<p>Yes! Please go to Amherst unless it’s going to be impossible for you to pay for. Berkeley is too crowded, California is cutting funding for its public universities, and the area is not for everyone. I didn’t have many problems with it, and the liberal atmosphere was rather attractive to me at first. But I don’t know if I would’ve been able to handle the hills and the overly urban-ness of Berkeley for 4+ years.</p>
<p>I was faced with a similar decision… except that both schools were going to cost the same. I’ll be honest, I didn’t wholeheartedly love Amherst and I am still scared (I’m from California), but I think this decision will pay off in the long run. I met people who broadened my perspectives in a period of three days (at Openhouse weekend). Amherst is different socially, not like Berkeley or LA, where it may be easier to blend in and meet people like yourself. However, it is a risk worth taking. It will test your mettle and the small size provides a nice living environment. </p>
<p>And since the environmental studies major is one of the newer ones, I think the faculty will be open to experimentation and new ideas, and you’ll have so many possibilities for research. I’m pretty sure you’ll get one-on-one attention… unlike Berkeley where you’ll be struggling to meet professors during office hours and competing with many others who desire letters of recommendation for grad school.</p>
<p>The dorms are really nice (compared to Berkeley I bet). </p>
<p>Please choose Amherst! See you next year! </p>
<p>(And ignore my odd screen name, I only made an account to keep track of my waitlists, but that’s all over now. I thought I’d choose a generic screen name. I’m more credible than it may seem.)</p>