<p>Okay, I'm new here so please don't anyone yell at me for being stupid.</p>
<p>So I'm a rising senior and I really want to apply early to a school to get it out of the way and because there are a lot of freaky smart kids in my grade. </p>
<p>I'm trying to decide whether I should apply ED to Middlebury or Wesleyan.</p>
<p>Things you need to know about me: I'm a tree-hugging environmentalist. I'm in shape, but do not play on any sports teams. I'm a white male from an upper middle-class family. On the outside I'm not at all a minority. However, I'm also gay, though you wouldn't be able to tell by looking/talking to me unless I told you. I want to go to a college where being gay does not define me, where I can lead a normal life but still be able to date and meet the right guy. I love, love, love Middlebury's everything: their languages, campus, academics, buildings, Vermont! But I hear that it is a jocky school, a population which I fear comes with inherent homophobia. Would Middlebury be a good place for me to go? I know Wesleyan has a larger gay population, but I'm not looking for large numbers, I'm looking for quality, good people who happen to be gay. </p>
<p>There are plenty of gay jocks at Midd, and there is very little (if any) homophobia. I’m bi and don’t do any varsity sports, and haven’t encountered any problems at all. There are lots of gay people like you too; the type that you don’t know are gay until you ask. </p>
<p>It’s difficult to say whether Midd is better for you than Wes but I think you’d be happy at Midd. But then again, if you want to get in somewhere ED, pick Wes as it’s a lot less selective.</p>
<p>To reiterate what middlover said, sexual orientation really isn’t a massive deal on campus- as in, you might elicit an “oh, ok, cool” at a party or with friends, and then move on. People have no problem allowing you to express yourself. I am a gay rising sophomore and had your concerns exactly, but I found that my paranoia of a negative reaction was the biggest thing holding me back first semester. Second semester I relaxed a lot, told all my friends, felt amazing, and found a boyfriend.</p>
<p>One thing I always say about Middlebury that makes it great is the fact that different “groups” of people all seem to, not only get along, but also interact and thrive. One big advantage of small schools is that students depend on each other. Just because a large school is perhaps more diverse does not mean that those diverse groups interact with each other. For example, in New York City you can easily find hundreds, if not thousands of people just like you, meaning you can easily insulate yourself and spend all your time with people just like you. Diversity does not equal a diverse experience. At a school like Midd you’re forced to interact with people who are very different from you. That is all part of the educational experience. So while Midd may not be the most diverse school out there, you’re likely to have diverse experiences there and the school’s size and environment encourage that.</p>
<p>Thanks, everyone! This is really helpful information/perspective to know! As for the acceptance rates, I know of the discrepancy between the two schools and it is one thing that makes me prefer Middlebury. In terms of numbers (GPA, SAT etc) my counselor says I’ve got a shot anywhere (sorry if that sounded really conceited). But that’s not really the point of my question or the point of applying ED, it’s finding the perfect match school where I’ll be happy, which probably isn’t going to be determined by whether 32 or 44.5 percent of kids were let in early. I appreciate the information anyway, though! =)</p>
<p>It’s especially nice to know what Middlover and Dawoo1 said, that it’s not an issue to be gay and that you can have a boyfriend up there! That’s great! Thanks guys!</p>
<p>I definitely don’t think there’s much, if any, homophobia at Midd. So I’d certainly not worry about that! Also, Midd ED seems like a great option for most people who are sure about it. (from what I’ve gathered). Good luck!</p>
<p>Middlover, aren’t you an incoming freshman? Class of 2016? How would you know for sure if you haven’t actually gotten there yet? haha :P</p>
<p>@Alexithymia12 Just to avoid confusion in the future… This account is shared by a few middkids, one who’s an incoming freshman. One’s an alumna, and the other’s at Midd right now. (I’m the one at Midd) </p>
<p>We just all use this because we’re all Midd-Lovers! :)</p>