<p>I’m trying to decide whether I should ED to Amherst or Middlebury. I’ve visited both schools, and I like Middlebury better for its’ environmental program, fun campus culture, ski bowl, location, athletic facilities, student body size and just overall feel. amherst just felt really serious, materialistic, and metropolitan in comparison. like if i were to say, “who wants to go on an 8 mile run through the woods at 8 AM tomorrow?”, the avg. amherst student would say, “no…i’m going to holyoke to shop” or “sorry i’ll be at the library”. am i wrong? i really don’t like shopping and i like to read, but i wouldn’t label myself as a bookworm. however, amherst is considered on par with the Ivies in terms of education/prestige/financial aid. they’re athletic department also gets more funding. just look at their $1.5 billion endowment compared to Midd’s $900 million. my parents are also telling me that amherst grads are more likely to get accepted into top graduate programs or hired by big companies than midd grads. is that true? i plan to major in english and environmental studies. maybe economics or international studies. i like to keep my options open… so is middlebury really considered less prestigious than amherst by recruiters? i feel like i would personally fit in more as a midd kid but i don’t know if it’s worth sacrificing connections and my professional future.</p>
<p>You seem really set on Middlebury. I think you should go for it!
I had a similar issue, where I was choosing between some top Ivies and Amherst. Ultimately, I went with they place I loved, rather than the big name. I have not regretted it since.</p>
<p>I’m not sure your impression of Amherst is completely accurate–but you’re right, what is somewhat of a fringe community at Amherst (outdoorsy types) is more of the norm at Middlebury (at least from what I can tell). </p>
<p>I agree with dcsmiss, though. Middlebury is on par with Amherst for prestige; it might even carry more weight in the environmental world (I say this as a prospective Econ-Enviro major). Go with your gut.</p>
<p>An admittedly biased opinion: have you considered Williams :)? Kind of a cross between Middlebury and Amherst in many ways (and frankly, I think that all three are fairly similar schools, but Williams provides a sort of middle ground between the two). All of things you seem to love about Midd also characterize Williams, and Williams of course is even with Amherst in terms of prestige (Midd is not far enough behind to make a difference if you prefer it to either, however, as discussed more below).</p>
<p>Given what you are saying, I think Midd is the easy choice, and I would say the same thing if you had expressed similar feelings about Midd vs. Williams. At that level, you will get a great eduation wherever you go, but you are FAR more likely to gain more out of your education at a school where you are happier and a better fit, which will in turn make you more likely to appeal to grad schools or recruiters down the line. You certainly wouldn’t be sacrificing your future by choosing Midd over ANY school, and anyone who tells you otherwise is talking crazy.</p>
<p>Unless you are absolutely confident in your potential to succeed in life, you ought to attend the institution that will cast the widest safety net for you. The most prestigious institution that admits you, to be brief.</p>
<p>Don’t eliminate a school from consideration from momentary impressions, unless you’re committed to being miserable at the school. Likewise, don’t put a school on a pedestal for the same reason.</p>
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<p>Worst. Advice. Ever.</p>
<p>^^yea, I was just thinking the same thing; it’s sort of like advising someone to use magical thinking when choosing a college.</p>
<p>Amherst has an older reputation, whereas Middlebury has more recently become one of the “it” liberal arts colleges, but I’m not sure that one will necessarily get you a better job placement than the other. I do feel that your success will, in part, depend upon how comfortable you feel at the school you choose. It’s usually easier to do well when you are well-adjusted. If you have your heart set on Middlebury, I would definitely ED there.</p>
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<p>Well, for those young men and women who come from non-traditional, underrepresented backgrounds, I’ve made a fair generalization. </p>
<p>It’s heartbreaking to see threads like these pop up: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/1330241-swarthmore-vs-usc.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/1330241-swarthmore-vs-usc.html</a></p>
<p>Granted, the gap between Amherst and Middlebury doesn’t compare to the gulf between Swat and USC, but admission officers at the nation’s leading Law, Business, and Medical schools, as well as leaders of those industries, do pay attention to ostensible undergraduate selectivity and ostensible undergraduate rigor. For those looking to maximize their chances at social mobility, it makes sense to choose the most prestigious and most selective institution to which one is admitted.</p>
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<p>Well, I’m appealing to common sense, whereas the OP seems to be relying on “magical thinking” to favor Midd and disfavor Amherst.</p>
<p>^^Care to share with us where you attended college?</p>
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<p>It’s called going with your gut.</p>
<p>I agree with kwu.</p>
<p>Although he may have worded it in a poor way (something about absolute confidence in one’s ability to succeed in life, which I don’t think anyone should have cause at that point it’s basically excessive), attending a more prestigious school does in fact “cast a safety net” and allow for more opportunities. But, opportunities will be available at both schools and it is up to the student to grasp them.</p>