I was just accepted off the waitlist at Middlebury College and am having trouble deciding between here and Georgia Tech. These schools are literally opposites of each other, but there are things that I like about both schools. I like the aspect of small class sizes and getting to know your professors at Middlebury. However, I’m very interested in the sciences and can pursue biomedical engineering at Georgia Tech. But, I’m not 100% sure if I want to be an engineer and will probably have to transfer if I don’t like it. I know GT’s engineering program is very rigorous and my GPA will probably be lower if I go to GT versus Middlebury, but with an engineering degree I’ll have more job opportunities. Middlebury is more well known for their language school, international studies, and environmental science… all of which I don’t really plan to pursue. Middlebury does have biology, biochem/molecular bio, and neurocience majors, but I’m not sure if they are up to par with the education I could receive at GT.
Any thoughts on Middlebury’s science programs and opportunities or Georgia Tech’s bme program would be greatly appreciated.
Are there significant differences regarding COA? Honestly I think you could get the best of both worlds at Middlebury. The sciences are particularly strong, and if you aren’t 100% sure you will pursue engineering you should weigh the opportunity Midd will offer you regarding a broad based education (along with a strong foundation in sciences). You can go into whatever field you desire with a degree from Middelbury. Yes, for engineering GT is a straighter shot for sure but if there is a significant part of you that values a close knit community with small class size and a wide variety of academic pursuits you can’t go wrong with Middlebury.
I think you’ve answered your own question. Here’s why: You say you have no interest in Middlebury’s strong programs and you do have a strong interest in GT’s strongest program. As a research university, GT offers a lot of opportunities, not just in engineering - it’s far from a one-trick pony.
Middlebury’s dual degree programs in engineering are an option. Read more here:
http://www.middlebury.edu/academics/options/preprof/engineering
I guess I would have to disagree with some of your premise. If you plan to pursue a graduate degree, Middlebury puts you in a great position for admission to the most competitive schools. It is also amongst the best LACs for sciences. Their facilities are unmatched. GT is a great school too, but I think Middlebury presents more options.
Hey, I don’t know if you’ve already made a decision or not, but maybe I can help. I’m actually in a very similar situation as you. I am interested in the sciences (really all of them, but mostly physics, astronomy, and bio). I am interested in possibly being an engineer, but I don’t know for sure, and I really liked the appeal of liberal arts. So, I decided to focus on liberal arts colleges strong in the sciences, knowing that virtually all of them have 3-2 engineering programs (however, often students love their school so much that they do a lot of science/physics and just wait till grad school to go into engineering).
I just got off Midd’s waitlist too and accepted. Midd has phenomenal science facilities in ALL disciplines and strong science programs that are quickly growing. I had the chance to talk with some students and email with a physics professor. All the students agreed that the science programs at Midd are top-notch (with small class sizes, research opportunities, and funding), and that the languages do NOT overshadow the school. The physics prof said that the size of the department has grown dramatically in the last 15-20 years since opening the Bi-Hall Science Center. Midd is good in enviro, but they are really strong in bio too, and I think there is a lot of overlap between the bio and enviro departments. Also, the alum who interviewed me had majored in biochem and she LOVED it.
Midd definitely has high quality science departments all around and they are getting recognized. The lab experience and close-knit community seems to really benefit students as they get into competitive grad schools.
Anyways, good luck with your choice and let me know what you decide! 
Midd’s science programs are very strong and will offer you a great education, so you don’t need to worry. Just think about what environment you would be most comfortable in (GT or Midd) - personally I love the beautiful outdoor setting