Amherst v. Wellesley

hopeforit
Fri, 13 Apr 2012 14:45:53 +0000

Both of these colleges were among my top choices when I applied and I am very excited to be counted among their admitted students. Now, I face the tough prospect of deciding between the two. I plan to major in Economics, while also dabbling in English (and Creative Writing), Spanish, Women’s and Genders Studies, and possibly Arabic. I was attracted to these colleges for their prestige and liberal arts environment; I want an academically intense and intellectual atmosphere. Amherst’s open curriculum is one of their major appeals, but I am also attracted to the idea of an all-women’s college. On the other hand, I am afraid of the “jocky” atmosphere at Amherst and the social limitations that might exist at Wellesley because it is an all-women’s college. My questions:

Do you think there is a difference in prestige between these two colleges?
Are there any notable differences in quality/strength of academics?
Differences in internship opportunities? (Especially in Washington DC and law and business firms.)
How do their study abroad and language programs compare?
Differences in opportunities after graduation? (Especially in admittance to top law and business schools.)
Finally, how would you compare the social lives at each college? I realize they have very different social options and atmospheres. What about quality of food and dorm life?

Any input is much appreciated! I am visiting both colleges’ Open Houses during the next two weekends.