are not a current student. I believe that you are right in stating that the dining plan is one of the most unique -- and in some cases -- inviting aspects of the Middlebury experience. One of the things about Middlebury that sets it apart from other elite institutions is the structures set in place to ensure that economic divides among students are not emphasized through on campus activities. Two prime examples of this are the dining and residential life plans. Unlike most other colleges, Middlebury does not force students to chose where they will live or how they will eat based on the money that they have. Although the outright cost of a Middlebury education is certainly prohibitive for some, once on campus, all students have the freedom to eat together, live in suites together, and participate in activities together without regard to finances. It's hard to imagine a Middlebury where students are cooking ramen noodles in the dorms to try to save money or skipping meals because they skimped and signed up for the cheapest meal plan. The dining hall set up is THE reason that I chose Middlebury over other, fairly similar schools. All three of the reasons that you quoted to me are the reasons that I like it, but the primary one is that I am able to go as many times as I want for as much as I want. In my opinion is hugely important in maintaining not only my stomach but a