<p>My son is trying to decide between ED at Amherst or Colgate. He is a soccer player and both coaches have encouraged him. Any comments on academics, atmosphere, social life, reputation, types of students, etc.? What are the good things about each and the not so good things?</p>
<p>My roommate is a soccer player who was down to those two schools, and ultimately chose amherst over colgate. Both are very good schools although Amherst is smaller than Colgate, and has a better academic reputation. The social life at Amherst for a soccer player, and athletes in general, is often connected to their teams. Athletes spend a lot of time with their teammates on the weekends at parties, and also eat together during the week. Colgate is probably considered more of a party school, although there is certainly plenty of that at Amherst. In terms of academics at Amherst, the open curriculum is certainly a plus, leading to students taking classes that interest them and not having to fulfill requirements. In terms of environment, colgate is in more of an isolated area than Amherst, which has four other colleges in the area (umass, smith, hampshire and mt. holyoke). I think Colgate, as a Division 1 school, has a stronger soccer team than that of Amherst, which is D III. However, this could be a positive, as it would most likely lead to more playing time for your son as a freshman. I hope this is helpful.</p>
<p>Thank you so much. WHat you said was pretty much what we concluded after talking to folks and reading about the schools. We just submitted my son's ED application to Amherst!!!!</p>
<p>Good luck. I'm glad I was able to confirm your opinions.</p>