So I am trying to decide which school I want to apply to ED1 this fall but am at a crossroad. I am a big golfer and have been at contact with both college coaches and will have a spot in the team! I want to major in economics and then go to law school! But I really care about languages and writing! Which school is strongest in these areas??? Also do you think it is better to learn 2 languages at Hamilton or 1 at Middlebury??? And which one has a strong base as far as graduate schools and study abroads? Can you tell me a little bit about the students and teachers, too? Like attitudes, popular activities, how living is, etc… I appreciate any and all input!
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Hamilton may be one of the strongest few schools in the country for writing; Middlebury may be one of the strongest few schools in the country for languages. Either, however, would be excellent for both. (Hamilton’s Chinese program, for example, is particularly good.) For economics, these colleges are superb.
Both schools are included in the following article, and will offer you exceptional study abroad opportunities:
The 50 Best Study Abroad Programs - Best College Reviews
http://www.bestcollegereviews.org/best-study-abroad-programs/
Here is a link to a thread you might find helpful from last year with respect to these two schools. Subjective factors, including bison, are discussed:
Middlebury and Hamilton - College Confidential
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/discussion/comment/18060483#Comment_18060483
Thank you! Does anyone have any personal experience at either school? Also can you take more than one language at once at Middlebury? If anyone can tell me about:
- housing
- popular activities
- student reputations
- food
Or really anything to differentiate the two that would be awesome!
And does midd have an overall stronger language and writing programs both or would Hamilton if you weighed the two???
They’re both really good academically and (as others have noted) have some similar academic strengths. I think you are right to continue researching academic fit.
Remember the other fit factors: Social vibe, environment (in this case, pretty similar in terms of ruralness and weather…), housing/food, and cost. Researching those areas as well will help you make a decision.
We usually recommend visiting schools if kids have been accepted to multiple schools that they like. In your case, since you are considering an ED app to one of them, it might not be a bad idea to visit.
Have you visited? Have you met the coaches? I saw a number of LACs with my D and found that each had its own “vibe”. If you are considering ED I’d visit early in the fall semester and see which school YOU prefer before making a choice.
I visited them both and loved them! I liked the coaches and the teams in just trying to see which one fits better academically and to apply to first
You can certainly take more than one language at the same time at Middlebury, or at least you used to (there may be limits your first year). Middlebury is known for its language programs and considered the benchmark school in the US. However, Hamilton likely also has good languages. Apparently Hamilton is known for its writing program, but Middlebury also has a very strong writing program. It is the home to the Breadloaf Writers Conference and the New England Review. Both schools have many strengths.
A few simple aspects that may distinguish Hamilton
- Hourly college-run transportation to a nearby suburban area. Should you want to go the mall, the cinema, or a food store, you would be able to as often as daily if desired.
- Home-style housing that's available to even first-year students. If your preference is to live in a house with only 20 residents, that option, with a little luck, could be open to you.
- A flexible curriculum. If you should want to take, for example, fifteen courses in languages by graduation, you would be able to do so at your own discretion.
Depending on the type of writing program you are seeking, these articles might be of interest to you:
Writing in the Disciplines | Rankings | US News Best Colleges
http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/rankings/writing-programs
The 25 Most Literary Colleges in America – Flavorwire
http://flavorwire.com/409437/the-25-most-literary-colleges-in-america
The 10 best American colleges for writers | USA TODAY College
http://college.usatoday.com/the-10-best-american-colleges-for-writers/
The 10 Best Colleges for Creative Writers | The Freelancer, by Contently
http://contently.net/2014/11/06/resources/10-best-colleges-creative-writers/
The 12 Best Creative Writing Colleges and Programs
http://blog.prepscholar.com/best-creative-writing-colleges-majors-and-programs
These are two of the first-year housing options at Hamilton:
Housing and Floor Plans - Wertimer House - Hamilton College
http://www.hamilton.edu/residentiallife/housing-and-floor-plans/dke
Housing and Floor Plans - Wally J - Hamilton College
http://www.hamilton.edu/residentiallife/housing-and-floor-plans/wally-j
Further options for entering students include more conventional dorm-style halls.
Additional first-year housing options at Hamilton:
Housing and Floor Plans - South - Hamilton College
https://www.hamilton.edu/residentiallife/housing-and-floor-plans/south
Housing and Floor Plans - Keehn - Hamilton College
https://www.hamilton.edu/residentiallife/housing-and-floor-plans/keehn
Thank You! Any information from Middlebury to compare with Hamilton?
Both schools are considered small, but Hamilton is very small with about 1800 students. Middlebury at about 2,600 would have roughly 200 more per grade, which for some people makes a difference. Hamilton may be a tad more eclectic, Midd a tad more sporty, but probably splitting hairs here
Note, however, that by enrollment, Hamilton is quintessential NESCAC. Five of the conference members are larger, five are smaller. By campus acreage (1350), Hamilton is the largest of the eleven schools.
To be fair, Middlebury has closer to 2,500 students. If you include Breadloaf, Middlebury has over 2,000 acres (not that that’s relevant).
Thanks everyone! Can you tell me a little about the student population?! Maybe if one is more outdoorsy, wealthier, diverse, friendly, etc?!
In terms of outdoorsy, you might be interested in the following article:
Hamilton College students climb all 46 mountain peaks in the Adirondacks | News for College Students | USA TODAY College
Their Adirondack semester in particular seems to be an uncommon opportunity:
Hamilton Adirondack Program - Home - Hamilton College
http://www.hamilton.edu/adk
Middlebury, it would appear, has a preppy reputation:
https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/the-12-preppiest-colleges-in-america