Middlebury vs Macalaster vs Grinnell vs UCSD

College Search & Selection
1

<p>So it's that time of year, and I've been doing everything I can to decide. Luckily I've pretty much ruled out UCSD and Grinnell for reasons below (unless you can convince me otherwise), so I'm mainly deciding between Mac and Midd, and I'm totally at a loss!</p>

<p>Background: molecular/micro bio major, likely will apply to med school ☤.
Here are my thoughts on each:</p>

<p>Middlebury - Rural, a double edged sword. I love the location and isolation and the beautiful campus, but since I'm shooting for med school, I'm not sure that'd be the best. Internship/service/etc opportunities seem lacking. I know I have the J term and summer to do that elsewhere, but what about something ongoing during school? I know research is very easy and science dept is amazing, but how does it compare to the others? It's a top "feeder school" to med/grad schools. Midd also has the most prestige; I know you're rolling your eyes but that's important to me...</p>

<p>UCSD - It seems overwhelming. The massive campus, large classes, etc. I don't think I could get meaningful recs from my profs or stand out for med school. Reasons I'd attend are studious atmosphere and tons of opportunities. It also has a big name, maybe opening more doors here in the west than the others.</p>

<p>Macalester - Seems to have the best of both Midd and UCSD. Small, but the twin cities provide opportunities for community service, internships, etc. but not as high ranked as Midd. Also a top feeder.</p>

<p>Grinnell - I like the more open curriculum, less restricting, and more relaxed atmosphere. And honestly I'm not sure how the sciences here compare to Midd or Mac but I know they're at the top of the LACs. But the location doesn't compare to the others, and the ultra left atmosphere, while appealing at first, kinda turns me off now.</p>

<p>Financially, all are ~the same. If anyone could give their $0.02 I'd really appreciate it! Have this gold star as repayment ->★</p>

<p>Very stressful, but a quite lucky situation to be in I suppose! I'm quite excited. Thank you!</p>

2

<p>Bump?</p>

3

<p>DD went to Mac and loved it. You can jump on a bus and go all over the Twin Cities for music, art or such things as internships. There may be opportunities to take a class at the University of Minnesota, which is a top research university.</p>

<p>It’s a very stimulating atmosphere academically without competitiveness among the students.</p>

4

<p>Thanks for the response.</p>

<p>Those are exactly the reasons I’d prefer macalester, but idk if Midd’s name gives enough of an edge over that. And while I like the non competitiveness, I think I also like the collaborative competition at Midd.</p>

<p>I’ve also been having this discussion on the [Middlebury</a> forum](<a href=“Middlebury vs Macalaster - Crunch time decisions - #9 by CrewDad - Middlebury College - College Confidential Forums”>Middlebury vs Macalaster - Crunch time decisions - #9 by CrewDad - Middlebury College - College Confidential Forums) and have come to the conclusion that my heart says Midd but brain says Mac for the opportunities. Is the lack of opportunity at Midd really that bad for my situation?</p>

5

<p>Only you can decide what’s the best fit. </p>

<p>All I can add is that Mac does have a strong international vibe and lots of people are interested in service. The commencement speaker was an alum and MD who works in international development, now with an NGO. It’s quite the place, with excellent and committed students in faculty, in an urban setting.</p>