Middlebury vs USC?

<p>I realize that the two colleges are COMPLETELY different but if anyone has an opinion on why one over the other that would be nice. Are academics at Midd as strong as they are at USC? Is Midd as fun as USC socially? I realize this is the Midd forum but try to be objective.</p>

<p>I think you may have asked this question backwards, “are academics at Midd as strong as they are at USC?” Seriously? Most anyone I know would be asking whether the academics at SC are as strong as Midd’s. this is coming from someone whose father graduated from USC.</p>

<p>Midd…you are looking at two totally different experiences. Two TOTALLY different locations (back in prehistoric years, SC was my second choice) but I am a native SoCal girl. Where do you picture yourself? Wandering around an urban campus, or being in a rural setting? Do you prefer a more personal interaction with your professors, smaller class sizes, then Midd is a much better choice. Do you like the challenge of making yourself stand out to get professors attention (or maybe TAs), the larger size which means there is a greater variety of choice across majors, then ‘Fight on, bro!’ There are people at both schools who totally love their school and would never consider another choice, but the choice between these schools, unless you are doing the honors college at SC, is totally apples and oranges. You need to picture yourself both places and see how you feel about it.</p>

<p>Good points GVAMOM. I should have pointed out that I was born in Pasadena, CA.</p>

<p>OMG that is unbelievable! Is this person real? You go to USC for the beach, silly. Didn’t you see “Legally Blonde”? You go to Midd for the CLASSES, and maybe the skiing.</p>

<p>I know of one who chose USC over Midd. He does not go to the beach. It was for the academics and post graduate opportunities. Two great schools and one is not silly for choosing one over the other.</p>

<p>Morandi, OBD may have been a bit strong in her comments, but the person you describe is the exception in terms of choosing SC over Midd. I agree, USC is a fine school, and a graduate would have plenty of opportunities, but I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that Midd is a step up.</p>

<p>I guess Morandi doesn’t know I am sometimes sarcastic and frequently TRYING to be amusing!
I said “silly” as a term of endearment, not describing the OP as “silly”.
My Midd son just spent some time at USC with a friend…and visiting the beach…At Midd they have a sunny field they call “Battell Beach” but of course this is not to be compared to coastal California.</p>

<p>Indeed, OBD, I’ve been told I often take things way too seriously…Just the same I wonder if those who ask for help and advice on these boards enjoy being called silly for asking a serious question. Don’t get me wrong, I think Midd is a fantastic school and offers one of the best LAC experiences on the planet but your comments (in jest or not) cutting down other schools, and the students who might chose those schools, seem unnecessary. Like you, I have two children who went through this stressful process and they chose very different school for reasons which were valid to them. I don’t know enough about USC to characterize it one way or another, only know my one relative (and current student at USC) who chose it over Midd and is happy, challenged, and will probably stay in the area post graduation. BTW, I’m seriously working on lightening up:) Please be patient with me.</p>

<p>Just returned from USC visit… It was a beautiful school, very urban, etc. But… I was a little taken back by the homeless sleeping on the benches just outside the dorms. Not that there aren’t homeless in VT, but I have rarely noticed these things elsewhere yet at USC, there seemed to be quite a few, which I found odd for a college campus. Then again, perhaps I dont get out much. :)</p>

<p>USC is not in the best neighborhood. Its cross-town neighbor, UCLA, is in Brentwood where the only concern is being murdered by your ex-husband in ill-fitting gloves.</p>

<p>Truthfully if you read the news in LA right now, both campuses are having issues. The administrations are working hard to insure the safety of the campuses, but it is a big city. Definitely not the same feel as Middlebury.</p>

<p>urban, you make me laugh :)</p>