Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think Bowdoin is the best-regarded academically. It has the benefit of Brunswick (nice town) and Amtrak.

Middlebury is remote, pretty. Strengths in writing and languages.

I don't know much about Colby and Bates. I think of them as a little more preppy and less academic, but that might not be fair.

This is a fine general assessment. All very good schools. Visit and see what your kid likes.

Huh ? You cannot be serious. The above is a nothing "review".

Middlebury, Colby, Bates, and Bowdoin are all highly regarded liberal arts colleges in New England, but they have distinct differences in academics, campus culture, and environment. Here's a breakdown:

1. Academics & Specialties

Middlebury (VT) – Known for its strong language programs, international studies, and environmental science. It has a globally focused curriculum and an emphasis on study abroad.
Colby (ME) – Strong in environmental science and sustainability, as well as government and economics. Colby has a partnership with the Maine lakes region for environmental research.
Bates (ME) – More flexible curriculum with a focus on interdisciplinary studies and hands-on learning. Strong in political science, psychology, and humanities. Senior thesis is required for all students.
Bowdoin (ME) – Considered the most prestigious of the four, with strengths in government, economics, environmental studies, and sciences. Known for rigorous academics and a high-achieving student body.

2. Campus Culture & Social Life

Middlebury – Outdoorsy, intellectual, and international. More of a work-hard, play-hard vibe with a big skiing and outdoor culture.
Colby – Friendly, tight-knit community with a big focus on the outdoors. More social than Middlebury, but still academically strong.
Bates – Progressive and inclusive with a strong sense of community. Less preppy than the others and known for social activism.
Bowdoin – Polished and intellectual, with a balance of academic rigor and social life. Considered a bit more preppy and traditional.

3. Location & Surroundings

Middlebury – Rural Vermont, surrounded by mountains, great for skiing and hiking. Town is small but charming.
Colby – In Waterville, Maine, which is smaller and quieter but improving. Gorgeous new athletic facilities and strong outdoor programs.
Bates – In Lewiston, Maine, which is more urban and less picturesque than the others, but offers more real-world engagement.
Bowdoin – In Brunswick, Maine, a charming coastal town with great restaurants and access to the ocean.

4. Prestige & Selectivity

Bowdoin – Most prestigious and selective (~9-10% acceptance rate).
Middlebury – Also highly selective (~13-15%).
Colby – Has become more selective in recent years (~9-11%).
Bates – Slightly less selective than the others (~15-17%), but still very strong academically.

5. Athletics & School Spirit

Middlebury – Strong Division III athletics, powerhouse in skiing, hockey, and lacrosse.
Colby – Big investment in athletics, strong in hockey and lacrosse.
Bates – Less sports-driven but still competitive in rowing and track.
Bowdoin – Competitive in many sports, especially hockey and sailing.

6. Vibe Summary

Middlebury – Intellectual, outdoorsy, global focus.
Colby – Friendly, outdoorsy, strong school spirit.
Bates – Progressive, inclusive, community-oriented.
Bowdoin – Prestigious, well-rounded, polished.

Anonymous wrote:I think Bowdoin is the best-regarded academically. It has the benefit of Brunswick (nice town) and Amtrak.

Middlebury is remote, pretty. Strengths in writing and languages.

I don't know much about Colby and Bates. I think of them as a little more preppy and less academic, but that might not be fair.

This is a fine general assessment. All very good schools. Visit and see what your kid likes.

Bowdoin’s working peer group is the very top of the LAC category:

https://www.sixcolleges.org/

Anonymous wrote:
OP, sort by which have the best programs for the fields your kid wants to study--sounds obvious, I know, but often on this forum, parents think only about "prestige" or location, without much regard for the actual quality of potential major programs. I say that first, to narrow your field, then: Visit. In-person visits really might be your best way to differentiate effectively among colleges in similar regions/of similar sizes/with similar vibes etc. Source: Our own experience. Visited three colleges (none on your specific list) which were all similar on paper, and visiting made a huge, huge difference. One felt very much like a high school, one was more isolated than anything about its marketing would lead you to believe, and the third was just what DC was looking for. Narrow it but then visit the top contenders. DC would never have felt that "fit" if not for visiting in person.

Can you name the LAC that felt like a high-school ? TIA

This is a common experience, but would help to know which one you found.

Bowdoin College is experiencing a teacher shortage in high demand subject areas. Declining interest in liberal arts.

https://bowdoinorient.com/2024/12/06/as-student-enrollment-trends-and-liberal-arts-values-collide-faculty-disagree-over-how-to-respond/

OP, sort by which have the best programs for the fields your kid wants to study--sounds obvious, I know, but often on this forum, parents think only about "prestige" or location, without much regard for the actual quality of potential major programs. I say that first, to narrow your field, then: Visit. In-person visits really might be your best way to differentiate effectively among colleges in similar regions/of similar sizes/with similar vibes etc. Source: Our own experience. Visited three colleges (none on your specific list) which were all similar on paper, and visiting made a huge, huge difference. One felt very much like a high school, one was more isolated than anything about its marketing would lead you to believe, and the third was just what DC was looking for. Narrow it but then visit the top contenders. DC would never have felt that "fit" if not for visiting in person.

Anonymous wrote:I can't speak to the others, but Middlebury has tons of extremely wealthy students of the kind who think they're down to earth while considering it normal to wear $1000 jackets on their trips to their ski condo.

You need to get out more. This is true at every private T25 school in a cold climate.

that Reddit link that is gone now (?) had great perspectives of these schools from a kid's point of view.

Travel to Colby & Bates is not easy.

Bowdoin & Middlebury are more prestigious and have superior locations. Middlebury is the largest of the four colleges.

Bates college is in Lewiston, Maine which is a bit of a rough, depressed blue collar town.

Colby has a fairly new athletics facility. Lots of alcohol consumption !

Bowdoin College is like attending an elite prep boarding school (which is a good thing if you like small colleges). Amtrak. Ocean nearby. Small, pretty town.

Middlebury's location is beautiful & the town is nice. About 2,800 or 2,900 students which is great for an LAC (small colleges which are typically below 2,000 students).

I can't speak to the others, but Middlebury has tons of extremely wealthy students of the kind who think they're down to earth while considering it normal to wear $1000 jackets on their trips to their ski condo.

I think Bowdoin is the best-regarded academically. It has the benefit of Brunswick (nice town) and Amtrak.

Middlebury is remote, pretty. Strengths in writing and languages.

I don't know much about Colby and Bates. I think of them as a little more preppy and less academic, but that might not be fair.

Not much, really. All filled with rich preppies.

Location, mostly.

They all seem like very good, somewhat preppy and classic New England schools.
How do they differ?