is middlebury more prestigious than vassar?

TheOldProf
Tue, 06 Dec 2005 19:37:08 +0000

This is all rather silly, this talk about prestige. I live near Middlebury, have taught sciences for many years, and my daughter goes to Vassar. Prestige? Matters of prestige will fade with the years my young friends, and will be replaced by memories of friendships forged, late night parties, classes and professors who inspired, and opportunities that are presented. Prestige will mean little if your future headhunter went to either Middlebury or Vassar. And chances are he, or she, will not be able to tell you where either college it located. Both schools have outstanding English department - perhaps Middlebury has the prestige a bit more there - but Vassar is not as isolated. A weekend $25 trip to the greatest metropolis in the country is always a possibility. Both campuses are beautiful. Middlebury is relatively isolated, and buried under snow in the winter, while Vassar is merely grazed. Usually. My daughter’s first choice was Swarthmore; but she couldn’t be happier at Vassar. Middlebury is very J Crew. Vassar, well, is Vassar. Some J Crew, some funkiness - more eclectic.

Seek a good fit before prestige. Prestige means little if you are unhappy.