shellzie2006

Yes, I know I am treading dangerous waters here, but I really want to know what it is that differentiates Amherst from other small LACs, and, especially from Williams. They are both top schools and IF I am admitted to both of them (very big if), why should I choose Amherst? I am interested in majoring in biology with a Chinese minor. The research I have done so far indicates:

Williams- has a stronger science department (though both are good), stronger Chinese department than Amherst

Amherst-is in a better location (in a small town, but with both rural and urban areas easily accessible), 5-college consortium

jackson17

I'm not positive, but Amherst doesn't have a core curriculum and I'm pretty sure that Williams does.

grumpybear727

You should choose Williams

___equilibrium

Just some quotes from The Amherst Student:

“I think we have a major advantage over Williams in the resources of the Five-College system as a supplement to course offerings, extracurricular activities and just about everything else that could possibly be limited at a small school,” said Hilary Palevsky ’07.

Patrick Savage ’07 agreed. “Amherst far surpasses [Williams] because of the Five-College system and the opportunities that accompany it,” he said.

Despite remaining in the number-two position, the College has improved in some areas. Now, 71 percent of classes have fewer than 20 students, whereas last year only 67 percent of classes could claim such small numbers. Additionally, the percentage of classes with greater than 50 students has dropped two percentage points and stands at four percent this year.

Amherst is ranked first in the graduation and retention rank category and has higher SAT/ACT scores from the 25th-75th percentiles than both Williams and Swarthmore. The top three schools all have a student-faculty ratio of 8:1.


Also, a link to an LJ post...

http://community.livejournal.com/lordjeffs/13751.html

Corbett

Williams does not have a true "core curriculum"; however, it does have several distribution requirements. So it's true that the Williams curriculum is not as "open" as the Amherst curriculum. But in practice, the Williams distribution requirements are not considered particularly difficult to fulfill, so this distinction will probably not be crucial for most people.

Gleech

because Amherst (the town) pwns Williamstown. Unless your only friends are trees. there are a lot of those up that way, and not much else.

Corbett

This is an unfair exaggeration. In fact, the Williamstown area also offers large rocks, as well as cows.

tchaikovsky

I visited both schools, and I like Williams better. (I can't really say why...just the feeling I got. Amherst people seemed a little snobby)

tkm256

When I visited both schools, I liked Amherst a lot better than Williams. This is primarily because Williamstown was so darn secluded, and I could envision myself bashing my head against the tree trunks after half a year of seeing those eyeball seats everywhere. Williams has a wonderful museum, though.

haon

People tend to under sell Williamstown--there really is a lot to do. That said, if clubbing and bars are your thing, Amerst is going to have more of them.

Personally I've never been a fan of the 5CC--a lot of what makes LACs great is their tight communities...and while I'm sure Amherst has a nice community feel, i've never found it anywhere near as friendly, community-feeling as Williams is.

Oh, and Williams has winter study--a BIG plus. Ask any of your friends in college what they think of a 6 week winter break...chances are they get bored after the 3rd week. Believe me, it's much more fun hanging out at college with very little work to do than hanging out at home with very little work to do.

jackson17

I already come from an extremely small town. I'm looking for something at least a little bit bigger. Is anyone else interested in the ljst major at Amherst? That's a big factor for me - it seems tailor-made for what I want to do.

evitajr1

Amherst has Winterterm, as well. The Open Curriculum and the ability to structure your major make it very desirable. And while many schools have lots of classes to take in the core or distribution requirements, the fact remains that you still have to take some from that list. Not so at Amherst. As an Amherst scholarship student's mom, I met nothing but warm, nice and friendly students. Did I meet everyone? No. But considering our financial status, I didn't feel snubbed. I am sure there are some snobs, but there are some at every school, even the state U that D visited with friends. The townspeople were warm and friendly - we met some when we ate at the local restaurants and while shopping. And after Boston, Amherst brings in the great cultural events. And the level of education is superior.

noxiousnirvana

"And the level of education is superior."

Definitely not.

haon

Most schools *have* a winterterm. The difference is that there are very few schools were everyone participates in it (Amherst is not one of them, Williams is).

If you actually look at the distribution requiremens at Williams you'll see how easy they are to meet. I met my distribution requirements without trying to and this is the case for many students; I didn't have to take one course that I wouldn't have otherwise taken.

evitajr1

Sorry! I mistyped - left off "as is Williams." Both give superior educations.