<p>Your intended area of study is Environmental Science and English. While I think Amherst is a great school, and one my son considered seriously, the sciences at Midd are IMO better than Amherst simply because Amherst had to put on hold any and all updating of their science building due to the crash back in 2008. They have since put it back on the docket, and while they don’t list a starting date of construction, the article offers a completion date of 2016. Is that soon enough for you?</p>
<p><a href=“https://www.amherst.edu/aboutamherst/science_center[/url]”>https://www.amherst.edu/aboutamherst/science_center</a></p>
<p>On the other hand, Midd’s Bi-Hall (McCardell Bicentennial Hall) was completed in 1999 and is stunning. Additionally, Midd was the first school in the country to have an Environmental Studies major (going back to 1965). When you consider that it’s commitment to sustainability, the school’s involvement in the solar decathlon in Washington DC (placing 4th in 2011 as the only liberal arts school in the competition - <a href=“http://www.solardecathlon.gov/scores.html[/url]”>http://www.solardecathlon.gov/scores.html</a>), well, I just don’t see how Amherst would provide better resources, connections etc for internships, research, grad school or post graduate employment. </p>
<p>[About</a> the Program | Middlebury](<a href=“Environmental Studies | Middlebury College”>Environmental Studies | Middlebury College)</p>
<p>Additionally, when you consider Midd’s commitment to Breadloaf with it’s specialized concentration in English and writing for advanced degrees… I tend to believe that commitment extends to the strength of the undergrad department. </p>
<p>If you had no idea what you wanted to major in, I think the comparative analysis might be more difficult, but if you look at the schools’ programs in the specific areas that you wish to study and the depth of those resources… well, I honestly think Midd comes out on top.</p>
<p>But the bottom line is… and as has been said here and on other boards constantly is… you need to visit and determine if you feel at home and inspired at whatever school you attend.</p>