<p>anyways, I got accepted from Middlebury.
I applied many IVYs, but got rejected from most of them.
so I am trying to decide among about 4~5 schools I got in till now, and Middlebury is one of my choices.</p>
<p>I go to a small private highschool, and I would like to keep studying in this kind of educatinal environment. (small classes, a lot of discussions, close relationship with teachers, all arounded-education including activities, sports, social life.) I know Middlebury is a very good liberal art school, which I think I would really enjoy.</p>
<p>But when it comed to the prestigiousness of the school name, professors, and the ability of the students, how good is it?</p>
<p>Do you guys know about anything?
Just general evaluation of the school maybe?</p>
<p>I wouldn't be too quick to associate "small classes, a lot of discussions, close relationships with teachers, and all around-education including activities, sports, social life" as phenomena monopolised by private schools, especially at a high school level.</p>
<p>With my public school dignity again intact, Middlebury is a reasonably prestigious school with from what I can tell extremely capable students. Yet, if the school is a fit for you, how much does prestige matter? If the school doesn't seem fit on a personal level, no level of prestige should justify it.</p>
<p>Erm, when I read your post the first time, I think I may have taken it the wrong way. I apologise if my initial reply was touchy. Anyway, I've gone to bed, woken up, gone for a run, had breakfast, and feel better now.</p>
<p>From what I've heard, access to professors is good, and classes are very interesting / interactive.</p>
<p>I don't really know how someone could begin to give a general evaluation of a school, although places like the PrincetonReview and US World/News certainly try. It's a pretty school...</p>
<p>Maybe someone on this thread goes to Middlebury?</p>
<p>jnc--What other schools are you considering?</p>
<p>Middlebury is widely recognized in the US as one of the best liberal arts colleges, and has an excellent track record of getting graduates into the top grad schools. See:</p>
<p>Reputation wise, Midd is better known on the east coast (including New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC), and in larger cities outside New England and the Mid Atlantic (Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, Houston, etc.). Many people in rural America will not know about Middlebury (or Williams or Amherst for that matter) because Midd doesn't field DI sports teams, and isn't a large research university that's in the news all the time.</p>
<p>That being said, among academics and the well educated, Middlebury has an excellent reputation as an elite college with a spectacular campus and top-notch facilities. The students are smart, outgoing, and accomplished. Faculty care deeply about their subject areas, and treat students with respect. If you go to Midd, expect to work your butt off--classes are challenging and there are very few who can get by without working hard.</p>
<p>If you have any other specific questions, post them here.</p>
<p>Middlebury is a very, very good school. Professors will know you by name and will pay very close attention. If you're looking for a small, liberal arts school with small classes, lots of class discussion, and a school with a lot of resources (especially for a school as small as Middlebury), then this is the place for you.</p>
<p>If you're really worried about prestige, though, then go to an Ivy, because the experience of a school like Middlebury will be entirely wasted on you.</p>
<p>you don't have to be so accusatory nattik. I think jnc has a very good question on hand. I think it entirely reasonable to ask where the school stands compared to other schools and how the Middlebury name will help me out after I graduate. It would be stupid not to consider prestige in such a crucial decision in a person's life.</p>
<p>I'll agree with you about being accusatory, but I think that prestige is not something that's overly important. You're going to get a great education at Middlebury. The fact that it doesn't carry the same prestige as Harvard shouldn't be a negative. I don't think it should even be considered. The people who should know about Middlebury will know about Middlebury.</p>
<p>I want to go to Middlebury because I am in love with it, it's fantastic language program and great writing program (Breadloaf). Not because of prestige.</p>
<p>PLEASE, don't go so I can get off of the waitlist!!!! Why can't admissions tell the difference between an applicant that is worried about prestige, and one that truly loves and appreciates the school and it's strengths?????</p>
<p>Not knowing what other schools you were accepted at, i can't 'compare" and I don't have a kid at Middlebury, but i do have a brother in law who went there and my niece will be attending Middlebury in the fall.</p>
<p>I live in NYS. Middlebury is considered a top, top notch school in all regards. My niece is a national merit scholarship finalist, scored a 1500 on her SAT ( she only took it once) and also is a XC runner. From what I understand the professors take a great interest in their students, there is a great social life - lots of different things to do. The town of Middlebury is really great. It is about a hour from Burlington, which is a totally cool town( small city). The school enviroment is progressive, intellectually stimulating. Kids come from all over and they remain friends for life.</p>
<p>If you would like to speak to either my brother in law or niece, PM me and I will give you their phone number.</p>
<p>The "prestige" aspect, at the core of that most hateful term, is basically a question of "will I be able to get a job with this school." Firstly, it is all about what you make out of your education and a strong liberal arts school like Middlebury provides ample opportunities and access (to profs). At some point your employer will likely look at what college you attended. In the big cities, most likely in the east, employers will know and give credit to your studies at Middlebury, but don't expect this in the West, South, or Midwest. Is it cause for concern? You shouldn't lose sleep over it, but yeah, it makes a difference.</p>
<p>So.. if you are "just" (i'm using that term loosely) seeking a bachelor's degree and are open to possibility of working in the "less Midd-favorable" regions that I mentioned, you'd be better off going to a more well-known school. If you are thinking about going into post-graduate studies, then rest assured that the admissions folks at the grad schools KNOW Middlebury. This school will help you get to the top schools (yeah, for those who like neat numbers you can look at that silly "feeder schools" report).</p>
<p>At least that's my take on it, for what it's worth...</p>
<p>Another key ingredient that you shouldn't overlook if you think a large "prestigious" school will open more doors....There is a HUGE alumni network at Middlebury. This "old boy/old girl" reach is remarkable. The career office is very helpful in matching students with internships. An alum can open doors that no big school can.</p>