<p>So, I was accepted to Middlebury to begin in February (class of 2013.5) is anyone else in this position? A couple questions:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>what do people think of this acceptance? I was overjoyed to be accepted but do not want to start in february.</p></li>
<li><p>has anyone EVER heard success stories of getting changed to starting in September? Midd is my top choice and I want to know if i have any chance of being transferred to September before I get my hopes up (even though they already are up.) Thanks! Please give me suggestions and tips!!!!!!!!!</p></li>
</ul>
<p>I was also accepted for February and would also love to hear from a past feb student.
It is one of my top choices as well, but I’m a little worried about starting half way through the year…</p>
<p>Febs are known for being very active around campus. It sounds like it’s a great bunch of kids, I am definitely considering it! Apparently since there are only 100 they all bond and get to know each other really well. Also…you graduate by skiing down a mountain!!!</p>
<p>I noted on the accepted student days there is a special session for Feb admits. Did you see that? If you go, I am sure it will be a huge help in making a decision.</p>
<p>SingingGurl,
My son was a Feb last year and when we went to Admitted Students Day I couldn’t figure out why all the faculty and staff we met kept making such a big deal about the Febs. More than once, we heard, “We love the Febs!” What you have heard is true - they form really tight bonds quickly at their own 5 day orientation, are VERY involved on campus, and have had some interesting exoeriences during their time off. I would HIGHLY recommend it if Midd is your first choice! The school loves the Febs and makes a big effort to accommodate them in every way possible!</p>
<p>SingingGurl, I have a unique experience. I was a September Admit, but I took a Semester off and graduated with the Febs. First, let me say that there is no distinction made about the ability of Febs compared to Regs (regular admits). Everyone who is accepted at Middlebury is there because he/she is considered one of the best students in the country. Certainly no one looks down on Febs if that’s what you were worried about. Because I graduated with the Febs, I became very close to them. One of my good friends, a Feb, went straight to Harvard Law School in the fall after graduation. They are a great bunch of people and definitely very close. One of my best experiences was graduating on skis at the Snow Bowl. I would not even bother to try to get into the September group. Starting in February will give you the opportunity to do something you’ve always wanted to do. Take advantage of the opportunity.</p>
<p>I also have a son who graduated as a Feb. I would agree that there is no difference (after the initial beginning), however, there are significant differences at some points. For example, if you are a science major – pre med in particular – you may have difficulty completing requirements at convenient times. Also, if you are trying to take consecutive course requirements (as in languages) you might have problems. There is also no “family day” for parents in the spring, so parents/families will need to wait until Fall of their student’s second semester to visit the school as the parent of a student. These may seem like small things, or perhaps mere inconveniences, but they can add up…although I think my son is glad he was a Feb (and would not have wanted to be a “Reg”), there were definitely differences, both perceived and real, between the two. And I’d be lying if I said my son never had issues with being a Feb. On the other hand, no matter where you go, there will always be issues. If I were a student considering being a Feb, I would definitely explore and really understand the differences and how they would affect my particular situation. Also understand that although Febs are definitely special in ways that are hard to express, Midd has Febs for one reason only: it’s good for business. And your choice should take that into consideration!</p>
<p>I’d think that if you have something meaningful to do for a semester (volunteer work in some other country, etc.), then a February start would make sense. But a February start wouldn’t be for me and certainly it wouldn’t have worked for my son (Class of 2012). Too much time off between high school and college without a worthwhile interim activity.</p>
<p>My personal opinion is that there’s really no reason to delay starting college unless there’s a really valid reason.</p>
<p>Actually the “gap” was the <em>best</em> part about being a Feb…my son had the opportunity to pursue an interest outside of formal education – and he was able to have a well-earned break after working hard for four years of high school and before launching into an intense four years at Midd!</p>
<p>Being a Feb is a completely unique experience, and one that you’ll never be able to have in your life again. You are free to do whatever you want with your time, with no pressure whatsoever: essentially ultimate freedom! Some people travel, some people work, and others just veg out (although I’ve never met a Feb who has :D).</p>
<p>Embrace the Febness. You won’t regret it :)</p>
<p>If Midd is your first choice do not let the Feb Freshman issue stop/scare you. Although I am now parent, many years ago I was admitted to Mount Holyoke College as Feb Freshman. Intially I was soooo disappointed b/c it was my first choice. The amazing option kids have today were not available to me so I just went to my local university and
took the time to continue my EC passions. Within a week I felt like I had been there since the fall. My best friends were not febs. I later learned the adcoms often pick the students they believe will make the best use of their fall and are best suited personality wise to be feb freshman. If Midd is your dream don’t let missing one semester stop you.
Time flies and you will never regret it. I didnt.</p>
<p>Do many febs study at other universities for the first semester? The university of Edinburgh and Saint Andrews in Scotland seem to have programs for first semester freshman. I’m very curious to hear what others think/know about this idea…</p>
<p>I decided to attend my state University in the fall because I wanted to graduate with my class. I think it would be difficult to return to a small LAC like Middlebury or Mount Holyoke for another semester after all of your friends had graduated. Also, if you do not graduate in May of your senior year you are a semester behind in applying to graduate school or looking for a job. If you get the necessary credits in the fall then you will not have that hanging over your head and you can spend your summers pursing internships and other opportunities. Both of the options you mentioned sound fabulous. I would just confirm with Middlebury that tall of the credits will transfer.</p>