BC has near 10k undergrads, over 15k with graduate, a school of management and multiple campuses. It has ACC sports. It will have religious imagery and core requirements with two courses required in theology.
Middlebury has 2700 undergraduates. I’m sure they have a core but can’t find it. I assume it doesn’t require religion.
They seem different, forgetting the geography.
No one has to ED…that’s a choice.
Obviously only the student can determine a favorite, not strangers on a website.
If you can get to Midd but not by the ED deadline, you can apply to both (choose the favorite) ED2 as well. This would give you more time to visit. In other words, forgo ED1.
Good luck