<p>My daughter was accepted to Middlebury, Bowdoin, Carleton and some others in California and she is most grateful. However, we probably cannot visit them all before decision day. She might be able to visit just one and she is trying to decide which to visit. We have seen Carleton and Claremont, but never Bowdoin or Middlebury (and we have never even been to the northeast or New England for that matter).<br>
Question:<br>
For those who chose Bowdoin over Middlebury, why did you make that choice or what are the pros and cons of each? I will post a similar query on the Middlebury thread. </p>
<p>Question:
How different are the climates in terms of snow or cold or cloud cover? Speaking of the weather, how different are the academic climates and student body attitudes and degree of diversity? In short, what are the key differences to consider in your opinion.</p>
<p>Thank you, in advance, for your opinion.</p>
<p>I posted on the other thread. </p>
<p>Student body, climate etc. are pretty similar. Mid may have more international students and more international focus.</p>
<p>Middlebury has a larger student body (2700 versus about 1700 for Bowdoin).</p>
<p>Middlebury is located in the mountains (great skiing) while Bowdoin is located on the coast (quick access to the ocean). </p>
<p>Bowdoin is probably slightly more diverse in terms of US students while Middlebury draws more international students.</p>
<p>Bowdoin campus is more compact while the Middlebury campus is kind of spread out. </p>
<p>Bowdoin campus is dominated by brick buildings while Middlebury's are almost all granite.</p>
<p>Weather is probably slightly milder in Brunswick (due to coastal location) . .</p>
<p>Congrats to your daughter!! I have looked at both schools a number of times and have close friends at both. I think I can be of some help. </p>
<p>First off, you are in a good dilemma...Bowdoin and Middlebury are both fantastic schools where she will undoubtedly get a great education. The hard part is choosing the which one. </p>
<ol>
<li>The two colleges are similar in location. Both are in cute/safe New England college towns with COLD winters. Middlebury is more rural than Bowdoin which makes it a bit harder to get to but also is the reason for the schools's incredible views of the Vermont mountains. Bowdoin is about 30 minutes from Portland which is a great little city with fantastic food and shops. There is a lot of snow in the winter at both schools. I found Middlebury to be a bit colder due to the wind from the mountains etc. </li>
<li>I would say that both schools are very academic. If your daughter is interesting in language I would suggest Middlebury which is know for the best language program in NESCAC. But that is not to say that Bowdoin falls short. Bowdoin is highly regarded for many fields as well. From my experience, I would say that the schools are almost equally terrific academically. </li>
<li>random things to consider are: Middlebury is a good place for someone who is interested in skiing or snowboarding and Bowdoin has arguably the best college food in the nation. I would say that the student body is similar at both: my Middlebury friends are more outdoorsy and preppy than my friends at Bowdoin but for the most part the two student bodies are made up of hardworking, healthy kids from all over the world. </li>
</ol>
<p>I hope this was helpful and let me know if you have other questions!
Good luck!!</p>
<p>congratulations to your daughter for being accepted into so many great schools. of course being able to visit each school is a big bonus, many have made their choice based on that 'gut' feeling received after walking through the campus, but if you can't maybe you're doing the second best thing. . .posting on CC;-) depending on where you are from moving to the northeast may be a bit of a culture shock. it does get cold and the winters may seem unending but the schools do a great job of providing down-time activities for their students. both midd. and bowdoin have access to great skiing, hiking, and other outdoor activities during the winter months and many students choose these schools because of these outdoor opportunities. my son, at bowdoin, leaves campus many weekends for skiing, snowshoeing, camping, conferences, or quick trips to portland or the ocean--although it's always a tough choice b/c there are so many choices on campus as well.</p>
<p>that said, he also envies those kids able to go to school in california. a great school system an equally great outdoor activities. it ultimately got down to living in a small town close to nature, with interesting people, and having that close relationship to faculty which a LAC can provide. </p>
<p>if you manage a visit to the northeast is it possible to see each school? it would be worth your while IMO.</p>
<p>good luck.</p>