<p>My s visited Middlebury and Wesleyan this past week to try to decide between them. He absolutely loved both of them. He is a soccer player and visited the coaches and players at both schools; he is also very sociable and outdoorsy. Doesnt have a clue what he wants to major in. Although the decision about which school he will attend this fall will be completely his, I would appreciate any feedback on pros and cons of both schools. No financial aid from either school, but we werent really expecting any.</p>
<p>Well, if he's visited both schools, there's no use telling him that Middlebury is isolated; it's even more isolated than Williams, if you can imagine that. And I don't know what part of the country you're from; but, there are parts of Vermont that still have snow on the ground from a month ago-- that's how late springtime arrives; Middlebury students may not see green grass again until next Fall, after which point it sticks around for about six weeks.</p>
<p>Also, there is increased grumbling about the student/faculty ratio which is about 12:1, much lower than Wesleyan's and a factor many kids cite when they can't get into a class they want.</p>
<p>Come on, Middlebury isn't as isolated as you suggest, and certainly is no more isolated than Williams. In fact, I would say that Williams is more isolated, on account of their closest city being Albany (1 hour away), while Midd is 45 mins from Burlington (one of the best college towns in the country). Midd also is closer to a big city (Montreal).</p>
<p>Midd's student faculty ratio is 11:1, and they are using a portion of a $50 million anonymous donation to hire more faculty in the coming years. Midd is drafting a new strategic plan that will focus on human capital (as opposed to buildings, which were the focus in the past 10 years). <a href="http://www.middlebury.edu/administration/planning/%5B/url%5D">http://www.middlebury.edu/administration/planning/</a></p>
<p>As for weather, yes Midd is cold in the middle of the winter. But let's get real--it's not THAT much colder than Middletown, CT. Look at the current forcast for Middlebury, VT (I'll summarize it for you: today, high of 65, tomorrow high of 78). Here's campus in real time: I don't see any snow! <a href="http://www.middlebury.edu/about/middcampus/middcams/cam3/%5B/url%5D">http://www.middlebury.edu/about/middcampus/middcams/cam3/</a></p>
<p>I don't think there are pro's or con's to either. It's a matter of where "he fits" best. Good luck with your sons decision. Keep us posted.</p>
<p>They have different vibes. </p>
<p>The thing I love most about Wes is that there is ALWAYS something going on, whether it's an art show, a musical performance, a play, or a party. It's also in a much better location.
Wesleyan has an artsier, more liberal vibe to it. Middlebury is preppier and sportier, more outdoorsy. You son might fit in at both schools, but Wesleyan and Middlebury tend to attract a different type of applicant.</p>
<p>I thank all of you for your thoughtful replies. You're right - it isn't such a matter of pro's & con's as it is where he "fits" best. Any other insights, observations, or opinions are most welcome!</p>
<p>i'd say midd is a more conversative school and wes' definitely more liberal. ummm and midd has a skiing slope (or a resort?) of its own, dont know if it matters to your son.</p>
<p>Don't kid yourself, the liberals run the roost at virtually every college in the northeast, bar none.</p>
<p>i wouldnt call smith liberal</p>
<p>Well, my s chose Middlebury over Wesleyan, but it was not an easy choice. I think he just felt more comfortable at Middlebury, after spending 3 days at each school. He is an athlete and will be on the soccer team, and Middlebury is paradise for an athlete. He waited until the end of the month to finally decide, letting his experiences and impressions work at the subconscious level until he figured out what truly felt right for him. It was an interesting process to watch, and his dad and I were determined not to persuade or interfere (although we had been rooting a bit for Wes, as it seemed more diverse). Still, when you choose one path over another, sometimes you can't help but wonder about the road not taken...</p>
<p>We are glad to have the decision made and now it is time to welcome a new stage in our s's life. We live in Tallahassee, Florida, and so this will truly be a change for him. I have no doubt that he will do well, absolutely love it at Middlebury, and make the most out of his college experience. </p>
<p>I'd like to thank all of you for your thoughtful responses.</p>