<p>So I went to the class of 2015 facebook page because I was accepted RD and am considering midd. However, I found a lot of members in that group were already posting about summer parties, get togethers, and some were even looking for roommates. I know that midd is known for having cliques and a lot of "preppy" people. This is kind of disappointing to me. I don't want college to be just like high school. Any thoughts?</p>
<p>So wait–you’re disappointed because people are being social with one another? I’m sure these kids are just excited to meet their new classmates! You’ll find the same sorts of posts on every college facebook page. Why not join in the conversation and meet some new people? I’m confused…</p>
<p>I guess I wasn’t really clear. I do like how everyone is being social but I just worried that since middlebury is a small school, if I got there at orientation, groups would already be formed. I don’t live in new England and can’t go to these get togethers. Mate I’m just paranoid!</p>
<p>***maybe :)</p>
<p>Blue,
I’m only the parent of an incoming Feb so I can’t speak to the social structue at Mid. I am however familiar with what it was like at other LAC and Unis my older children attended. Here is the reality whether it be Midd, Dartmouth, Columbia or any other school. When you first go there, you’re all in the same boat. Lots of new students looking to make friends. The first ones you make, won’t necessarily be “your group” and my guess is that the ones being formed on facebook are no different. It’s just a bunch of kids excited to be starting the next phase of their journey. I don’t think you are going to be excluded in any way because you don’t live in NE and can’t go to these parties etc. It’s the last few weeks of your senior year… sit back, relax, enjoy the time… then it’s on to the next adventure.</p>
<p>More then 70% of Midd students come from outside New England. Where do you live?</p>
<p>I wouldn’t worry about it whatsoever, I will be joining Midd next year with a good friend of mine, and neither of us has joined the Facebook page. There is something over a thousand students accepted, with around ~600 expected to matriculate. This group only has little over 200 students and they represent a small number of the community. There will be loads of opportunities, you’re not missing out! :)</p>
<p>I agree with much of what KarateDad says as well.</p>
<p>i wouldnt sweat it man. no need to feel pressure to socialize now or be left in the dust. i also wouldnt even worry about being aggressively gregarious when you get there if its not your natural character. just be yourself when the time comes and let the chips fall where they may…youll have more friends than you want</p>
<p>Thank you all! Your words are very comforting.</p>
<p>One problem with the internet age… you’re potentially left out if you don’t have friends before you set foot on campus. In the past it was a level playing field: you met people in the flesh, real time, once there.</p>
<p>When my son was accepted to a LAC in Philadelphia 2 years ago there was a very active facebook group. There were groups of kids that got together in NYC, northern and southern california and I think a couple of other places. He didn’t manage to go to any of the get togethers but he “knew” people when he arrived on campus. 2 years later he is still friends with many of the original facebook group. We also found it was a great way to learn more about the college, classes, dorms, etc. There were a couple of currently enrolled students who served as mentors (none of this was official, college sanctioned) which was very helpful. I’d suggest you look for facebook groups for any of the schools you are considering as a way to help you get a feel for who your classmates would be.</p>
<p>My sense from my child’s class a few years ago is that some accepted students who live in cities get together and connect through facebook because it makes them feel a little more comfortable arriving, but your group is generally the people on your hall in your dorm and in your commons. So the groups are not already formed at all.</p>
<p>blue92 – don’t worry. My oldest is a junior at Midd. When she entered, she was one of only two freshman from our entire state and didn’t know a single soul on campus. She almost instantly made friends with her hall mates and first-year seminar fellows, and they remain her best friends today. Her friends are from all over: Alaska, Washington (state), Philadelphia, NYC, NJ, and more and she couldn’t possibly be happier with her experience at Middlebury. She’s friendly, but reserved and thoughtful, and the school has been just what she hoped college would be like. There are groups, as in any school, but no one “scene” dominates. You’ll find your niche.</p>