DD is humbled and extremely grateful to have these 3 stellar LAC’s to choose from! All 3 are similar in terms of FA packages (within $3000 of each other), with Hamilton offering an additional $4000 research stipend and faculty mentoring for a project of her choice (pretty cool!). Tentative plans are to pursue a degree related to sustainability (environmental studies and/or international relations) and join the peace corps before grad school. Have visited all 3 and will go back for accepted student days as well. Would love to hear some feedback/input from all of you.
All excellent choices, so she can’t go wrong. Middlebury’s ES program is outstanding and widely recognized as one of the best in the country. Midd also ranks third in the nation among small schools in terms of sending grads to the Peace Corps.
Apart from the extra money offered, I wouldn’t let the research opportunity at Hamilton sway you without you first looking into the research opportunities at the other schools. It may not be that difficult to do something similar at Middlebury and Wellesley. Many LACs really encourage students to do research.
I agree with both posts above.
Congrats to your daughter! I would choose Middlebury based on her academic interests and for fit our previous conversations.
What sort of vibe is your D looking for regarding campus culture? That could play a significant role in her decision since the academic and research opportunities will likely be similar among the three schools that want her. Hamilton has the most Greek social scene, much more prevalent than most prospective students might realize. Wellesley is of course closer to a city/Boston if that matters to her. Personally I am biased toward Middlebury as that is where my own D is going this fall and she too is pursuing environmental studies. Middlebury has been a pioneer in the field, and if a student likes a rural setting with easy access to outdoor recreation Middlebury fits the bill on so many levels!
You all have confirmed what D’s heart has been telling her all along. In addition to being top ranked in her field and located in her ideal setting, Middlebury has always just felt “right”. Thank you for sharing your insights.
Another vote for Middlebury, given her interests. Great school (though they all are!)