<p>Yes, another one of these threads, sorry! But I’ve actually spent ages going through the past threads, and since I’m an international student and won’t be able to visit and get a feel for these colleges, I hope I’d get some advice more suited to me! I can’t apply both because my school limits the number of applications, but I’m really struggling to make a decision.</p>
<p>First of all, I’m interested in the environment, but I’m not sure exactly what field (policy/science/studies). Amherst only offers Environmental Studies whereas Williams offers Policy OR Science; furthermore, I’ve heard Amherst is stronger in humanities, whereas Williams is stronger in hard sciences, so I’m completely torn. Since Amherst has an open curriculum, I’d like to cover more courses and approach more Environmental Studies comprehensively, but Williams appears to have more options in the whole Environment field. </p>
<p>Furthermore, I’m absolutely in love with Williams campuses (as well as the outing club I have to admit), because I’m easily a ‘nature person’. Not an ostentatious tree-hugging hippie, but I do love spending time outdoors. But I’m worried that, unlike Amherst, it’ll be too rural.</p>
<p>Lastly, I’m a rather liberal, Chinese-American, kind of quirky girl. I enjoy the occasional partying as much as I enjoy reading quietly for the night. I’m a bit concerned about the rumored lack of diversity in Williams. </p>
<p>Both these colleges are absolutely amazing in terms of their academics, resources, and opportunities, so it’s down to the little things like environment and social scene that are my deciding factors.</p>
<p>It sounds like you’re mostly drawn to Williams, but see Amherst as having some features that address your few concerns about Williams. That’s different from being drawn to Amherst in its own right. So, I’d say since it sounds like your 1st choice (with minor reservations) is Williams, you should apply there. Any school is going to come with a few minor reservations. There is no perfect place.</p>
<p>This is a very “gut” decision. Most kids know which they prefer when they step on campus. My kid did. (Chose Williams.) Some kids feel the exact opposite.</p>
<p>I would disagree with the dichotomy of science/humanities. I don’t know as much about Amherst, but I’m sure its sciences are excellent.</p>
<p>As for Williams and the humanities, its art department, particularly art history, and music departments are both very strong. And Williams English department is one of the top ten feeder schools for PhD’s in English.</p>
<p>Amherst’s may be as well.</p>
<p>Williams’ departments are a little deeper (more faculty members because the school is larger.) But Amherst has the consortium, so sort of a wash.</p>
<p>Just go with your gut on this one.</p>
<p>Both schools attract many NYC kids who are not bored or stir crazy at either school.</p>
<p>From your post, I would say that Middlebury should be a contender as well. Maybe sort of in-between.</p>
<p>I’m an Amherst student with a major in environmental studies. The department here is quite new, but the professors who teach ENST courses are fantastic and your options include classes from the other five colleges. Personally, I’ve found that I have so many classes on my wish list every semester that I don’t feel very tempted to look for classes outside of Amherst, but that option is certainly there. One of the reasons I chose ENST is because it is an incredibly interdisciplinary major at Amherst and I’ve been able to take environmental history classes and more science- and math-oriented classes in the major as well.</p>
<p>I visited Middlebury before choosing Amherst because of the environment. As a city girl, I find it comforting to see some life beyond the small LAC! (But that’s just me… Obviously, Midd students love it there, too. Like mythmom said, it’s a gut decision. For me, I didn’t realize what that Midd wasn’t what I wanted until I was actually there. I highly recommend visiting.) </p>
<p>One other thing: If you haven’t visited Amherst, there’s a lovely network of trails right behind the campus where students and townspeople regularly run. The mountains are not too far away and the outing club does several trips per semester. I haven’t found the outdoors opportunities limiting at all. If you have any other questions about Amherst, do feel free to PM me.</p>
Thanks for the advice!</p>