Regarding Diversity: Amherst and Williams are both devoted to diversity. Williams C’2018 accepted 49% students of color (all groups combined) Amherst C’2018 45% students of color. Amherst puts their $ where their mouth is and covers transportation for diverse groups that might not otherwise be able to afford to visit during accepted students weekend. This is probably what you experienced during Open House. I applaud Amherst and Williams commitment to economic, gender, social, geographical an ethnic diversity. Afterall, it’s interesting to note, that without diversity you would not have been able to attend Amherst nor Williams, both historically all male schools; as was Harvard, which boast 47% accepted students of color for the C’2018.
https://www.amherst.edu/system/files/media/SSR%2520Class%2520of%25202018_0.pdf
https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/admissions-statistics
http://communications.williams.edu/news-releases/3_27_2014_admission/
Academics: Amherst academics and professors are second to none.
http://www.bestcollegereviews.org/50-schools-best-professors/
“It’s well known that there are many other colleges where students are much more satisfied with their academic experience,” said Paul Buttenwieser, a psychiatrist and author who is a member of the Harvard Board of Overseers, and who favors the report. “Amherst is always pointed to. Harvard should be as great at teaching as Amherst.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/10/education/10harvard.htmlpagewanted=1&_r=2&sq&st=cse&scp=2%22you%20come%20to%20harvard%20to%20be%20around%20some
Roommates: You can request a 2-room double as a 1st year; you and roommate each have your own bedroom. After your 1st year you can request a single, double, 2-room double, suites, etc. during room draw.
Investment Banking: The road is paved with yellow bricks from Amherst to Wall Street. Great internships and recruitment regardless of your major.
Congratulations and the best of luck with your decision!