<p>So up until today I was happily planning to head off to Dartmouth in the fall, but just got off the waitlist at Midd, and since I've always loved the school I want to think the choice through.</p>
<p>Middlebury and Dartmouth seem like pretty similar schools to me, although Dartmouth is bigger (although not by too much) and I'm a bit worried about the impact of the frats on the Dartmouth social scene. Academically I'm interested in creative writing and film, along with social sciences. Mostly I just want to be around smart, outdoorsy, happy kids who love the school they go to and don't take themselves too seriously.</p>
<p>Any particular pros and cons you guys can come up with?</p>
<p>I honestly think that the schools are extremely similar when it comes to most things. I think Dartmouth is great for people who are on the fence between a university and a liberal arts college--its a sort of fusion between the two, with an undergrad emphasis yet the benefits of a large research university.</p>
<p>That being said, I personally wouldn't do well with the large fraternity emphasis and sense of entitlement I found when I visited Dartmouth. Middleubury students seemed happier and more appreciative of the opportunities they have instead of expecting them as a result of family ties, etc.</p>
<p>This, of course, is my opinion and shouldn't be taken particularly seriously considering where I'm headed next year. Obviously they are both great schools and you will get a phenomenal education both places. I do commend you for not succumbing to pressure from others just because D is 'The Ivy League!!'. Good luck with your decision and I hope to see you at Midd next year!</p>
<p>My daughter is a happy sophomore at Middlebury and I have never laid eyes on Dartmouth. Her roommate's sister is a Dartmouth grad, and their mom told me she's observed that the Middlebury kids seem happier and more fun loving. After all, they did start Quidditch....</p>
<p>You can always go to Middlebury for undergrad and Dartmouth for grad school, but if you go to Dartmouth for undergrad, you'll never again have the opportunity to attend Middlebury College (unless you attend a summer language school program, which is a totally different experience).</p>
<p>For many students, the quarter system (and the whole D Plan) vs. the semester system with the Midd J Term are dealmakers. The calendars and the daily pace at the schools differ because of the differences in structure. Think through which would work better for you. Each has its fans.</p>
<p>If residential housing on-campus matters to you, look into whether Dartmouth guarantees it for all four years -- they have gone back on this in years past.</p>
<p>For sports, Dartmouth is D1 but uneven in its success. Midd is D3 and a powerhouse in many sports.</p>
<p>Greek life has a much bigger presence at Dartmouth.</p>
<p>Two great schools. You probably can't go wrong.</p>