| So, I chose Amherst because I wanted a rigerous education, a strong sense of college community and a small, manageable campus. The fact that I can also play sports there is also an added bonus. I figure this is the last period of time when I can "have it all," a social life, great teachers and the ability to learn without huge pressure (I plan to go to graduate school, where I anticipate the focus will be different. I will be planning to work and "contribute...") Harvard has a name, but I don't think that it has the other things, (being a good researcher is not the same as being a good teacher. I think that LAC's definitely have the edge in the teaching arena). As a graduate school, Harvard's clearly a door opener, but my goal is broader as an undergrad than it will be in graduate school. My impression from virtually everyone I have met at Amherst is that they love their college experience. I don't think the same is true of Harvard. AND I think that I will have just a good a chance to get into Harvard or Yale for graduate school as the kids who graduated from any Ivy, including Harvard. |