<p>What reference book did you use? I am very surprised by the comments regarding Amherst.
I chose Amherst over Yale a number of years ago. Both will offer you a wonderful education but in different ways. </p>
<p>Yale’s residential college system does provide a sense of community but it not have the same feel as it ultimately is a university located in an urban setting. I personally felt more comfortable in a smaller environment where I knew most of my classmates and professors. I also was attracted the undergraduate focus at Amherst and the curricular freedom. Although Yale has a strong undergraduate focus, it nonetheless is a university with all the advantages and disadvantages that are associated with it. At Amherst, almost all my courses where seminars. I also took a one-on-one science tutorial with a professor which we designed together-I am not sure how easy that would be able to be done at a university. Additionally, I preferred living in a safe and bucolic NE college town than living in New Haven where some areas surrounding the Yale campus have deteriorating neighborhoods and crime problems. I also enjoyed the opportunity to walk, hike, bike, ski, etc. in areas that were very nearby. The 5 College system also provides the opportunities to meet a large number of students (both international and throughout the U.S.) as well as attend events and parties on other campuses. By virtue of its size and calibre of students and faculty, Amherst is an intellectual place. I remember late night discussions with my two freshman roommates-one who majored in philosophy and became a Quaker minister and the other was a classics major who became a photographer and commercial film maker. We came from very different backgrounds-a farmboy from Vermont, a preppie from Andover, and a first generation immigrant from Asia.</p>
<p>Yale offers the benefits of a university such as a wide range of courses (although one can cross-register for courses in the 5 college system) and larger, hence more diverse, student body. There also is the possibility of taking more advanced courses in graduate school. At Amherst, many students do not find the latter to be a disadvantage as they may branch out and take courses in very different areas than their major. A liberal arts education places emphasis on breadth as well as depth. For example, a math major might also minor in music or foreign language; a chemistry major may also major in English literature (choices made by two of my friends). There is always graduate or professional school to prepare for one’s chosen career. Yale is much more widely known than Amherst among the general public. On the other hand, graduate schools and employers at major companies recognize the value of an Amherst graduate education. My classmates and I all have done very well in our educational and job options post-Amherst. On the other hand, if you plan to work in Asia, Yale will be immediately recognized by most educated people whereas that may not be the case for Amherst. I certainly weighed that aspect but ultimately decided to attend where I thought I would best fit in and grow personally, intellectually, and socially.</p>