<p>I will be a senior in high school this fall and am currently being recruited to play field hockey at either Amherst or Middlebury.
I have visited both campuses multiple times and it seems as though each time I visit one, it becomes my favorite. I need to decide in a few days and need your help! I plan on majoring in the natural sciences particularly Biology/Chemistry to pursue a medical degree.
I love both coaches (and have met teams) and can see myself playing on either team (although seemed to click with the Amherst team more naturally)…so it really comes down to the college itself.
As an athlete, I will be spending much time in the athletic facilities which I have noticed are much nicer at Midd (esp. fields). (Midd has a specific field hockey turf whereas Amherst does not.)
Also, this may seem a bit odd, but school spirit is a major factor in my decision process…do a lot of students cheer at football games/do students wear the school’s t-shirts on a daily basis?
It seems as though Amherst is more prestigiously ranked academically, but I obviously wouldn’t have that affect my decision as I know they are both unbelievably amazing institutions.
Does anyone have any inside knowledge on the social life at either school (preppiness, jockiness, partying, workload, etc.)?
I love both campuses but they aren’t really comparable…what makes one campus “prettier” than the other, and vice versa? I like the cold so that isn’t a negative factor for me at all. I also love to ski which is a definite plus at Midd. I live on Long Island which is about a 3 hour drive to Amherst and a quick plane ride to Burlington for Midd (or 5 1/2 hour drive).
It’d be really helpful to hear from any current/former students/parents at either institution especially student-athletes to get a feel of what I will soon be getting myself in to.
It’s great to get feedback from those of you who seem to know the best secrets about both institutions. 
Thanks so much for all your help!</p>