For reputation, graduate school placement and job opportunities?
Thanks
<p>Hey sambouc - that was the very decision I had to make last April, and it was damn hard. Bowdoin has slightly better grad placement - #19 in the country vs. Midd's #23. My dad's conclusion was that Midd grads go into more artsy pursuits while Bowdoin grads go into more practical things, and I think that's partially accurate but maybe a little too stereotypical. Both schools have very similar reputations in academic circles - grad schools will really look equally upon each, even if stupid people who care only about ivy league schools look at you funny if you say you go to Midd/Bowdoin. If you want to do stuff in languages/hard sciences, I'd look at Midd, but if you want to do life sciences (e-sci and bio), social sciences, or gov/poli sci, look at Bowdoin. I chose Bowdoin mostly due to gut feel, location (Midd is isolated as all hell - the town of Middlebury is so boring, and going to the nearest urban center takes a day trip. Bowdoin is on the coast of Maine, has a charming college town, and is just a few minutes from Portland/Freeport), and my perception of the people at each - Midd seemed way too preppy and athletic for me. I don't regret my decision, although people seem to feel that Midd is better because it's more selective or whatever (which isn't even entirely true). Well that's enough rambling from me. Email me at <a href="mailto:tdagenai@bowdoin.edu">tdagenai@bowdoin.edu</a> if you have any questions.</p>
<p>Hi Travis. Many thanks for the detailed answer. It is going to be a tough decision indeed. I have been accepted to 11 schools including Bowdoin and Midd. . Among the best schools I have been accepted to, there is also Wash U.I am waitlisted at Columbia and Georgetown. If Columbia comes, I would take Columbia because my dad went there and I'm from NYC. Columbia has a special place in the family because he immigrated to attend and we have been in the US since. I am going to visit Bowdoin and Midd in April. My initial perception is that Wash U is quite far from the East Coast and I am planning to visit NYC often. I love the school, though. But I am planning to work in NYC in the future and I have been very impressed by the graduate school placement and work opportunities at Bowdoin and Midd. I think they are pretty much equivalent in those areas. I am leaning towards Midd at the moment because I am multilingual (French, Spanish, Italian) and want to learn Portuguese. Midd is strong in languages. But I am also interested in Poli-Sci/Econ and you mention that Bowdoin is very strong...OMG it is going to be difficult. I will definitely email you soon!!! Thanks so much for kind advice.</p>
<p>sambouc,
Congrats on getting into some great schools. I was accepted early write to Bowdoin and regular decision to Midd, and had the same dilemma. In the end, I chose Middlebury and have never regretted my decision. Midd is, in my opinion, the perfect size for a college. With 2,400 students, you will get to know lots of people really well, but you will still find that you're meeting new people all the time. Bowdoin is quite a bit smaller (around 1,600 I think), which makes a huge difference. IMHO, Midd has the best campus of any college that I've visited, and the facilites are outstanding. In terms of academics/reputation/grad school placement, I think both schools are comparable. I disagree with Travis about Midd's isolation. Yes, the town of Middlebury is only 8,000, but it has all the necessities. Burlington, arguably the best college town in the country, is a 45 minute drive (hardly a "day trip"), and Montreal is 2.5 hours north. </p>
<p>In the end, it comes down to the feeling you get on campus. Visit both again and go with your gut. I would certainly choose either Midd or Bowdoin over Wash U. You can always go to a large research university for grad school, but you will never have another chance to attend an elite LAC.</p>
<p>Also, FYI, Midd wins hands down in cross admits. In 2000, 76% of those admitted to both schools matriculated at Midd. But like I said, visit both again and go with your gut...</p>
<p>Thanks very much arcadia. I will definitely visit both again. I am a little biased because I am a ski lover...
How about a car? Do you think I need a car at Midd.? Do students have cars there? Thanks.</p>
<p>The town of Middlebury does have all the necessities... for your grandparents.</p>
<p>(Sorry, I just had to. Not to start an argument or anything.) Congrats again sambouc, good luck with the decision.</p>