Amherst or Cornell

pmyen
Wed, 27 Dec 2006 14:53:24 +0000

I am an Amherst grad and am a big advocate of liberal arts colleges at all levels. You thus may want to take that bias in consideration. I decided to attend Amherst a number of years ago over a “big three” Ivy and have never had regrets. Amherst provided me with the intellectual tools and life experiences (and I suppose “the prestige”) that were important for my post-undergrad education and career. I also am grateful for the development of my writing and analytical skills and well as the nurturance of my intellectual curiosity in many different fields.

Amherst is not for everyone, though. If you want to be on a big campus, you will not find it there. Also Cornell offers top programs in engineering, hotel management, and veterinary science, and if you are interested in any of those areas, that may also influence your decision. I would recommend going where you think you will get the best education and feel most comfortable, and not just on name recognition. Instead of a pedigree, Amherst offers a superb education which is intensely personal and shared with a community of brilliant peers and profs.