Amherst v. Wellesley

bonanza
Fri, 13 Apr 2012 16:14:54 +0000

There is no substantial difference in prestige between those two great schools, and overall their academics will be comparable. I’m sure that individual departments will be stronger in one than the other, but probably not so much to make a substantial difference. As for internships, grad school acceptance, etc.—its not going to make a difference.

The biggest difference is cultural. As a college for women, Wellesley has a decidedly different culture and feel than Amherst, which used to be all male but which has been coed for probably 40 years. I say visit both—in most cases it will quickly become apparent which one feels more right for you.

If, after visiting both, you are still on the fence, then I say choose Amherst. I say this only because I know far more women who choose an all-womens’ college who later regreted it than visa versa. That said, I’m sure that the vast majority of women who choose women’s college are happy with their choice.