<p>Princeton review seems to say Middlebury hands down in many important areas...but I'm a Dartmouth lover, and although Middlebury looks good I wanna go out of state.</p>
<p>So, honest opinions, which one's better and why?</p>
<p>I wouldn't go by Princeton Review at all. What does it say that would lead you to believe Middlebury hands-down? While Middlebury has improved in the last 15 years, it has historically been a Dartmouth reject school and get the impression that it is at least partially still true. </p>
<p>Dartmouth has a lot more name recognition, stronger grad school and job placement, more diverse, rep for being more fun with a stronger a higher academic quality student body. If you're inclined to like Dartmouth, I wouldn't let thinking that the Princeton Review thinks Midd is better dissuade you. The vast majority of people are going to think Dartmouth is better to much better.</p>
<p>There are differences between the two that are worth noting. Dartmouth has fraternities and sororities, while Middlebury does not. While the Greek presence at Dartmouth isn't overwhelming, it is a big part of many students' social lives. </p>
<p>Dartmouth also has a unique academic calendar called the D-plan. The year is divided into four terms corresponding with the seasons; students are required to be in residence during their freshman year, sophomore year summer term, and senior year. Middlebury's 4-1-4 calendar means that students take one class in January, and 4 in each the fall and spring.</p>
<p>Both have beautiful campuses, although Middlebury's is smaller and more spread out. Weather is the same.</p>
<p>The Ivy name will probably open more doors for you, but Middlebury's reputation has been rising quickly. </p>
<p>Do you have any specific questions?</p>
<p>Middlebury might not have frats, but it has a strong "frat-like" scene through off campus houses and the special houses they have. I think Dartmouth is hands down a winner here, better reputation, better grad placement, better recruiting access, more diverse, arguably more diverse social scene, etc.</p>
<p>When dealing with colleges at this level, I would never have the audacity or arrogance to say that one is the "hands down winner." If you would, then perhaps you should go to Dartmouth.</p>
<p>Dartmouth is just a better overall school. At some levels (ex. Cornell vs Brown or Middlebury vs. Bowdoin) I'd agree. But Dartmouth is another level up. Is choosing Middlebury over Dartmouth a bad decision, of course not. But Dartmouth appears to be the easy choice.</p>
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Dartmouth is just a better overall school.
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<p>Spoken like a true Dartmouth student.</p>
<p>Interesting...any other opinions on how someone who has been admitted to both might decide?</p>