Written by Bohree Kim
Speaking in general terms, the professors at Middlebury College are incredibly intelligent people, but sometimes too intelligent for their own flowering egos. Some are quirky, most have led extremely interesting lives, all are published, and a few cloud their accomplishments with preening tales of Harvard Law School and the RAND think tank. However, due to the fact that they have led such lofty academic lives, they know all the right people, and as a result, students often have the chance to listen to renowned scholars, poets, politicians, and scientists from home and abroad. Don’t get the wrong idea, though—most professors don’t spend the entire time preaching from the soapbox in medium- to small-sized classes, so be prepared to participate in discussion.
The primary reason that most students come to Middlebury is for the academics. Although introductory classes tend to be a bit overcrowded, this is cured early in your college career. Even in the biggest classes, the professors are approachable—and you’ll want to approach them. At Middlebury, you’ll even find economics professors who have led intriguing lives. You will be disappointed, however, if you thought you might have a rich and ripe social life, especially on the weekdays. Middlebury's strong academic reputation is not achieved by a light workload.