Middlebury College Top Questions

The stress on balance of curriculum was very unique to Middlebury, although it tends to be a trend in small liberal arts type colleges. We were strongly encouraged to take a wide variety of classes in all subjects, so that we could explore the opportunities that are out there. I took many different types of classes, but would take an even broader variety if I could do it again. All subjects can teach you how to write, but exposure can open your mind to possibilities you would have never otherwise considered.

The language departments at Middlebury are some of the best in the country. For example, during the first day in my beginners French class, we only heard French from our proffesor. I learned so much French in one year that I can now have full conversations with people from that country in their langauge without sounding "touristy". I can honestly say that all of the proffesors that I've met in that department are some of the friendliest people out there.

I actually transferred to Middlebury, so I think I have an especially good sense of what makes the college unique. I found that the profs are excellent, and that students generally take their work quite seriously. The rural setting is beautiful and many people take advantage of it. Most students are very active and enjoy outdoor activities. The school is environmentally conscious and makes a lot of "green" choices. The food is excellent, and the dining halls feel up-beat and full of energy. The social scene (/weekend life) is extremely dynamic and diverse considering the size of the school.

Advice: -Come willing to learn how to ski or snowboard (or better, come already knowing how) Truths about college that high schoolers should know- NOT unique to Middlebury: -The nature of your social life will evolve dramatically from high school into college. Don't expect it to be a continuation of your teenage years - college is "it's own thing." -Research substantiates the claim that the student body does not drink as much as is perceived; nevertheless, alcohol is a huge part of social life. Really, it kind of sucks, but it's not about to change. This is universally true at colleges and universities in the U.S. -People have sex in college. -In college it's often hard to find a medium between super-committed relationships and pointless hook-ups. But it's always possible to find what you want - you just have to look harder sometimes. -The "Close-Knit-Community-bla-bla-bla" schtick that liberal arts colleges sell you is almost completely false. You will make friends in college - I have made some really great friends at Middlebury - but just being part of the student body won't form a bond between you and everyone on campus. Don't expect paradise. -People who are genuinely committed to caring for the environment are rare. (Although there is actually a pretty decent amount of such people at Middlebury.) --> You should come. It's wonderful here.

Since Midd, I've been to grad school and law school here in England, and have worked in Europe and the Middle East. Two things strike me: first, Midd has a special kind of intoxicating madness that comes from being a residential college in the middle of nowhere, which, when combined with the student focus of the faculty, makes it a great place to learn and play. My other schools (all in London) couldn't rival Midd as an all-round educational experience. Second, you'll get sick of hearing about "Club Midd" or "you're at school with 2400 of your closest friends"; but what is really telling is that Midds do really stick together around the world. Here in London, Midd has a more active alumni association chapter than most of the other NESCAC and Ivy League schools, and people come because like when they were at College, the people are fun and interesting. Third, it's a great preparation for all kinds of jobs - precisely because it focuses on you as a thinker and not on you as a banker/lawyer/doctor/whatever. The demand for worldly, broadly educated and analytical thinkers has never been greater - and these (along with skiing) are the hallmarks of a Midd education. Try it; you just may like it!

Strong sense of community among students. The students are generally athletic and appreciate being outdoors. Most students are highly motivated and intelligent and academic discussion frequently appears in non classroom situations.

Middlebury is a place where you go to find yourself while being academically challenged.

The atmosphere is friendly and inviting. Although it is in Vermont, there's lots to do on campus and students both work hard as well as play hard. It's not as competitive as some other schools of its caliber and the Midd community is one that lasts a lifetime.

Middlebury has an incredible sense of community.

It's middlebury. You get the most out of the opportunities when you pursue it. There are tons of the big Os.