<p>Admitted to both Middlebury College and Cornell (Hum Ec). As a NYS resident, my family would be paying approx. $19k less annually for me to attend Cornell vs. Middlebury. I am interested in Psychology and Biology, with aspirations of going to medical school. Love the smaller LAC experience, the gorgeous Midd campus and the vibe there. Concerned about the "hugeness" of Cornell although I understand that Hum Ec makes Cornell far more manageable. The reputation of the "bell curves" in the introductory science classes at Cornell makes me nervous, because I know how difficult it might be to score A's in those courses; I also know that access to the big-name professors at the introductory levels can definitely be an issue at Cornell, not so at Midd. I know that Cornell is gorgeous, too, and that the food at both campuses is fantastic. I don't have any concerns about the social scenes at either campus, although the experiences can differ greatly. I'm also not so much into the sports scene. Will be attending both schools' Accepted Students' Days next week. Any thoughts? </p>
<p>Both excellent options. I think your decision will become easier after your visits. </p>
<p>As Arcadia point out, a visit will clarify a lot. Congratulations on two great options. I would just like to offer my experience for a different perspective. I attended Middlebury for undergrad and Cornell for Grad school (a school where Cornell is considered one of the top three programs in the country). I loved my experience at Middlebury. I was also a bit older when I arrived at Cornell. I felt I would have been lost at a school the size of Cornell as an undergrad. It’s very large and I was truly “just a number” there. I would also like to point out that I was in the University’s smallest college for grad school. Additionally, as a grad student, I was one of those grad students teaching undergrads that people complain about. I was proud of my work while I was there, but I’m glad I didn’t have anyone like me teaching me while I was a student at Middlebury. Cornell is a beautiful campus and it’s a great school, but getting a top undergrad education at a small liberal arts school and attending a top large research university for grad school, may offer the best of both worlds. Hope that helps a bit. </p>
<p>Human Ecology is a small school within a larger world class research university which is located in a vibrant and cosmopolitan central New York town. Perhaps you can tell I spent many years in Ithaca and while it took me a couple years to adjust (arriving from the west coast) it was very difficult to leave. Middlebury I’ve less experience with but by all accounts it’s a world class undergraduate experience in a more isolated location. One of my kids chose the more remote LAC experience and one chose the larger research university. Both enjoyed the experience and opportunities. If money is no object, visit and confidently make your choice. If money is an issue I think that it’s important to consider, especially if med school sits on the horizon. If you’re an engaged kid, I suspect you’ll thrive in both situations. Congratulations and best wishes. </p>
<p>morandi, good points, but I have to disagree with your characterization of Middlebury as more isolated than Ithaca. Middlebury may be smaller, but Ithaca is definitely more isolated or remote. Syracuse is the closest city and it’s 90 minutes away. You really have to drive over four hours to reach a substantial city from Ithaca. </p>
<p>Middlebury is only 45 minutes from Burlington. Montreal is just 3 hours away and Boston is less than 4 hours away. </p>
<p>Well, Syracuse is 57 miles from Ithaca if one should want to visit but there’s no need to which was the point I was attempting to share. Tompkins county has a population of over 100,000 and is half the area of Addison county which has a population of 36,000. Between Cornell, Ithaca College and the City of Ithaca providing music, lectures, plays and almost any kind of cuisine one might have an hankering for, it’s a city in and of itself. NYC is the only city offering something richer and there are bus services from campus which take roughly four hours. Actually, there seems to not be much difference between the vibe of Ithaca and that of Burlington yet one you’ve got to drive 45 minutes to reach and the other is a walk down the hill. That’s what I meant when I suggested Middlebury may have a more isolated feel. Don’t get me wrong, I love Middlebury’s location and everything about the school, just saying Ithaca and Cornell can also provide a wonderful and rich four years for and one can have money set aside for grad school. All the best. </p>
<p>Thanks to all for your input. Visited both schools this past week and after much deliberation, I decided to attend Middlebury. Can’t wait to be a Midd Kid, Class of 2018! </p>
<p>Congratulations Scopemonkey. I’m sure you’ll love it. </p>
<p>Wonderful choice! Time will whizz by so enjoy it all…Cheers! </p>