Middlebury College - Academics

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

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. Discovering that your math professor used to be a Latin American pop star is not an uncommon event—some dive into extraordinary pursuits simply to add flavor to their credentials. You will be disappointed, however, if you thought you might have a rich and ripe social life, especially on the weekdays.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

The teachers are generally well... The teachers are generally well regarded in their fields, and class sizes are small. Not all courses are equally engaging, however. I tend to avoid the introductory courses and go straight to intermediate or upper-level classes. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

The professors are very... The professors are very accomplished, but also very approachable. They really take an interest in their students. I’ve had several professors invite the class over to his or her house for a meal and an informal discussion. I also find my classes interesting. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

Overall, I’ve been very impressed... Overall, I’ve been very impressed by my professors at Middlebury. Having such brilliant professors is definitely one of the college’s biggest assets. Most classes are interesting, although students can be unengaged at times. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

I have to say, I’ve never taken a... I have to say, I’ve never taken a course at Middlebury that has bored me. As at any institution, we have our good professors and our not-so-good professors, but for the most part, every prof is passionate about what he or she teaches and committed to teaching undergrads. This is the greatest gift of a Middlebury education. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

For the most part, I love all my... For the most part, I love all my teachers. They are really approachable if I have any questions about the class or the assignments. Occasionally, there are some that I don’t like as much, but even then, they know their material and it isn’t a total loss. Very rarely have I had a teacher I didn’t like and a class that was boring. In fact, I can only think of one, but even that teacher was easy to find and talk to about the class. 12345 Academics Report

Facts

Did You Know?

A local student Web site offers online course evaluations. You can use this site to reference classes you’re thinking of taking, so you can see how other students have rated the teacher and material. You can also post your own ratings to help out other students. Check out www.middkid.com/eval for more information.

The first black graduate of any United States college was Alexander Twilight, who received his diploma from Middlebury in 1823. Twilight Hall was renovated and named after him in 1986.

Middlebury’s summer English program is actually located outside of the school’s regular Middlebury campus and in sight of one of Vermont’s Green Mountains, strangely named “Bread Loaf.” The Bread Loaf School of English, on the land donated by Joseph Battell when he died in 1915, is therefore named after the mountain.

Middlebury accepts approximately 110 more incoming students during the month of February. Termed “Febs,” these newcomers have the opportunity to take the semester off after high school to work, travel, do volunteer work in a foreign country, study, or participate in a score of other interesting activities. Under this tag, by default, they also become members of an elite “cult” of students, where each Feb is presumed to be unique, gifted, and experienced. (Even if he or she stayed home and drank 40s from September to February!) There are, however, drawbacks to being a Feb. Among them, you will always be confused about your incoming Feb class, and graduation is an informal celebration in February, where you will not recieve your diploma until the spring.

Most Recent Contributing Author

Name: Maggie Carter
Hometown: Eastford, CT
Major: International Studies

Maggie was an internationally ranked, competitive trampolinist during her middle school years.

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