<p>Hey there! I’m deciding between UVA as an Echols Scholar and Amherst. From the research I’ve been doing between the two schools, the major differences are the size (it’s around 13000 for UVA and 2000 for Amherst) and the cost, which I has less of a difference for you, I guess, since you’re out of state. Also, UVA has distribution requirements if you aren’t an Echols Scholar, and Amherst doesn’t have any. However, UVA has a great political science program, being founded by Thomas Jefferson. I can’t really speak to the other schools though. I’m still conflicted myself, so I can’t offer an opinion, but I hope you’re happy where you end up! </p>