I am deciding between these two schools, and I am uncertain of my choice. I need some opinions. At Middlebury I would try to double major in Economics and German. I would go to Gettysburg as a Presidential Scholar, and I would major in Economics with a minor in Business and German. I also plan to get a Leadership Certificate with their Leadership program. Which school would better prepare me for the job market? Also, which degree would look better to an employer?
Middlebury is certainly better known.
Middlebury is not simply better known. It has one of the top programs in the country for both econ and languages. In fact, for languages it really is the benchmark. I can’t believe this is even a question.
Gettysburg has a large Greek system which makes it immediately unattractive.
Middlebury is unquestionably the better choice here academically BUT there is location, price, and fit to be considered as well. Two different geographics, two different student bodies. If Middlebury is higher COA, how much higher is okay?
Unless you know the OP is adverse to Greek life, that is a silly thing to say.
But to answer the OP’s basic question - Middlebury is the better choice for Economics and Language in terms of employer outcomes and breadth depth of those departments. But it’s only the better choice if you like the school, the vibe and the environment, and if you can afford it.
College choices should not be all about rankings. Fit is much more important. Personally I would prefer Middlebury, but OP could prefer either college with good reasons.
The OP could choose Gettysburg if:
–OP is exited about the special opportunities of the Presidential Scholar program and/or Leadership program
–financial aid is better
–closer to home
–interest in Civil War history
–interest in Greek life
–desire for more conservative campus environment
If these are not factors for OP, OP might prefer Middlebury for:
–OP wants to study German and Middlebury is tops for languages
–gorgeous and well maintained grounds and buildings
–amazing resources
– inclusive environment due to no frats and general friendly culture
–good Wall Street connections
–yes, there is a slight prestige edge for Midd, although some employers and general populace may not have heard of either school
OP, congratulations on two great options. Both will help prepare you for employment while providing a wonderful four years of learning in the liberal arts.
Did you visit? If you cannot visit, read social media sites and study the descriptions in the Fiske book, Princeton Review book, and Insiders Guide to Colleges. Which college feels like it will be a better home for you for the next four years?
Good luck!
Congratulations! You have two great choices, which one feels like best fit for you? They are both good choices but both are slightly different. Middlebury is more liberal, Gettysburg more conservative. Middlebury is well known for languages and Gettysburg for history. Middlebury is for someone who loves winter, Gettysburg is a bit more temperate but still can get some snow. Greek life at Gettysburg versus no Greek life in Middlebury. If you have the opportunity to visit both before deciding it might help you to feel more secure in your choice. See if you can meet with faculty in your expected major. See if you can talk to some students in the program you are interested in. Just hang out and talk with everyone. See which one feels like a fit for you. I bet after visiting both you will have a clearer picture of where you can see yourself attending. Best of luck to you!