some of the others. How it will all shake out in the end will perhaps be a matter of who you trust. I don't claim to understand how endowments work or the problems of illiquid investments.

But here's the thing: I look at the opportunities now being afforded Middlebury students and consider how incredibly happy my son seems to be despite a really challenging academic load and I don't think he could have made a better choice for him.

mythmom · 10-25-2009, 03:44 PM

Williams has J-term (called winter study), but I don't think Amherst does. Colby has it too, and Colby actually originated it.

There are other schools that have this, too, but I can't remember which ones right now.

Bates has a 4-4-1 calendar, which means it has an extra term in May.

OldbatesieDoc · 10-25-2009, 05:46 PM

Hey mythmom, nice to see you over here.Have to say, I don't think Middlebury is as "preppy" as Amherst-or dare I?

mythmom · 10-25-2009, 05:53 PM

Sure. Your opinion is valuable for sure. I think Middlebury is lovely. My mom was born and raised in VT, but actually DS at Williams is closer to her stomping grounds. She was raised in Bennnington.

Modadunn · 10-25-2009, 06:21 PM

Amherst definitely has j-term, BUT they don't really offer much in the way of classes and is generally used as an opportunity for internships off campus.

mythmom · 10-25-2009, 06:31 PM

Well, Smith has that too. Williams has a mandatory class. It's another term.

mythmom · 10-25-2009, 06:35 PM

Apparently there are many schools with this calendar. Some of them are: St Olaf's, New College of Florida, St. Mary's of California, and Oberlin. There are many others, but I couldn't find an internet site that identified them all.

OldbatesieDoc · 10-25-2009, 06:35 PM

The class is something "fun" or of the student's making-we were given lots of interesting examples, like comparison of ski areas, or a narrative of a road trips, or playing "go". I don't know if Middlebury is like that.My S said food was better at Middlebury, more vegetarian options.

RowNathan · 10-25-2009, 09:02 PM

How overwhelmingly politically liberal is mid? as compared to other top LACs?

OldbatesieDoc · 10-25-2009, 10:37 PM

I think less than MacAlaster, Reed, Oberlin, Vassar...I don't think it is overwhelmingly political. Everyone is so nice...

RowNathan · 10-26-2009, 12:44 AM

Thanks, that sounds good

runil · 11-05-2009, 04:28 AM

Umm... Could anyone advise me? I am an int'l freshmen applicant for ED, and need LOTS of financial aid. I was definitely gonna apply to Brown but changed my mind at the very last moment and went for Midd. Was that a good decision, anyone?
I put this Q in this thread, because I guess the explanation's gonna explain how Midd is different from Brown, apart from the size, right? >

Thanks!~:]