Williams vs. Amherst vs. Columbia vs. Yale

momrath
Mon, 23 Mar 2015 08:53:55 +0000

Congratulations on some fine acceptances. Is the money about equal?

I hope you will be able to visit all four (assuming Yale is a yes) before you make a decision as the environments are quite different. You’ve got big cities Manhattan and New Haven, small town Amherst and even smaller mountain village Williamstown. My guess is that when you’re on campus one will “speak” to you more than the others.

Williams is the most insular and self contained, with the most active, outdoorsy culture, which can either be a plus or a minus. That’s why it’s important to visit and see how you feel about the environment. My son, who had only ever lived in mega cities, was drawn to the profound natural beauty of the Berkshires. He managed to get to New York or Boston once or twice a semester, but was always happy to return to the Purple Bubble. It’s a highly subjective reaction. I wouldn’t say that being in New York City is better; just different.

The academics at all four will be top notch, but the style of teaching is varies. Williams and Amherst will be similar with small classes and accessible, nurturing professors whose sole purpose is to teach undergraduates and who will continue to write personal recommendations for jobs and graduate school for years to come.

Williams has tutorials and Winter Study; Amherst has the consortium. Yale and Columbia will be similar to each other, but Columbia has a core curriculum.

Each has a long list of approved study abroad programs, including several in Japan. You are not limited to programs administered by the school itself, but you might be interested in Williams’ program at Oxford.

All will have active Democratic campaigns, no matter who the candidate is. You will find ample political activism and summer internship opportunities to get you started on your path in politics.

Williams has excellent law school advising and admissions track record. I wouldn’t say it’s a destination for film or communications except in a general sense. Art History and History are both strong departments as is political science.