Midd vs. Williams vs. UR as Richmond Scholar

<p>So I was admitted to UR as a Richmond Scholar, Middlebury, and Williams. I've pretty much ruled out Williams and I am undeicded between Midd and UR. I want to studny Environmental Law for grad school, so could pretty much major in anything in undergrad. I do however like Environmental Studies which leans me more towards Middlebury. The perks of being a Scholar at UR though are undeniable, and it is much closer to my home (the USVI), and in a city where Midd is much more isolated. Any advice? Help. Please.</p>

<p>Middlebury’s environmental studies program is among the finest in the country. Midd is a top 5 LAC, while University of Richmond barely cracks the top 30. That being said, you should go where you feel comfortable. </p>

<p>In case you weren’t aware, Middlebury recently signed an agreement with Vermont Law School (which is the nation’s top-ranked law school for environmental law). </p>

<p>Read more here:
[Vermont</a> Law School, Middlebury College Sign Agreements - Vermont Law School](<a href=“http://www.vermontlaw.edu/News_and_Events/News_Releases/Vermont_Law_School_Middlebury_College_Sign_Agreements.htm]Vermont”>http://www.vermontlaw.edu/News_and_Events/News_Releases/Vermont_Law_School_Middlebury_College_Sign_Agreements.htm)</p>

<p><a href=“http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-law-schools/environmental-law-rankings[/url]”>http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-law-schools/environmental-law-rankings&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Cassiebreeze - I can understand the conflicts that you are having, but if you think Midd and Williams are too cold, why ask the question here? Some people really look forward to a totally different climate for just 4 years and can handle it when it is a fixed amount of time. In all of your posts, it seems like Richmond is the common thread throughout. So maybe your question rather than being which of these, might really be, why not Richmond? To achieve your goals you need to succeed wherever you go. That can be at Richmond, William & Mary, JHU, or Midd (Williams, as well). You will make of your education what it will be at any of these places. The real difference is down the road, the alumni connections you make and where you really see yourself going…this is beyond law school, further into the future. This is where a Williams or a Midd might kick in a bit more value…but wherever you go for graduate school can trump all of that. From my experience and that of my friends’ kids, I would probably discount William & Mary and JHU. I just don’t think you will get the same experience, but if you are really pulled towards the Richmond Scholars program, go for it! </p>

<p>Just one comment about the cold. Being a native Southern California gal, the cold isn’t the problem, it’s more the lack of sun. You can always dress to beat the cold. Good luck with your decision.</p>

<p>Cassie, this is coming from a former environmental lawyer whose wife grew up in Richmond. Richmond is a great city. I love it! However, I think you may find it a fairly conservative city which could be difficult for someone with environmental interests. Arcadia has already pointed out the strength of Midd’s environmental studies program. Any list of the top environmental studies programs will always include Middlebury. Regarding your point about how Richmond is closer to the USVI. I think, once you’re coming this far north, a couple more hours on the plane will not make much of a difference. One of my classmates at Midd was from St. Croix and is now a news anchor down there. I know she loved her time at Midd and she returns for reunions. GVA mom makes a good point about your grad school degree possibly trumping your undergrad. I think the experience of being focused on by professors who really care about teaching undergrads for four years is the hook for Middlebury. Finally, my wife’s family, who live within walking distance of UofR, were very impressed when they discovered I went to Middlebury (whatever that’s worth).</p>

<p>@GvaMom- I know, thank you for your response. I have literately been all over the place. Bouncing from one to the other to the other. Ruling out a school one day, and having it be my top the next. I’ve almost given myself panic attacks over it. You’re right though and I have 100% ruled out W&M and JHU. It still is between UR Williams and Midd, and it’s very. very. very. hard. I will be visiting all three for the first time in the next 18 days and hope that clears up everything in my mind. Every day I lean toward one more than the other, and it’s all very stressful. I appreciate everyones input and help.</p>