Middlebury vs. Washington in St. Louis

College Search & Selection
1

i’m now deciding between these two schools. they are in different categories, but as of the moment i’m leaning towards Middlebury. I’ve done overnight visits at both. first off, some details about me :slight_smile:

• asian american male from new york city, but i’ve boarded for the past four years in connecticut
• i’m interested in sustainability, architecture, enviro, pre-med, and french. so something in the works of sustainable design or environmental studies with a french minor and pre-med track
• i enjoy art, photography, t-shirt design, magazine design, video art, painting, pretty much everything related to fine/visual arts]
• as for sports i think i’ll stick to club xc and squash
• i’m more an introvert than extrovert so i appreciate small and tight-knit friend circles
• i’m not worried about tuition, i’ve received similar and comfortable aid packages for both

reasons for midd:
• they have reknowned programs for all of my interests, enviro, language, and a bit lesser so in arch. (but they are one of the few lacs with arch.)
• from what i hear about the social scene at midd, i think i’ll be well accustomed to it coming from a new england prep school
• they have pre-fab housing and other specialty housing on campus
• no meal plans, just swipe in and out, their food is also local
• they have mountain to ski on
• decently close to montreal, good for french and food
• focus on sustainability, close to nature, stereotype that midd kids are the environmentally conscious types
• students can graduate with teaching licenses in the state of VT for any major they choose
• classic new england mountainous campus
• winter J Term

reasons for washu:
• top 20 university, so they should have well respected programs for pretty much everything, including the subjects mentioned above
• ranked best dorms in the country (they are very nice dorms) best food in the country (not sure about that) and best quality of life (that’s very subjective)
• i very much enjoy the friendly vibe of the midwest, but it’s in St. Louis, so not the exactly the midwest i hoped to be in
• resources of a research university
• easy to switch between schools (not sure if you can take courses in two at one time)
• great for pre-med, their med school is top 10
• more prestige surrounding the school, due to high rank and university instead of lac status
• access to the resources of a small city, free transport in and out the city, heard most students stay on/near campus though

help me decide!!! tell me your pros/cons, stories, and honest recommendations!

2

As COA is not a factor, and after overnight visits at both you are still undecided, then consider whether the superior living conditions & introduction to a new region of the country are enough to push you toward WashUStL.

Fall in New England & better skiing versus better food & better, less crowded dorms.

3

If we’re voting, I’d go with WUSTL for you- simply b/c even though it’s going to have a lot (mostly, really) the same privileged kids you are already at school with, so would Midd, and WUSTL is at least bigger, has grad students (who are somewhat more diverse than the undergrads) and a new part of the world, so it could broaden your world a little more.

4

Middlebury’s food and dorms also are highly ranked, so I wouldn’t let that sway you. Also, I wouldn’t let your perception of differences in their prestige have too much of an influence on your decision. Middlebury is arguably better known in New England and the northeast, while WashU is better known in the midwest. Grad schools and people who know about higher education hold both in high regard.

When I was looking at colleges and trying to decide between a handful of rural LACs and a large uni, a college counselor gave me some great advice that I’ll pass on to you. You can always go to a large research university for grad school, but–for the most part–you’ll never again have the opportunity to go to a liberal arts college. If you plan on living in a big city after graduation, it might be nice to live in the mountains for four years (three if you study abroad, as most Midd students do).

5

I would consider the two schools to be academic peers with different environments. At some point you just need to trust your gut and pick a school.

My best advice is once you pick a college never look back.

Congrats on two great options!

6

Midd has awesome glass squash courts and the Trail Around Middlebury will suit your club interests. If you have a serious interest in French then Middlebury should get the nod (its language programs are top). Probably the two schools are pretty even for pre-med, particularly if you hope to go to med school in the Northeast. Not sure if they play squash at WashU; it is pretty much a Northeast sport; Midd has its own downhill and cross country ski areas which you won’t find on campus at WashU. Both schools have incredible campuses, but one is suburban and one is small town with major cities a few hours away (Boston/Montreal closest). Both awesome choices! Congratulations!

7

I’m interested in French, pre med, and am a nature photographer. Let me know if you decide to go to Midd, I’d love to connect with another '24.

8

In general I agree with your college counselor, @arcadia - but the OP has been in a NE boarding school (that sends kids to Midd / WUSTL / etc)., so they have had a lot of the best of the LAC experience already, Been there, done that.

9

washU is great for premed and seems like being in a city would yield a lot more opportunities. i’ve heard midd will likely have housing issues next year due to over enrollment and study abroad cancellations.