I don’t know what world a certain above poster lives in, but Dartmouth is definitely no less elite than Amherst. In terms of prestige, Dartmouth in fact has an dge for producing a higher number of high achieving alumni than Amherst. In proportion, they are likely to be similar however.
They are both excellent schools, and prestige is the worst reason to decide on a school in any case. I applied early decision to Dartmouth, over the entreaties of several family members to apply early tp other schools I had hooks at, including some more prestigious than Dartmouth. In fact, those hooks might have been what dissuaded me from applying to those schools. That may be a factor in your decision here. I certainly didn’t want to attend my father’s alma mater. Now, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider uour options carefully based on the merits for your wants and needs.
In terms of program, Dartmouth CS is definitely ahead of Amherst’s. It’s not just the course offerings but the fact the faculty are all engaged in high level research , which undergrads are favored to take part in (which they can given we have the resources of a research university). This opportunity for research in fact attracts higher level CS faculty to Dartmouth. The department also has an off-campus study program in CS which is not only fun but also really helps your professional and personal development.We also have a larger and more well connected network in silicon valley. The Dartmouth club even has a branch there with hundreds of members.
But the major program is not the only reason to pick a college. especially a liberal arts college where 2/3 of your courses are likely to be outside your major. If the other academic and extracurricular options at Amherst excite you so much beyond their equivalents at Dartmouth, then maybe those will make you far more comfortable at and more able to achieve at Amherst, and more than make up for the difference in terms of CS opportunities. Just be sure to have done the right research to see the options at Dartmouth.
Also about your visit - I don’t kniow when you visited, but from my personal experience I doubt there is ever a time you could truly be underdressed here. We have a tradition called “flair” where, whenver students feel like it, they come to class and go to meetings wearing very weird stuff. This includes guys wearing dresses, people in animal onesies, people wearing brightly colored propeller caps and sunglasses, and basically anything weird you can think of. This is something just generally accepted at campus as normal. We are certainly not a preppy school in terms of attire, you can pretty much wear generally comfortable stuff.
Just to be clear, I’m not trying to say one school is better than the other for you, because how can I know that? This is a holistic decision, you need to take everything into account. Just make sure to do all the right research, and make a fully informed decision. That way, you’ll know it’s the right one.