midd v. bowdoin. deciding tomorrow.

<p>So i know that there's been a million threads on this before, but I promise i've actually read them all.</p>

<p>I sent in my deposit to Bowdoin, but I got off the Middlebury waitlist, and I was looking for some opinions. Is it worth it to switch?</p>

<p>I'm definitely interested in majoring in some Science, possibly Chemistry or Biology, but I'm also interested in language, though probably not as a major. Study abroad is important, and I'm also really into sports, though not at the varsity level.</p>

<p>I know people going both places, so thats not really an issue. I also know that Bowdoin's dorms and food are definitely superior!</p>

<p>(Midd was my first choice, but when i decided on Bowdoin I learned to love it, so its a really hard choice now that I'm actually given the option.)</p>

<p>Have you ever gone on College ******* dot com? Not sure why this forum x’s out part of that website, but it rhymes with crowler and begins with a p. :)</p>

<p>While we paid for a subscription a year ago, I noticed that for some reason they are giving all access to Bowdoin so you can see everything that they have to say. It’s called premium content. You have to really read what’s behind the grade though. For example, even though the nightlife gets a D+ at Midd (compared to a C at Bowdoin), it’s really only because there aren’t a lot of dance clubs etc. Midds a little larger which for S seemed a plus as that was the most oft heard “complaint” from first year freshman about schools smaller. Granted, 2300-2500 isn’t larger, but it’s not 1700 either. Anyway… check it out and good luck making your decision!</p>

<p>Midd. 10char</p>

<p>Well if language is going to be any component of your future study, Midd is obviously going to be tops. </p>

<p>However, if it’s just as a minor, Bowdoin would probably offer you a language program comparable to Midd. </p>

<p>If I was you, I’d stick with Bowdoin, simply because it appears like you’ve become really comfortable with the idea of going there and probably don’t want to go through another college change this late in the game.</p>

<p>ya, I wouldn’t switch this late, unless you REALLY wanted to go to Midd from the get-go</p>

<p>I will say however that if you decide on Midd, it’s not like you’re behind in any info sharing. I have been rather surprised at the lack of it, but imagine it will come at a steady clip now that graduation (theirs) is over. I just don’t think there is much hassle involved this early in the game.</p>

<p>I would go with your gut. You stayed on the wait list for a reason. You got in for a reason. But that doesnt mean the reason is that you are meant to be there. Maybe it is, of course. But maybe the reason is just so you will have no regrets going into your first year, wherever that might be! You have the luxury of choice and so here’s your chance to start trusting who you are meant to be. Go with your gut.</p>

<p>Both are fantastic schools that will give you what you need and much, much more. Listen to your heart on this one; you won’t find the answer on CC.</p>

<p>They are both tip top undergraduate schools where you will get a fabulous education. So maybe the decision comes down to the extras: Would you rather be near the mountains or the ocean? Bowdoin is located in a larger “town” with more things to do and is not quite as isolated as Midd is. Regular bus service to/from Portland, along with the Portland Jetport, makes it a little more convenient to access. Food is great at Bowdoin, don’t know about Midd. Midd is larger and has a more “open” feel, something my D really liked. The campus is just stunningly beautiful, much like Colgate. She found Bowdoin, amongst the Bowdoin pines, a little small and confining.</p>

<p>Either way, you can’t go wrong!</p>

<p>well… I don’t know much except what I am told. S said food was great at Midd… granted he only ate there twice. However, as a mom, I rather like their commitment to organic and in reducing their carbon footprint, local.</p>

<p>yes, that is happening at both schools</p>

<p>Bowdoin has its own organic garden, an aggressive buy local program, and, according to the entities that rate college food, the best or (second-best) college food in the US . .</p>

<p>MIdd also has their own organic garden too… But I have heard Bowdoin’s food rates pretty high on those lists. But seriously… aren’t there more important things to consider?</p>

<p>But I also think the decision was made today. Why on a holiday I don’t know,but that’s what the OP said.</p>

<p>In the end, I had the same decision to make several years ago (with some other schools in the mix, but I narrowed it down to M and B). I chose Midd after one more visit to both schools and have never regretted that decision. I loved Midd’s campus and size. Bowdoin has a nice campus, but it just didn’t feel right for me. Plus I felt that Midd’s environmental studies program was stronger (although both have great programs). Go with your gut instinct and never look back. You’ll have a rewarding and enriching experience at either college.</p>

<p>You applied to Middlebury and Bowdoin, among others.</p>

<p>You were deferred to Midd, accepted to Bowdoin, among others.</p>

<p>You sent in your payment to secure a seat at Bowdoin, for that was the best choice you have.</p>

<p>Now comes Midd from the waitlist with an offer.</p>

<p>What to do?</p>

<p>First, you have not lost anything, other than a few dollars to reserve a seat.</p>

<p>Second, where do you want to go? Do you know why you want Midd or Bowdoin?</p>

<p>Third, though both are great schools, both are very different. Where do you want to go?</p>

<p>If you still do not know where you fit, then do whatever.</p>

<p>Four years is a long time, yet short when you are done. I cannot imagine where my several years have gone. Choose wisely, as this is your best shot.</p>

<p>Cheers.</p>

<p>Modadunn:</p>

<p>Actually, it came as a surprise to me how much “the little things” count! Food, dorms, laundry accessibility, bike paths, parking, the neighborhood coffee shop, the student center or bookstore-every day things that can really make a difference. Once the bigger issues are off the table, those coming under the category of “fit,” sometimes it’s the little things that really matter, that make for a really enjoyable experience.</p>

<p>Best of luck to the OP on your decision.</p>

<p>So frogger, what did you decide to do?</p>

<p>

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<p>Agreed. But I honestly think between the two schools at hand, the food and dorms aren’t hugely different. I have not been to Bowdoin (but all reports have been glowing), and son thought it was a little too small. While made little sense why he liked Amherst but I think the whole 5 college thing mitigated that one. In any event, I have heard some kids at Midd have a better laundry situation than others depending on dorm. And you can’t pick the dorm because your freshman seminar determines that. Student center? Bookstore - although Midd opens their entirely new digs any minute - ? I couldn’t tell you except to say, that’s why it becomes more about fit.</p>

<p>Hey Moda! I was just talking in general about the overall college experience and how the little things sometimes count more and more, once the bigger isuues regarding “fit” have been decided. I was not talking about Midd, specifically.</p>

<p>But if I had the choice between Midd and Bowdoin??? Wow. That’s a hard one. Wonder what the OP decided??</p>

<p>Me too!! But I am guessing Bowdoin or perhaps she/he would have been back! :)</p>

<p>Middlebury</p>