Dartmouth vs. Middlebury

I’m between applying ED to Dart or Midd. I really like the location of Dartmouth as it feels less isolated than Midd but at the same time, I’m not sure about the social scene at Dartmouth or it’s sophomore summer. I’m also worried about the time commitment for my sport at Dartmouth vs Middlebury as Dartmouth is D1 and Midd is D3. Additionally, I would be able to get some admissions help from Midd while I would get none from Dart. What should I do? What are the pros and cons of each school? Does Midd really feel as isolated as I imagine it to be? Is the drinking culture and social scene at Dartmouth as bad as I make it out to be?

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yes and yes

Think of what you like about these colleges to apply ED 1. They are both nice looking, tight knit communities with lots of opportunities in cold country.

I do not believe I have ever heard anyone complain about sophomore summer, when the second years get to rule the roost, except maybe that the classes are not rigorous enough. :))

I doubt there is much difference between D1 and D3 as far as time commitment is concerned. Women’s rugby was not D1 at Dartmouth when D was there but it played at that level as a club team (the way the men’s team still does), and she did not find it burdensome. Professors were quite understanding about away games – and even more so when she had a concussion one year and simply could not take a scheduled test.

Is the drinking culture as bad as it is made out to be? Not in my opinion. Is it worse than many other colleges? I don’t believe so. Do you have to be a part of to enjoy your time in Hanover? Absolutely not.

Sophomore summer is one of the true joys at Dartmouth. And absolutely agree with @AboutTheSame on the drinking culture and students being fine who don’t drink.

Do you need the admissions help at Dartmouth? If you do, there might not really be a choice to be made at all.

Not sure about your sport, but in general, D1 takes up a lot more time. Also not sure what you mean about Admissions help. Financial help, or just help in getting in? Because I don’t think there would be much of a difference in the latter case. If they really want you as an athlete at either place then they will try to fit you in. Both schools will need a certain test and grade scores. If they don’t really want you at Dartmouth(D1), but do at Midd(D3)…well, that situation speaks for itself.

I know the territory, somewhat. S1 was looking at Midd as a recruited athlete, and BIL and SIL are profs at Dartmouth. Both are really good schools, as you know, but S1 would choose Dartmouth in a flash, and he is a non drinker. I’m sure there are parties going on at both places, but it’s not like Dartmouth is a Hell’s Angels clubhouse. On the contrary, it’s one of the most sophisticated, beautiful small towns on the continent, even if they do walk funny at crosswalks.

^
The crosswalks alone are the one reason I couldn’t tolerate Hanover. Seriously though, D was recruited by several D1 and D3 schools including dartmouth. In her sport I would say the better d3 programs are about the same as the ivies in terms of intensity and effort. With no scholarship, there is no leverage over the students which is many cases is not a bad thing unless the $$ is necessary to make the school affordable.

I loved Dartmouth personally when my son was getting recruited. But if the decision is Mid with coach’s support or Dartmouth in the general pool, I would take Mid in a heartbeat.

+1 for the crosswalks. What’s not to love about being able to go catty corner, as opposed to 2 crosses?

Agree with @Ohiodad51 as Dartmouth general pool is less than 10% and Middlebury with coaches support in ED is at least 50% - not even close…

Son recruited athlete at Midd, close family friend recruited athlete at Dartmouth. HUGE difference in time committmnet, friend is not longer in her sport. D1 even Ivy is all year. Son didn’t do a single thing for his sport(except some working out) out of season. Midd is a wonderful school, very high happiness ratings on the Princeton Review, and while it may be “isolated”. there is a lot going on, especially if you ski or run or love the outdoors.
Hanover is a bit more of a town, and certainly lots going on with happy students, but I would rate the overall experiences quite similar. No grad students or TAs at Midd, so all classes taught by the prof.
I wouldn’t turn down coach support at Midd for ED1 at Dartmouth either.(agree with @Ohiodad51 ) I don’t think you’ll be sorry.

Can we get an update from OP? Did you apply to one ED?