<p>We don't know yet whether DS will be accepted at Skidmore and/or Middlebury, but if it comes down to a decision between the two, does anyone have any light to shed on a comparison? I'm thinking Middlebury may a bit more isolated, but in terms of the kinds of students, academic programs, alumni network, social life, school "character", etc., what do you think are the major differences? At this point, DS is primarily interested in creative writing and technology innovation (but doesn't want to be an engineer).</p>
<p>While Middlebury and Skidmore may sound similar on a paper comparison, they are on completely different levels. As a student who has applied to both (and visited both overnight with a cousin at Middlebury and a friend at Skidmore) I understand the appeal that they both have: A liberal atmosphere, lots of greenery on and around the campus, a small lac intimate learning environment. But Skidmore is a school much more focused on the arts and therefore has a larger and more visible gay population. Skidmore also has many more students from the city and it shows by the way students dress and act. </p>
<p>Middlebury on the other hand has much stronger academics and less of a focus on the arts. Middlebury is also much preppier (think J. Crew) as opposed to the urban style of the Skidmore students (more American Apparel/Urban Outfitters). My top choice is Middlebury due to the rigorous academics.</p>