<p>Hello everbody. Does anyone else have the problem of choosing between Bates and Middlebury? I have been accepted at both and 4 Midwest colleges(but I really want to come go out east). I visited both and I like the atmosphere and friendly students at Bates better. My parents think that Middlebury is the school for me. I love XC skiing and hiking and they say that Vermont will be better for that. I’m thinking of a double major in biology and French. Middlebury probably is best in French but Bates biology department has more classes offered than Middlebury. Bates is also a lot cheaper. Their EFC is $2000 less than Middlebury’s and they have no loans compared to a $4000 loan at Middlebury. So, what do you think? Sam Carlson in Minnesota.</p>
<p>Interesting dilemna! If money is the biggest issue, you have your answer already. Both are in similar locations, both offer xc skiing, you know about the language program at Middlebury. I think MIddlebury's location is alot nicer than Bates. Did you visit both schools?</p>
<p>Bates Bates Bates!!! But Congrats- you seriously can't go wrong. I know that wasn't too helpful. PM me if you want to discuss this more.</p>
<p>Go with Bates....but then again I am completely biased because I am going there next year. But seriously, both are great schools.</p>
<p>Bates Coolllllllege</p>
<p>You sound pretty knowledgeable about Bates. What can you tell me? I am looking next week again and do love it but have other choices. I will be a bio major and love skiing. The town has problems, correct? Is there any crime that we would have to worry about. How safe is the campus?</p>
<p>Don't worry about campus/town safety. The town is simply just an old mill town that is a little depressed. As far as I know the bio prpgram is pretty good and skiing--well you have many options up there...I have walked around on campus at 2/3am and felt fine...unless you go downtown to a bar and pick a fight with some townies you should be totally fine. </p>
<p>If you have equally great/prestigious choices then pick where you think you fit in best and feel most comfortable. The only complaint I hear about Bates is that its secluded and lacking diversity. But I think there is plenty of diversity and well if you decide to be in ME then you have to be your own "cruise director" and make your own social agenda...skiing, sports, parties and classwork will keep you plenty busy though, so it shouldnt be a big deal.</p>
<p>good luck!</p>
<p>What do people think the differences are between the Bates kids and Midd kids? Middlebury is in an amazingly beautiful town/setting and you have the Middlebury Bowl about 20 minutes from your back door. Frankly I think Midd. also has a better reputation than Bates!</p>
<p>I would definetly say Bates, but I am biased because I am a student there. I know I decided not to apply to Middlebury and I am glad I didn't because it seems to have a bigger emphasis on all the things I don't like about Bates such as rich preppy athletes etc. I think the students here at Bates are much more laid back and is more of a coexistence of the different stereotypes like prep, jock, hippie, nerd than a domination by one group. I know Middlebury seemed more isolated to me as well. Lewiston may not be the best town, but there is a bit to do in the area and Portland and Freeport are only 45 minutes away.</p>
<p>Bates also has a lot of outdoors stuff too. For entering freshmen, there is AESOP where you can go on a variety of outdoors trips before your orientation. The Outing Club is also very active and there are usually trips going on almost every weekend. Bates students can ski for free at Lost Valley which isn't too far away and there is usually a van that goes out to Sunday River most weekends, and even some weekdays.</p>
<p>I know Bates definetly has a good bio department, but I'm not too sure about French. Middlebury probably has the advantage there. If you go by US News ranking, Middlebury is probably ranked higher as well but it wouldn't mean any substantial difference in your education. And if money is important, I would definetely pick Bates. Look at the things that are most important to you and then make your decision.
Best of Luck!!</p>
<p>I would expect some slightly biased opinions on the Bates board. I noticed that you didn't post a similar message on the Middlebury board. I think you'll find that people find more similarities between Middlebury and Bowdoin, Williams, and Amherst than they do Midd and Bates. I often hear Bates compared to Colby, Hamilton, and Trinity. Just an observation. Oh, and I am clearly biased toward Midd.</p>
<p>From what I know, Middlebury is very rigorous academic wise</p>
<p>can you do an overnight? i visited middlebury and then went to bates the next night. a full trip but it helped me out a lot, i am wait-listed at bates and my twin sister is going to union college. i have not decided yet...i will probably go to hobart & william smith. i hope to transfer to bates if i do not get in.</p>
<p>maroon52010,
did you end up applying to Middlebury? Did you get in?</p>
<p>Middlebury didn't accept me, but my twin sister is staying on the waitlist. We had nearly identical stats. I was waitlisted at Bates and she was rejected at Bates. Funny how things work!</p>