<p>i went to colgate and middlebury among others on a recent college trip and am leaning colgate...
when i went to middlebury it seemed much more white-washed and like a living L.L. Bean catalogue. Granted niether school boasts the broadest range of students but i was wondering if anyone could elaborate.
additionally, i found that colgate's division 1 athletics and countless student organizations made the campus lively and awake...middlebury seemed tired and sleepy.
My question is: are those perceptions accurate and if so/not, what is it really like?</p>
<p>Those were generally my impressions as well, although didn't think there was much difference between the students of the two. I did like the D-I sports, what seemed like a more lively social scene and the larger class size of Colgate more. They're not really that different though, so it's really more a matter of subtle preferences.</p>
<p>I was in the position last year of choosing between Colgate, Middlebury, and a few others in that category......and I finally decided on Midd after much deliberation. I loved both schools, but Midd just a more genuine feeling running through the student body. I did overnights at both schools, and I must say my experience for that specific weekend, I had more fun at Colgate, but the overall feeling just didn't fit my overall ideal perception of what I wanted at a school. I had a fun night out with Colgate kids, but when I went to classes the next morning people were uninvolved and lacked a certain curiosity. Remember though, I visited two classes that morning, and this is observation is most likely not true for many classes there. When I visited Middlebury, everyone seemed a little 'deeper,' but not elitist intellectually. The classes I went to during my Midd visit were so much more energized (and they were even earlier than the ones I visited at Colgate), people loved to debate and were not afraid to share their opinion. The professors seemed more engaging (but again, I could have just gone to the wrong classes at Colgate). </p>
<p>Anyway, I have been at Middlebury for a month now, and I can honestly say that I am so happy with the choice I made. I have four very close friends at Colgate and after talking to them, they say they love it as well. They party a lot and are constantly playing sports, but academics does not seem to be at the forefront of their routines. If you are looking for D1 athletics with a liberal arts feel, go to Colgate. Middlebury is more challenging academically, at least from my First Year perspective. My Colgate friends work, but do not put as much emphasis on it. </p>
<p>Another thing to consider is the size of the schools. Middlebury has 2,350 students or so, and it does seem much more like a tight community. The school also has boarding school/summer camp feel to it, and many people may be turned off by that. It is purely personal preference.</p>
<p>With respect to students on campus, I think both lack considerable diversity. Granted Midd has a rather large population of International Students, this does not translate to socioeconomic diversity. Both schools need to work on this fact. Middlebury is quite active though, and student organizations are abundant and are constantly holding events and lectures. The quality of people Middlebury gets to come talk is amazing. </p>
<p>There is no wrong choice between Colgate and Middlebury. But I must say that I am slightly biased. Good luck, and I hope my brief synopsis was somewhat helpful.</p>
<p>Both are, as you should know, two of the best & most prestigious colleges in the country so getting accepted to either or both would be quite a positive accomplishment. Colgate & Middlebury attract similiar applicants although each offers different strengths academically. What do you want to study? Colgate is well respected for finance & its alumni connections in the business world; Middlebury has outstanding foreign language programs. Both are great for liberal arts study & preparing students for graduate schools. It may also help to examine why you crossed other schools off your list and to think about how Middlebury & Colgate differ from those other colleges.</p>
<p>thanks alot for the advice
im actually into political science/international relations and eventually want to get a masters in journalism.. (foreign correspondent would be ideal job)
anyways...i sent my ED to 'Gate last week because i couldnt shake the feeling that middlebury "just didn't fit quite right." if i get rejected from colgate, middleebury will be on my list for sure</p>