Accepted to Both Amherst and Williams: Where should I go?

momrath
Sat, 02 Apr 2005 20:42:09 +0000

j2k5, Congratulations on the acceptances. I followed your financial dilemma on the Parents Board and hope that this query means that you were able to work things out satisfactorily with Williams (and Amherst). Two good choices. I have nothing bad to say about Amherst. It wasn’t right for my son (who’s at Williams, now) because it’s weak in the arts, but it’s still a fine school in many other areas. Without doubt you’d get an excellent education and emerge healthy, wealthy and wise from either, so the key is really to analyze the different environments and decide which feels right for you.

I don’t have to read any further than your first sentence “I want a school where students are generally happy and friendly,” to respond, Williams! Williams is not a household name (Amherst fares slightly better here) but it is very well known to graduate schools and Williams kids perform very well in law and business school admissions. The intellectual intensity is definitely there. I just spent 10 days with my son and believe me his brain is exploding! The sports thing has been debated ad nauseam. Williams is NOT a jock school, but in general the kids are active and healthy. The Berkshires are cold and snowy so if your inclination is to hibernate then it’s going to be a long winter. It is not only “easy … to participate in clubs and such” but highly encouraged. There are tons of activities to get involved in and Williams kids all seem to do two or three simultaneously.They really support each others’ interests. They go to sports events, but also concerts, plays, art openings, dance performances, you name it. There’s a wonderful sense of community.