I’m trying to decide between Midd and BC and I’m having trouble deciding. I know the school’s are quite different from one another, but I hope you can help me out. I’m interested in pursuing English and Film and maybe economics.
I actually live in Middlebury, so I’m kinda weirded out by the proposition of going to college in my home town. I’m worried that it will feel like high school. That being said, I’m intrigued by Midd’s excellent English and Film program. I’m also interested in their small class sizes and intimate professor relationships. I’ve also heard that their alumni network is quite extensive and that they are well-regarded academically.
For BC, I like how it’s near Boston – it might be nice to get out of the Middlebury bubble. Also, that might mean that there are more internships and opportunities available to BC students. I hear that their English, philosophy and theology departments are great, but I haven’t heard much about film there. I also wonder how dominant athletics are because I’m not that big into sports culture myself yet I do enjoy participating in clubs and activities.
I hope you can help inform my decision. Please share anything you think I (or other prospective students) might find useful.
My son takes the PULSE program at BC. It is service learning and he likes it very much, credit towards the philosophy/theology requirements. Another choice is Perspectives, a two semester theology/philosophy/discussion his brother liked also.
They were both disappointed classes moved home and their club co-ed soccer games ended. They go to football, hockey, Beanpot, lots to do on campus, sports and clubs. One has work study at the beautiful new Connell Rec Center.
That said, I’ve only been to VT twice so not familiar. But I imagine the pretty/rural Middlebury vs. large town/busy suburb feel to BC (similar to where we live) quite different. Plus Midd is small and BC 10k plus students. Great choices! Are the costs comparable?
Hey @joseph20 ! We are making a similar decision! I just made a forum/chat yesterday for help between BC and Midd as well. Good luck in making your decision!
OP wrote: “I actually live in Middlebury…weirded out by the proposition of going to college in my hometown. I’m worried that it will feel like high school.”
Often one’s first year at an LAC is the most exciting. Then the experience gets too small for some. You may not even have the first year excitement.
Additionally, you have shared no strong reasons to prefer one over the other. Cost is not a factor.
College is a time to grow physically, mentally, and emotionally. Your growth should be enhanced by having to learn to live away from home.
College won’t feel like high school either way. It will be a whole new adventure!
There are some students at the comparable college my kid attends who grew up in the town where the college is located. It sounds like they are enjoying their college experience and participating fully in college life.
Yet there is certainly something to be said for living away from home and developing independence (although, in this coronavirus age, most college kids are back home now anyway, at least temporarily). You will have to judge the value of distance from home in your own mind.
If you pick Middlebury, you could still choose to live in a dorm if you want. If you want increased independence, you will have to map out your own parameters of how often to visit your home and family. Then, stick to them!
Reach out to some students at each and to the departments of interest to you to ask any questions you may have to help bring yourself clarity. College admissions offices will be happy to help link you up with students, professors and others who can help answer your questions.
In the final analysis, ask yourself which one feels like the place you want to be for the next four years. What type of adventure would you prefer? Either will be wonderful.
Congratulations on having two fantastic options! Best wishes.