<p>My son is trying to decide between Middlebury and BC (honors program). He liked Middlebury and its professors and facilities but seemed more comfortable with the students at BC. We wonder about the alcohol scene at BC and whether he will get the same quality of instruction as at Middlebury. Also, at which school is it easier or more welcoming to become involved in clubs and extracurricular activities?</p>
<p>I go to school where a significant amount of students end up going to BC. It's a great school, and I can't say enough about it, but I'm headed to Midd next year and the amazing classroom environment and student body cemented my decision. The two schools really couldn't be more different, but Middlebury definitely has an edge with its small size and dedication to its students. Although it might not be right next to a huge city or have d1 sports, Midd is an overall great experience that shouldn't be passed up.</p>
<p>I have a bit of insight to share...Midd was my top choice for a long time, and my sister is a Soph at BC.
1) My sister has enjoyed every prof she's had so far, and says they're very accessible and welcoming. Howevere, there's no denying that you'll receive more attention and will have more opportunities to develop closer relationships with profs at Midd.
2) As for drinking, I'd say the differences are minimal. BC's and Middlebury's scenes are both dominated by off-campus parties and dorm parties. I think parties are more frequent and available at BC, but that's largely due to size. My sister drinks a fair amount, but studies alot too. Whether your son wants to or drink or not, I don't think he'll be pushed heavily at either school.
3) As for the people...here's my extremely biased opinion: I liked the people at Midd about a million times more (and I've spent a lot of time at both places). I found BC kids much, much, MUCH more competitive than Midd kids. Everyone knows every one else's GPA and SAT scores, which scared me. My sis fights big time for internship spots and good grades, and she's constantly stressed about the competition. I met a ton of great kids, but I found a lot of pretentious and closed-minded people also. Additionally, the mold at BC is much more restrictive and in-your-face: white, J-Crew sporting, Roman-Catholic, upper-middle class, prep-school graduates are the norm. As for Midd, the kids were intellectually stimulating, bright, and incredibly unpretentious. Though the majority of Midd kids are rich and white, I found them much more open-minded and friendly. I just can't describe it: they're great in every way. Oh, and they're totally chill: this girl I talked to knew nobody's GPA (including her own). Due to the lack of grade deflation, they also don't have to fight for A's. If your son likes BC kids, he'll like Midd kids more.
4) ECs: Well, my sister isn't involved in any. Why? Every club/organization has a RIDICULOUS application/selection process. After four intensive A Capella group applications/auditions, she gave up. Also, she had to APPLY (as in, write essay, short answers, etc.) to do COMMUNITY SERVICE. Like I said, competition permeates the campus. No thanks. I vote Midd!</p>
<p>Dear Wave24,</p>
<p>Thank you for taking the time to reply. Just curious--do you go to Middlebury?</p>
<p>rokesmith: No problem! Always my pleasure singing praises of Midd. No, actually I will be matriculating at Dartmouth in the fall...but I have spent an unreasonable amount of time at Midd visiting, on recruiting trips, Preview Days etc. Good luck with your son!</p>
<p>This was an interesting question for me. My D went to BC for one semester in 2002 and transferred to Midd that winter. BC's dorm situation was horrible for her and they would not change her or even promise to (she has appointments-I called,etc.) Her housing was strange- 2 rooms to a floor and no real common room-should have been for seniors. Roomate constantly drunk and in bed with random guys any day of the week. Football games and drunkeness was out of control. Middlebury!!! she had such an amazing life there. The school is know for "passion" and D is that. She has made lifelong friends there (she is in NYC with about 10 Midds-she is finishing her Teach for America stint). Anyway, I so enjoyed visiting that school and town. D had a radio program, was in a capella, did community service, theater, worked in the fine arts dept. a few hours a week, was student tutor, and I could bore you with so much more. If she could think it she could do it. And she did not see any of those opps. at BC.</p>
<p>Ya, well that makes sense to me...a kid who works in fine arts, joins a capella, etc., does not sound like the people-oriented, more popular type kid that BC attracts. There's a place for everybody and if you aren't that social, you will find peers at Midd you can grow and develop with...nerds come into their own there and that's a good thing. My 2 sibs go to Dartmouth and both said they are friends with kids they would never have talked to in high school.</p>
<p>Lol Eaglet, nerdy is the one word I've never heard to describe the people at Middlebury. Also, Middlebury is a much more social environment than BC. Everyone socializes and has a good time.</p>
<p>BOSTON eaglet, anyone?</p>