I’m applying to colleges now (I’m applying all regular decision) and I’m mostly looking at Yale. However, I also visited Middlebury and liked it more, so I’m applying there as well. I understand that prestige of a school shouldn’t play a role in weather I decide to attend. But, I would like to go to a well-known school so that it will be easier to find a job after graduation or to apply to graduate schools. So, I’m wondering if Middlebury is well known as a prestigious school? Or do not many people know about it? If I’m mostly concerned with the viability of my diploma, which school should I choose?
I think it also depends on what type of career you are trying to pursue. Different colleges have different strengths. As far as acceptance rates go, Yale has a much lower acceptance rate. Also, you should probably broaden your search a little if you haven’t already as those are reach schools even for the best applicants.
Grad schools will all know and respect M. Some employers will know M and some won’t, but I’m not sure that it is having gone to a “well known” school that gets one hired.
It’s a LAC so your average Joe will probably not recognize it. However, people who actually know a thing or two about college will probably recognize Middlebury as a very prestigious school. They have one the best language programs in the world, so it all depends on what you want to study.
I was accepted to Yale E.A., and I’m applying to Middlebury R.D. I am not sure what I’m going to do. I like medicine and may want to major in the sciences. However, when I went to Middlebury to visit I was told that their science departments are very strong even though they are not well known. Also, I’m not even sure I want to do medicine. I may want to major in something else. I like Yale enough to go if it would be better for my future than going to Middlebury, even though I like Middlebury’s campus more. Also, financial aid is not a consideration in choosing a college because my parents don’t qualify for any aid.
You are not comparing apples to apples so you need to make a list of your priorities and then compare the two…
The best advice that anyone ever gave me was to go to the school that feels right for you. What does your gut say? People who choose a college for the wrong reasons often end up unhappy. Both are fantastic schools. Why not apply to Midd, see what happens in March, then make a decision?
I’m a huge Middlebury fan and love the elite LACs. But tough to walk away from Yale. I agree with arcadia. Wait until March and decide then?
Somehow I think that premeds at Yale could be a little more “tightly wound” that those at Midd-You also will have a rural versus urban environment as well as a class size distinction. All med schools would rate Midd premeds as highly as Yale, as Midd is known not to have grade inflation, and a rigorous preparation. You can also check with the premed committee at each school, which helps their undergrads plan for, and get into med school. They will have numbers for you-students applying and acceptance rates. I’m sure they are comparable.
I suggest you go where you would be happier and drop the prestige thing. It’s really not different enough to make or break you.