<p>I've been wondering about how the science departments at Middlebury are, particularly those of the natural/physical sciences like chemistry and physics. A lot of people say that people choose liberal arts colleges because they don't want to do science. It's hard for me because I think I would like to major in chemistry, but I also love the idea of a small student body and close-knit community. Are there a lot of research opportunities at Middlebury? Do you think it would be a poor decision to choose Middlebury over a bigger university with more research opportunities at Tufts? </p>
<p>Also, I really love the idea of the commons system at Middlebury. I'm kind of shy, and I felt that I would enjoy going to Middlebury when I visited. If personal fit were the only thing that mattered, I would probably choose MIddlebury. However, I do think that Tufts might be a better choice also (besides the science thing) because it's close to Boston. Do you think one would be able to find more internship opportunities and a better social life and cultural experiences going to a school close to a large city? </p>
<p>Augh! Major dilemma because I have about three days left to send in my deposit. (I was waitlisted at U of Chicago and Columbia, but I'm not counting on getting in so I want to make the best choice for me between Middlebury and Tufts.)</p>
<p>Oh, and I forgot to add my general impression of the people at Middlebury and Tufts. I know it isn't right to judge the entire school from the few people I have come in contact with. I would say that that my interviewer with Tufts and some other people were very impersonal. They didn't seem to have much school spirit. The people at Middlebury, on the other hand, were very enthusiastic. My interviewers for Middlebury kept saying it's a great school (although I think it might just have been routine to say that to get the interviewed applicants more interested), and the people at Middlebury just seem to be bubbly and cheerful.</p>
<p>If you're going to post about Middlebury v. Tufts you should also post in the TUfts forum; bc it seems quite clear what people in this forum will think ;)</p>
<p>It's true that Middlebury isn't necessarily known for its sciences--it's known for languages, theater, and humanities. But McCardell Bicentennial Hall is AMAZING. It was completed in 2000 and everything is state-of-the-art. I was a tour guide and admissions interviewer this past summer, and we met with professors who told us all about what's available in the sciences. Middlebury undergraduates have access to equipment that other students would only have access to as graduate students. To do research, Midd students accompany their professors to particle accelerators that normally do not allow access to undergraduates, much less allow undergraduates to do research. If you need a piece of equipment for your thesis, Middlebury will buy it for you--so yes, the science facilities at Midd are just as top-notch at they are at any major university. As for internships, the Career Services Office is very good at helping with that, and professors are always aware of opportunities. Just because you go to Midd doesn't mean you won't get a job in the sciences.</p>
<p>I couldn't agree more with the last poster. Middlebury is certainly working on building its reputation as a science school and yet, at this point, it is not the most popular of Midd majors. As a result, those of us in the sciences (I'm a biology major) find these facilities, resources, and professors very accessible and available. Research, if you're interested in it, is a big deal here and something that we have the resources to support.</p>