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I posted this in a different thread, but perhaps someone else will see it here:

From everything I know of Middlebury, it is my first choice. I have researched it endlessly online, read review books, review websites, etc... but I haven't visited.

I have applied RD, but the more I think about it, I wish I had applied ED II. I am considering calling the school and asking if it would be possible to change to ED II.

My only concern is not having visited, which I realize is an important factor in college selection. Can anyone write about what the campus and surrounding area is like? I've visited Williams and Colgate (2 gorgeous campuses, in my opinion); how does Middlebury compare?

Thank you, in advance, for any responses.

By Arcadia (Arcadia) on Monday, December 29, 2003 - 09:43 am: Edit

Middlebury's campus is among the most beautiful in the country. Midd is on a hill in a valley, surrounded by mountains, lakes, and rivers. The campus is rural, literally surrounded by fields for miles on one side, and the town of Middlebury (pop 8,000) on the other. Burlington is about a 45-minute drive north, and Montreal is just over 2 hours. Most campus buildings are limestone, granite, or marble, built in the old New England mill style. The campus is spread out, with sweeping lawns. Midd differs from Williams in that most of the buildings at Midd share the same architectural style, while Williams is more a hodgepodge of (very beautiful) buildings. Midd looks a lot like Colgate, but smaller. Feel free to ask any specific questions...

you may have seen this, but here's a nice pic of campus:
http://www.pbase.com/image/21868772/original

By Soozievt (Soozievt) on Monday, December 29, 2003 - 11:20 am: Edit

I think it is fine if you keep your app as RD even though Middlebury is your first choice. Let them know in the cover letter that it is your first choice school. I would advise against applying ED to a school that you never visited. Make sure you have articulated why you wish to attend Middlebury. Good luck to you !!

By Caligalgoineast (Caligalgoineast) on Monday, December 29, 2003 - 10:25 pm: Edit

Thank you so much, Arcadia, for the very helpful description of the Midd campus, especially in comparison to Williams and Colgate. The campus sounds like it would perfectly match my taste, and since I am in love with everything else about Midd already, I think I am gonna go for ED II--if they let me change it now.

Soozievt, your advice is prudent, and thank you. Every time I hear anything more about Midd, though, I just become so sure that it is the school for me...

By Haon (Haon) on Tuesday, December 30, 2003 - 12:00 am: Edit

Out of the 10+ campuses I visited, I felt that Middlebury was the most beautiful (along with Williams). Middlebury is in the mountains and the facilities are all amazing. The buildings are all the same material (Vermont graystone I believe) and they are set among the rolling hills in the mountains with nice green spaces imbetween. If you're looking for a rural campus, you really can't do better than Middlebury--it's honestly stunning. However, I'd recommend visiting before applying ED...you should preferably do an overnight. I loved Middlebury as a school and if I hadn't gotten into Williams there's a very good chance I'd be at Middlebury this semester.