A Few Questions about Middlebury

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I visited Midd last year and absolutely loved it. However, I have a few worries/questions.</p>

<ol>
<li><p>The music facilities seemed a little...lacking. Only like 5 practice rooms (or did I miss something?) How is the music there, for a non-major?</p></li>
<li><p>I'm really interested in anthropology, but Midd has "Sociology/Anthropology" listed as a major. What does this mean--can you pick one? I'm wondering how strong the department is, especially on physical anthro.</p></li>
</ol>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>From Middlebury’s Website (forgive me if you’ve seen this already): </p>

<p>

</p>

<p>[Sociology</a> / Anthropology](<a href=“Course Information | Middlebury College”>Course Information | Middlebury College)</p>

3

<p>Sounds like they’ve come up with a way to take a shortcoming and market it as a desirable “unique feature”. It appears Middlebury only offers one physical anthropology course (an introduction). It’s a fine school; I’d rather see a small number of well-taught courses than a glut of poor ones. But there are other schools that offer a little more quantity in addition to quality. </p>

<p>Beloit is a LAC that seems to have a very strong anthro department. <a href=“Anthropology Major • Beloit College”>Anthropology Major • Beloit College;
Compare Middlebury’s single physical anthropology offering (SOAN 0159 Human Origins, Culture, and Biodiversity) to Beloit’s 5:
120. The Human Animal
320. Primate Social Behavior and Ecology
324. Hominid Paleoecology
326. Human Osteology
328. Medical Anthropology (not purely physical anthro, but it overlaps)</p>

<p>Other LACs that appear to have strong anthro departments include Bryn Mawr and Colorado College.
[Bryn</a> Mawr College: Anthropology](<a href=“http://www.brynmawr.edu/anthropology/courses.html]Bryn”>http://www.brynmawr.edu/anthropology/courses.html)
[Colorado</a> College: Anthropology](<a href=“http://www.coloradocollege.edu/Dept/AN/index.htm]Colorado”>http://www.coloradocollege.edu/Dept/AN/index.htm)</p>

<p>Bryn Mawr is a women’s college. Colorado College is (like Middlebury) a very outdoorsy school in a gorgeous natural setting, with the attractions of a small city as well as nearby mountains. Their one-course-at-a-time “block plan” facilitates field work and research projects.</p>

<p>Midd is the most selective of all these schools and I understand its appeal. But check out the others. Even if you still think Middlebury is your first choice, you’ll need some back-up. Beloit, Bryn Mawr or CC might make good alternatives.</p>

4

<p>I’m in the same boat as you: Top LAC, anthropology/history major, and non-major performing in musical groups. I remember really liking the music facilities when I visited. Their new stage for small performance (solo/chamber) was gorgeous. They had a ton of events lined up at the arts center. Though most of them were for dance, they still had a significant amount of orchestral performances and groups, so I was satisfied. You should definitely get the opinion of someone who goes there though.</p>

5

<p>Catlinjon, I’m a little confused. You’re talking about Middlebury? You visited but wound up at another school, where you are now an anthro/history major? Or you’re a HS senior, describing what you are looking for?</p>