Wash U vs. Middlebury

<p>I really can't decide. I know they're dramatically different and I know a lot about the pros of each, but not much about the cons. Does anyone have any input? My biggest concern about Midd is that it might get boring because I don't like to drink and it's filled with rich kids, but I like that it has a small community and is concerned with the environment/fitness. I like WUSTL because it's in a relatively small-medium city and the 6,000 undergrads seems the right size. I'm visiting both next month. Does anyone have any comments to make about either before my visit?</p>

<p>I don’t know much about Midd besides that it has a big international perspectives focus, but as for Wash U: my alumni interviewer told me it’s very entrepreneurial. Many students start their own businesses and business is a really common major/minor. My interviewer got a minor in business even though she started on a totally different track when she first arrived. The same thing happened to my friend’s sister. So it’s a great school for business, apparently. I don’t know if that’s a pro or con for you, but it’s something to consider.</p>

<p>bumppidy bump :)</p>

<p>@Rainbowrose</p>

<p>They’re obviously both excellent schools. </p>

<p>Reputation – I’d give a slight edge to Wash U, but, as you say, they’re very different schools. I think the differences in the kind of school and atmosphere will outweigh this.</p>

<p>Location – Ironically, the travel time for you will be about the same +/-. Middlebury is drivable though.</p>

<p>Academic Fit – We don’t know what you intend to study, and the strengths of the departmetns in each school. But, regardless, there’s enough information out there, so I assume you’ll be able to decide whether there’s a clear advantage to either school.</p>

<p>Otherwise, my recommendation is visit the schools. Hopefully, after the visits at least one of these places will feel like home, and put a big smile on your face whenever you think about going there. All other things being equal, this is the school you should go to.</p>

<p>WUSTL…if u can get in, that is.</p>

<p>Sent from my DROIDX using CC App</p>

<p>HarvardBoundNY, I’ve already been accepted to both schools.</p>

<p>Ahh, I once had the same question. But I choose WUSTL anyway, because I guess I just can’t imagine me spending 4 years in a tiny village somewhere in Vermont.</p>

<p>

</p>

<p>Funny–I can’t imagine spending four years in St. Louis. Different strokes for different folks, I guess.</p>

<p>Ahh, good job. Still, wash is better.</p>

<p>Sent from my DROIDX using CC App</p>

<p>

</p>

<p>I think that’s a little unfair to say without some evidence. Regarding population size, Middlebury is a much smaller school which means you’ll have smaller classes and better access to your professors. One thing I didn’t realize before coming to WashU are how big some of the classes actually are. Chem 111 and Psych 100 for example had auditoriums full of 350 students, a bit overwhelming after hearing the average class size was less than 25 students. Of course, that’s what you’d expect for an intro course, but I can guarantee you won’t have any classes that big at Midd.</p>

<p>IMHO, Middlebury has a better reputation on the East Coast, while Wash U has a better reputation in the Midwest.</p>