Colgate (Benton Scholar) vs. Amherst

mhartz20 · 04-09-2009, 04:29 PM

Got into both.

Benton Scholar at Colgate.
Colgate: Benton Scholars
It's a fairly elite group of about twenty, that basically just get a bunch of perks. From meeting world leaders up close like Colin Powell, to trips to Russia or India. This Dan Benton guy donated like 25 million for the program, and it's only it's second year in existence.

Amherst is pretty difficult to pass up though.

No idea which to choose. While I value getting the best education, I also would like to have some fun in college, and I have my doubts about Amherst's social atmosphere. However, it's prestige, especially in this economy is a big factor... an alum told me that if I don't choose Amherst, I'm probably not smart enough to go there. I thought that was a pretty good line. Thoughts?

free · 04-10-2009, 05:27 AM

Amherst is probably more prestigious but the Benton Scholars programe will give you great exposure.
All in all, it depends on what you want and what fits you best.
Both options are great.
All the best!

gellino · 04-10-2009, 12:59 PM

Quote:

an alum told me that if I don't choose Amherst, I'm probably not smart enough to go there. I thought that was a pretty good line. Thoughts?

To me, that's an obnoxious line and not something to be swayed by because it certainly isn't cut and dry. You're obviously smart enough to go there since you were accepted. From what I have seen from my friends out of Colgate and Amherst, Colgate was the more fun place to go. Amherst is definitely the more academically respected place, not that Colgate isn't respected enough to do the same things afterwards, though; especially since that is going to be determined more by the individual and luck than by the school. 750 a class/D-I sports/fraternities/rural is a fair amount different environment than 450 a class/D-III sports/no fraternites/suburban. Which do you like better? What are you looking to go into?