<p>@ unregistered: Wow, that was a really good post! Coming from a student who actually goes to Amherst, you gave an amazing description of both.
I was accepted to Williams and waitlisted at Amherst, but I preferred the former over the latter due to intangible reasons, as mythmom said. Amherst’s town is gorgeous and it’s truly an amazing place to live, but I wasn’t overly fond of the campus itself for some reason. I found Williams to be warmer, more hospitable, and genuine than Amherst.
Both Williamstown and Amherst are teeming with culture, but I have to say, the Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods in Hadley (very close to Amherst) are simply unbeatable. If you want things like that accessible, go to Amherst. If Williamstown (with its wonderful Thai restaurant and charming coffee shop) is more your cup of tea, go to Williams. It comes down to personal preference between the two, and nothing more. If you feel more comfortable at one than at the other, then that’s the place for you.</p>
<p>I agree with unregistered, VISIT BOTH! I can’t stress that enough.</p>