<p>Hey I am trying to decide whether to apply early to Dartmouth or Middlebury. The schools seem equally amazing: Middlebury has this really cool vibe to it that I remember from visiting, I got a wonderful, slightly different vibe when I visited Dartmouth too. I really am looking for a fun-loving, outdoorsy school with interesting students who don't take themselves too seriously. I worry if Dartmouth is so academically-centered to the point where not much else happens (besides crazy frat parties). and with Middlebury I worry it would feel a bit too small. What are your thoughts?</p>
<p>Which school felt more like home when you visited? Middlebury offers a smaller, more intimite academic environment. Dartmouth has broader course offerings and a very large frat scene. Both have awesome campuses (although I’m partial to Middlebury). IMHO, Middlebury is the perfect size at around 2,400 students. You’ll make some great friends and recognize a lot of people around campus, but you’ll still be able to meet new people all the time. </p>
<p>What is your intended major?</p>
<p>Both are great, but you should also look at Williams- fair number of Dartmouth cross-admits, etc.</p>
<p>OP also posted this question on the Dartmouth board: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/dartmouth-college/990352-dartmouth-middlebury.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/dartmouth-college/990352-dartmouth-middlebury.html</a></p>
<p>Both are very fine schools. Dartmouth does have a strong drinking and Greek culture, which Middlebury lacks. Something for you to consider, either as a pro or con. Dartmouth is more isolated than Middlebury, esp. in the dead of winter.</p>
<p>^^ Agreed. However, as the OP noted in the Dartmouth thread that s/he has a GPA of 3.53 (88.25), both schools are a high reach.</p>
<p>I think you’d need to be in the top 10% for a decent chance at either school, but it never hurts to try.</p>
<p>Middlebury fills up half of its freshman class with early decision. You will significantly increase your chances if you apply early decision to Middlebury. If you need financial aid then this might not be an option. I don’t think early decision to Dartmouth gives such an advantage.</p>
<p>For the class of 2014, Dartmouth accepted approximately 40% of the class early decision. For the class of 2014, Middlebury accepted approximately 45% of the class early decision. Not THAT big a difference.</p>
<p>Dartmouth acceptance rate for ED applicants for the class of 2014: 29% (overall admit rate was 12%)
Middlebury acceptance rate for ED applicants for the class of 2014: 36% (overall admit rate was 17%)</p>
<p>Agree with the stats provided by arcadia.</p>
<p>Dartmouth is very outdoorsy plus the frat culture. I wouldn’t agree it was more academic than Midd. I agree with all the above posts, and will risk being flamed at to state that I think Dartmouth is a bit more to the right politically, and Midd more left-leaning. Of course, there are people at both schools of all political views. My rabid dem son is at Midd, and very comfortable.
The ski hill at Midd is a big plus if you ski.</p>
<p>I think Dartmouth being conservative is a lagging notion from the 80s. Its overwhelmingly liberal now - I can’t see Middlebury being more so. I knew very few republicans at Dartmouth.</p>
<p>I just got into Midd ED!!! WOOOO!! Cannot WAIT, it was most def. my top choice and I have been celebrating/incredulous all day. What an amazing place. Thanks for all of your advice, everyone, it was definitely a wonderful decision to apply ED!!! (and now I don’t have to scramble to do 10 apps over winter break!)</p>
<p>(Oh and gibby: get a life.)</p>
<p>Alexab - Congratulations! Considering my S had applied ED to Dartmouth, I understand why you would have been torn. But since he IS at Midd I can tell you (and hope you’ve learned since August when you first inquired), that those polls are pretty accurate when they say Middkids “study the most.” While there is much to love about the school, S is learnng he has to dig a little deeper than some of his friends from HS even when they’re taking the same classes - and there are some great schools in there. Not sure why there seems to be so much work at Midd, but there is a lot to enjoy as well… the work hard and party hard attitude is very much alive at Midd.</p>
<p>Congrats! Nice job! I’m sure you’ll love Midd. My boys got home for break last night, both are very happy with their experiences thus far-</p>