<p>Hi, Any words of wisdom??? Have 2 fabulous choices, trying to decide…interested in sustainability, environmental studies, writing, playing music, biking…Many thanks!</p>
<p>They’re very different schools. But my question is, isn’t having to start in February enough of a drawback that you should obviously pick NU? If not, I question if you haven’t already realized which school you like better.</p>
<p>Thanks, but I don’t see being a Feb. as a drawback–see it as an opportunity</p>
<p>Care to explain? Generally most freshmen make the bulk of their friends in the first weeks of school, not to mention having better weather while you’re adjusting seems much better. You’re also not a semester behind most of your peers. I’m sure there are aspects I’m missing, but I don’t really understand how that’s anything but a drawback.</p>
<p>Northwestern has a very strong environmental studies program which can be pursued from many different angles.</p>
<p>[Environmental</a> Sciences Program – Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences: Northwestern University](<a href=“http://www.envsci.northwestern.edu/]Environmental”>http://www.envsci.northwestern.edu/)
[The</a> Environment at Northwestern University](<a href=“http://environment.northwestern.edu/]The”>http://environment.northwestern.edu/)
[Programs</a> of Study : The Environment at Northwestern University](<a href=“http://environment.northwestern.edu/academic_programs/programs_of_study.html]Programs”>http://environment.northwestern.edu/academic_programs/programs_of_study.html)
[Civil</a> and Environmental Engineering : McCormick School of Engineering : Northwestern University](<a href=“http://www.civil.northwestern.edu/]Civil”>http://www.civil.northwestern.edu/)</p>
<p>Environmental Clubs:[Green</a> Student Groups: Sustainability - Northwestern University](<a href=“http://www.northwestern.edu/studentaffairs/sustainability/involved/student-groups/]Green”>http://www.northwestern.edu/studentaffairs/sustainability/involved/student-groups/)</p>
<p>Northwestern has great cycling opportunities, a vibrant theater/arts scene, and a vibrant music scene (Chicago is also a great place for music):
[Northwestern</a> Cycling Team | Collegiate Cycling at Northwestern University](<a href=“http://northwesterncycling.com/]Northwestern”>http://northwesterncycling.com/)
[Attend</a> A Performance, School of Communication, Northwestern University](<a href=“http://www.communication.northwestern.edu/performances/]Attend”>http://www.communication.northwestern.edu/performances/)
[Bienen</a> School of Music - Northwestern University](<a href=“http://www.music.northwestern.edu/]Bienen”>http://www.music.northwestern.edu/)</p>
<p>You can bike recreationally along the lakefront as well. It’s not uncommon to bike along the lakefront to downtown Chicago, even during the winter months (yes you will find there is no shortage of people biking/running along the lake). Biking/running along the lake in the fall/spring is glorious.</p>
<p>The English department has a renowned creative writing program if you’re into that. Both Northwestern and Middlebury are very strong in English obviously. At Northwestern, you can also pursue writing from a marketing/communications/journalism angle.</p>
<p>[English</a> Department - Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences: Northwestern University](<a href=“http://www.english.northwestern.edu/]English”>http://www.english.northwestern.edu/)
[Medill</a> - IMC Programs: Undergraduate](<a href=“http://www.medill.northwestern.edu/imc/undergrad.aspx]Medill”>http://www.medill.northwestern.edu/imc/undergrad.aspx)</p>
<p>In my opinion, Northwestern is a better place to expand your horizons due to the infinitely greater opportunities you will find there and the greater interaction you will have with students who are strong in many different areas.</p>
<p>Have you visited Middlebury? If you have not, I would do that before you make a decision - I visited Middlebury and loved the campus itself but hated how it was pretty much in the middle of nowhere. Northwestern’s location, in my opinion, is perfect. Also, at NU, there are many more opportunities in the fields you are interested in considering the diversity of the school and the proximity to Chicago.</p>
<p>For environmental studies, Middlebury cannot be beat. It’s on every list of the most sustainable schools, and was the first college or university in the United States to offer an interdisciplinary major in ES (back in the mid-60s). The campus is breathtaking and offers far more recreational opportunities than Chicago’s north shore. Middlebury’s English and writing programs also are amazing.</p>
<p>In terms of February admissions, you’ll have the opportunity to spend the fall doing something different and interesting. Many Febs spend the fall traveling or studying abroad. Read more here:<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/middlebury-college/1314335-accepted-feb-only.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/middlebury-college/1314335-accepted-feb-only.html</a></p>
<p>You have two excellent choices–good luck!</p>
<p>Middlebury sounds good to me!!!</p>