<p>Hi, I am currently a freshman at Tufts University planning on majoring in Chemistry but am very curious about Middlebury. I thought that I should post my questions in the transfers discussion but might get more insightful answers in the Middlebury forum. </p>
<p>I had been offered freshman admission to Middlebury but decided not to attend because I had thought that it was not particularly strong in the physical sciences and would not have as many opportunities to do research. I've come to realize, though, that it matters more to excel in what I do than it does to build up on research experience during my undergraduate career. I would like to know whether the chemistry dpt at Middlebury would be more nurturing and the chem major a more solid preparation for further studies at a good grad school. (I am not interested in med school.) </p>
<p>I know that the recently built Bicentennial Hall is supposed to have amazing facilities, but are other aspects of the chemistry department competitive with that of a research university? How are the faculty members in the chemistry department? Are there enough opportunities available to work do research with a professor? I am not clear on whether or not professors at a liberal arts college conduct their own research projects in which students can assist or whether they only mentor students who conduct their own individual research. (In the advanced chemistry sequence I am taking right now, we have lectures once a week where professors and post docs present their research projects so that the students can have greater exposure to hands-on chemistry.) Also, how does Middlebury's advising system work? What do chemistry majors at Middlebury pursue after their undergraduate career? </p>
<p>I am considering applying as a spring transfer (2009) to Middlebury. I am not even sure if they will be accepting spring transfers because I know they had over-enrolled by about 100 students for the class of 2011 and are, therefore, not accepting fall 2008 transfers. I do not have all the logistics worked out as I would like to gather enough information before I make a concrete decision. I am thinking about whether it would be advisable to transfer so late in my undergraduate career. </p>
<p>I haven't really gone into specific details about other aspects of Middlebury that I prefer to Tufts. I guess it would be helpful to mention them if I want more accurate responses...I think, to summarize, Middlebury would be a better "fit" for me, in terms of the smaller student body, the commons system, J-term, their value of a comprehensive liberal arts education (as opposed to a focus on pre-professionalism), and the rural setting (I visited campus during spring of my senior year in hs after I had been accepted and loved the quaint and charming quintessentially New England setting). </p>
<p>Any replies would be appreciated. Thanks.</p>