<p>I think one of the leading issues with a drop in applications was the newer format where students had to actually submit the application fee along with the pre-application before an application “counted.” </p>
<p>Also, on the surface one might look at the Forbes list and be concerned, but the methodology used in compiling these rankings is flawed at best, and compared to last year is not even the same.</p>
<p>[Methodology</a> - Forbes.com](<a href=“http://www.forbes.com/2009/08/02/best-colleges-methodology-opinions-ccap.html]Methodology”>Methodology)</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Most notably (and probably most likely to affect a school like Midd), is the debt ration thing - which they changed from 1/6th consideration to 20%. And if looking at websites like ratemyprofessor are considered when Midd has it’s own website for this service, the results of how Midd students rate their professors is completely flawed. I find the middkidd website to be far better representation of students and classes. </p>
<p>I couldn’t find last year’s list to compare, and while I don’t know about Bowdoin in this regard, both Williams and Amherst have a no loan policy in place. How long either school can sustain this will be seen, but Amherst’s financial situation isn’t on it’s best footing either. </p>
<p>End of the day, while I am sure Centre (#14) is a nice school, it’d be difficult to convince me it’s “better” academically and opportunity-wise than Middlebury. And look at it this way, when many of Midd’s students seem to also apply to schools like Dartmouth (at #98), you won’t convince me that BC is the better school at #16. </p>
<p>I’m just saying…</p>
<p>ADDENDUM: I tried to look up S’s Freshman seminar teacher on rate my professor and there were zero responses. Do the same thing on Middkidd and I could wade through the replies across the curriculum. (Happy to report that most are really happy with her)</p>