CA outdoorsy boy looking for a fit.

<p>My S is starting to research colleges and Midd has been suggested a few times. He is a HS Junior at a top private school on scholarship. 3.4 UW 3.7 W so far with what looks like an upward trend. Projected SAT's based on Soph PSAT 2100+. I realize that his grades make this a reach for him. He is looking for a small LAC with discussion based classes, intellectual but laid back student body, that would embrace his love of learning with his passion for the outdoors. He is a very independent free thinker type. Gets along with all groups in HS but prefers hanging out with the teacher's. Likes to get involved in EVERYTHING!!!! He is an Eagle Scout, Chapter Chief for a national organization in scouting, First Responder, Certified Rescue Diver, 750 hrs. community service volunteering his summers with conservation efforts all over the country. He also is an avid mountaineer. Is going to spend his 2nd semester this year at a school on an organic farm in Vershire Vermont. He is afraid of some of the reports being that Midd is a jock school. He is athletic but would prefer to be around the hiking/mountain type. He is a very accepting kid that loves diversity so he is hoping for an inclusive environment where everyone is comfortable hanging out together.</p>

<p>Be very careful with stereotyped reports. I’ve seen posts where people were concerned about reports of midd being an “environmental granola” school. Yes, there are jocks, there are environmentalists, there are preps, there are career oriented types, there are nerds. There are all types. One of the best things about Midd is that people just tend to get along with each other - across all “types”. That’s part of the education there. You learn to see and hear different perspectives.</p>

<p>Thanks urbanslaughter… that’s exactly what he was hoping to hear. I really don’t like to pay to much attention to stereotypes because usually tend to be wrong. He looks forward to visiting this Spring since it is so close to his school he will be attending. I think he will really love it.</p>

<p>Midd is not a “jock” school. The main culture is more inclusive and -I’m struggling for the right word,and don’t want to get the “jock” faction upset, but-“tolerant” comes to mind…Liberal in that your thing is your thing and not a reason to trash you? Saying that, intellectual “jocks” do very well there.
My 2 sons-one a definite geek type who loves to ski, was a boy scout, and “somedays just likes to sit and look at the mountains” from his dorm common room, the other a recruited athlete-so “jock” would apply-both love it. The “jock” is also an environmentalist, locovore, and he partly went for Midd first because he said the food was “more natural” than at Williams.
They are both playing intramural sports for fun as well-that’s what Midd is all about-everyone can be a part of everything that’s going on.
The grades are a reach-he might also want to look at Carleton…tho the skiing is pathetic there.</p>