<p>Ive narrowed my selection between Oxy and Amherst. Ive also visited and been accepted at both schools. Although they are both very different schools I liked my visits very much and now Im torn on where to go. I also know that many people on the East Coast have not even heard of Occidental so this might be a stretch question. I live on the West Coast so there are obvious advantages in terms of expense, weather, and travel, etc. But I also want to strongly consider the prestige factor that Amherst presents. Anyone had a similar decision to make or any insight on what I should do?</p>
<p>I know a family friend's daughter in California gave up Stanford for Amherst College. The father has a Ph.D. from Berkeley and is working in the field of higher education, and he advised the daughter to go to Amherst. Clinton's daugher was considering Amherst before she decided to go to Stanford. I guess this says how good Amherst is.</p>
<p>Occidental is an amazing place. It is much, much more diverse than Amherst, slightly larger, and has the advantage of the city near by. Amherst will carry slightly more prestige with grad. schools, and with east coasters. Out here in the west, virtually no one will have ever heard of it (and the number of westcoasters who return to the west after Amherst is relatively small, so the alumni networking is smallish as well.)</p>
<p>Amherst, of course, is superb. Might depend on what you are looking for.</p>
<p>i'd definitely say amherst.</p>