Congrats on your acceptance to both schools! I think something you should definitely take into consideration when picking between these two schools is that Colby is a part of the NESCAC, which can be a very valuable alumni network when it comes to finding employment. I’ve gotten more “foot in the door” interactions with alumni from Bowdoin, Bates, and Middlebury simply for being a Colby student. Furthermore, I’d take a look at the initiatives made by President Greene, who took over only a few years ago. Since Greene took office, Colby has seen its level of prestige rise consistently year after year, currently ranked 12th in US News. Our acceptance rate has fallen to 13%, and what I’m trying to get at is the point that Colby’s recognition and degree-value is continuing to rise. Dare Northward hopes to push the endowment over $1 billion, and new buildings such as the downtown dorms (that have freakin’ granite countertops) and the new athletic center could be things to look at. As a Colby student I’m obviously biased. Personally speaking though, Colby was not my first choice school and I can’t see myself anywhere else now.