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<li><p>I always told people that one of the things I love about Amherst is how academically engaging the student body is. Because of the open curriculum, people are only in classes they want to take, so students are normally very excited about their classes and invest a lot in them. I’ll agree that the only minor (very minor) exception is the occasional athlete. But keep in mind that because it’s such a small school, over half the student body plays some form of sport (not that everyone does, but a lot), and academics still come first. </p></li>
<li><p>At this point, I’ve had 2 professors that I would describe as less than great. One was a first-semester hire, so she was slightly nervous and getting things worked out, but she had potential. But all of the other professors I’ve had (I’m a junior at this point) have been amazing. I still bump into some of my profs from freshman year, and they immediately recognize me and stop to talk. I’ve also found myself really enjoying and becoming quite engaged in subjects I would otherwise have avoided, purely do to the professors. I’m not really big into poetry or literary works for example, but my english professor somehow managed to make me look forward to going to class. Something I never thought would happen.</p></li>
<li><p>Huge international presence. I don’t know the exact percentage (I know it’s on our website though), but there is an astonishing number of people from countries all around the globe. Diversity is something we REALLY pride ourselves on, and it brings a lot to discussions in the classroom, conversations in your dorm, and the friendships you make. You become best friends with someone who can bring an entirely new culture to the table, and it really opens your eyes even more. </p></li>
<li><p>I actually chuckled at this, because I have an ongoing joke with a lot of my friends about how every person at Amherst has a certain amount of nerd of them. You could strike up a conversation about anything you like and someone would get really excited. I’ve actually witnessed (and participated in) a lot of those philosophical debates you mention, and they never get old.</p></li>
<li><p>Whatever you’re looking for, you can find it. The hook-up scene is pretty evident, but probably half (or more) of my friends are in serious relationships. Casual dating is always met well, and it seems pretty common for that to evolve into something more serious, but not always. I know some people who just like going on casual dates with different people and getting to know them. So really, there’s a scene for everyone.</p></li>
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<p>Just to put some background to my answers, I’m a Junior Bio-major who’s Pre-Med. So I can testify heavily for the Sciences (and math). I’ve also had great experiences in the humanities and social sciences, but other people can probably speak more to them than I can.</p>