Middlebury College

The pluses are clear: you did - and do - have the ability to start things, get things done and to go as far as you imagination and hard work will take you, in an environment that was super supportive. Where else could I have started a club team before classes started freshman year and finished writing at 50,000 word thesis on an arcane international relations topic?

You'll also appreciate the impact of the distribution requirements when you realise that you actually have a degree in after dinner conversations, because you will be much more broadly educated than your European peers.

The people are also genuinely great - and you really realise this after you leave; Midds are gregarious, bright, interesting and committed to the place in a way here in London that is commented on with a hint of jealousy by our friends from Williams, Amherst and the Ivys.

The negatives: it's in the middle of nowhere, and irrespective of how much you like snow, you'll be sick of it in mid-Feb. It's tiny and whilst this can be great, it can also be the loneliest place on earth at times. And unless you really want to work hard, you'll probably grow to loath it.But work hard, play hard, enjoy J-Term and four years will fly by: and it's great preparation for what comes next - work, grad school or whatever. Good luck and enjoy!