<p>What sets Middlebury apart from the other schools you’re considering? Its size, internationalism, environment, and brand. More than ten percent of students at Middlebury come from other countries, and the school operates 38 study abroad programs in 17 countries. Add to that the recent acquisition of the Monterrey Institute of International Studies in California as a graduate school and you have international studies and foreign language offerings that cannot be matched by any other liberal arts college on the planet. </p>
<p>Middlebury is at the forefront of environmental pedagogy, and there is a very strong commitment from the college to encourage sustainability and graduate students who are conscientious about the world we live in. Environmental studies is an interdisciplinary concept that benefits from strong programs in the hard sciences, economics, politics, sociology, international studies, religion, and the arts. If you’re interested in ES, then Middlebury should be on your radar.</p>
<p>Middlebury’s commons system makes it unique as well. At 2,500 students, Midd is larger than the other schools mentioned, but the commons system breaks down a larger student body into more intimate groups. Midd is large enough that you’ll continuously meet new people, but small enough that you’ll feel like an integral part of college fabric. </p>
<p>It’s location in Vermont is a plus and a minus. It’s cold in the winter, and Vermont is one of the least diverse states, but Midd makes an effort to bring culture to campus. It’s also a paradise for lovers of the great outdoors.</p>
<p>Middlebury kids love their school. In fact, most are quite passionate about it. Alumni stay loyal as well. Midd alums donate to the college in numbers that only a handful of top colleges see.</p>
<p>There are unique things about all of the schools you’re considering–but these things I’ve just listed make Midd unique IMHO.</p>