<p>S applied to both, visited both and was accepted to both. In the end it came down to these two schools and one other.</p>
<p>However, in visiting Colgate for a second time and spending a lot of time talking to current students he came away with the feeling that there were a lot of Colgate students who had not been accepted to Midd (and it had been their first choice). So… when he visited after acceptances and was asked, there was a large number who said, “that’s where I wanted to go, but I didn’t get in.” Not to say they aren’t happy as clams to be at Colgate, but just repeating the story.</p>
<p>Second, again in talking to students and hanging out, he felt like there was a lot more partying at Colgate. Not that there isn’t a lot of partying at Middlebury - there absolutely is. But there are probably fewer nights of the week dedicated to it at Midd.</p>
<p>Also, in trying to ask kids about their classes and professors, and this was the main thing that made up his mind, the kids he spoke to just didn’t seem as engaged in their classes as those students he spoke to at MIddlebury, who talked a lot about class (clearly enthusiastic) outside of it. I would suggest that Midd is probably slightly more intellectual, but let’s face it, it’s not UChicago. 
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<p>Athletics: There is the DI, DIII distinction, but I don’t think you can say Midd doesn’t take it’s athletics seriously. They do, however, really hold true to the scholar athlete mentality. As for school spirit, Colgate students left him with the impression that they didn’t much go to the games etc whereas at Midd almost “everyone” attends certain sports games (lacrosse and hockey top the list) and school spirit is evident at all. But, Midd’s ski team is DI. And Middlebury would probably trounce Colgate at lacrosse regardless of division. They are regulars at the final four. </p>
<p>Can’t really speak to politics, but there was a huge hubbub at Colgate last year when they brought in what I thought were fabulous speakers being poorly attended. I believe Colin Powell was among them. However, while liberal minded for sure, I don’t think there is any persecution of political leanings.</p>
<p>Financial aid: cannot speak to this, either but I believe both are need blind and meet full demonstrated need.</p>
<p>All of this said, son has said he would be happy regardless and it was a good problem to have to be accepted at both, but he is thrilled to be at Middlebury. He loves everything about the place… and will spend Jterm skiing at the Snow Bowl. What’s not to love? Both schools are lovely and offer a first rate education. As we said when the decision was on the table, having the choice of either was a good place to be.</p>
<p>Personally, I had no horse in the race, but my one complaint of Colgate was the constant walking of stairs. When they say it’s on a hill… they aren’t kidding! Son says Midd seems really spread out at times. And… son says the food at Midd is actually good. AND he can eat as much as he wants so he might go in at 4 for a snack before working out/practice and then eat a real dinner later.</p>