<p>Out of these 3 colleges, which does CC think is the best? Which is the hardest to get into? Which has the best academics? And most importantly, which has the strongest English/ Creative Writing/ Literature program? Also, what is each campus like, and how would you compare student life? I really would like to apply to one of these LACs as my reach school.</p>
<p>They are all the best.</p>
<p>Middlebury College is the hardest to get into because it has the lowest acceptance rate.</p>
<p>They all have strong English, Creative Writing, Literature programs.</p>
<p>I do not know what each campus is like because I have never visited any of the three. I cannot compare student life either because I have not visited at least two of them. More detailed answers can be found by asking student life questions in each respective colleges’ forum.</p>
<p>@Ctesiphon true haha, thanks.</p>
<p>I have been to two of the 3 (Carleton and Haverford), and have researched Middlebury although have not visited. They are actually very comparable. I don’t think of any of them as above or below the others in English, Creative Writing, and Literature. All are fine, although the rock star of the LAC world in this area is Kenyon. I have also heard very good things about Hamilton in this area. I think all have nice LAC-like campuses. Haverford has an especially communal feel (I think partly due to their Quaker heritage) and the benefit of being able to share courses with Bryn Mawr and Swarthmore. If it were me, I would probably pick Haverford for that reason over the other two. But really, any would be a good choice.</p>
<p>You are asking other people to make assessments for you that only you can make. Each would be a great school for the right student and a horrible school for the wrong one. Academically, there is no appreciable difference. Socially, each has it’s own vibe that you will need to match with your own personality. And until you get in two or more, there’s really point no in discussing which would be best for you, as there is no choice to make. If you are trying to decide on ED, if you have to ask CC, you probably shouldn’t be applying ED.</p>
<p>Certainly true you should not apply ED if you haven’t visited. But I do feel like they are fairly comparable schools, and I suspect a student who would be happy at one would probably be fairly happy at the other two.</p>
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<p>That does not necessarily make it the most selective, because not every applicant pool is the same.
Carleton and Haverford students enter with slightly higher average test scores than Middlebury students.
They are all about equally selective.</p>
<p>As for which is the “best” really depends on what you’re after. Haverford is quite a bit smaller than the other two, but its consortium relationship with Bryn Mawr, Swarthmore and UPenn creates opportunities that may not be available at Carleton or Middlebury. So does Haverford’s proximity to Philadelphia. Middlebury and Carleton are located in more rural settings than Haverford, and in colder winter climate zones.</p>
<p>I’ve visited all 3. Each school is very good overall, but has specific areas of distinction. Middlebury probably has the best reputation of the 3 for creative writing. Why not apply to all of them and see how the admission and aid decisions shake out?</p>
<p>@tk21769 good idea. I’m not sure about haverford though, as my act scores have not come back and I have not taken SAT IIs.</p>
<p>@MrMom62 what about ED 2?</p>
<p>The whole point is that ED is binding. If you haven’t even visited, DO NOT APPLY ED. Period.</p>
<p>^^Exactly!</p>
<p>@MrMom62 @intparent true. I guess I’ll have to visit. If I love one though, I may want to increase my chances.</p>
<p>Academics and English/writing programs are very strong at all three and, as already pointed out, there will be little difference in entrance competitiveness. Location represents, however, a significant difference between these schools, size to a lesser degree as well. </p>
<p>Haverford is classically suburban in feel with easy access to Philly, significantly smaller than the others but just down the road from Bryn Mawr with a lot of cross registration (very little cross reg with Swat or Penn). The other end of the spectrum is Midd, twice the size but physically very, very removed from city life in remote small town/rural Vt. Carleton is the middle of this pack in both size and location - historic small town rural with a 1000 acre arboretum attached, but near to Minneapolis-St. Paul for frequent outings if desired. </p>
<p>Your decision should come down to which of these environments fits best. Visiting will definitely help. </p>
<p>Haverford does not offer ED2, RD is Jan 15. Middlebury’s ED2 deadline (and RD) is Jan. 1. Carleton’s ED2 and RD deadline is Jan. 15.</p>