<p>Both of these colleges were among my top choices when I applied and I am very excited to be counted among their admitted students. Now, I face the tough prospect of deciding between the two. I plan to major in Economics, while also dabbling in English (and Creative Writing), Spanish, Women's and Genders Studies, and possibly Arabic. I was attracted to these colleges for their prestige and liberal arts environment; I want an academically intense and intellectual atmosphere. Amherst's open curriculum is one of their major appeals, but I am also attracted to the idea of an all-women's college. On the other hand, I am afraid of the "jocky" atmosphere at Amherst and the social limitations that might exist at Wellesley because it is an all-women's college. My questions:</p>
<p>Do you think there is a difference in prestige between these two colleges?
Are there any notable differences in quality/strength of academics?
Differences in internship opportunities? (Especially in Washington DC and law and business firms.)
How do their study abroad and language programs compare?
Differences in opportunities after graduation? (Especially in admittance to top law and business schools.)
Finally, how would you compare the social lives at each college? I realize they have very different social options and atmospheres. What about quality of food and dorm life?</p>
<p>Any input is much appreciated! I am visiting both colleges' Open Houses during the next two weekends.</p>
<p>Congratulations on your two great choices. As you are going to visit each campus for the admitted student days, I doubt there is anything we can add here that will be of more use to you than your own gut reaction to each place. Choose the one you like best. You can’t go wrong.</p>
<p>There is no substantial difference in prestige between those two great schools, and overall their academics will be comparable. I’m sure that individual departments will be stronger in one than the other, but probably not so much to make a substantial difference. As for internships, grad school acceptance, etc.—its not going to make a difference.</p>
<p>The biggest difference is cultural. As a college for women, Wellesley has a decidedly different culture and feel than Amherst, which used to be all male but which has been coed for probably 40 years. I say visit both—in most cases it will quickly become apparent which one feels more right for you. </p>
<p>If, after visiting both, you are still on the fence, then I say choose Amherst. I say this only because I know far more women who choose an all-womens’ college who later regreted it than visa versa. That said, I’m sure that the vast majority of women who choose women’s college are happy with their choice.</p>
<p>I strongly disagree with bonanza - that is an incredibly inaccurate judgment based on one person’s opinion.</p>
<p>Since both are the same in terms of prestige, I would suggest picking the one whose academics suit you more and which offer more opportunities. In terms of recruitment, Wellesley would undoubtedly present the better opportunities (due to location, reputation, and the fact that it’s an all-womens college and employers know that Wellesley women are strong, confident, and intelligent), and it has an INCREDIBLY strong Economics department. The tie-up with MIT would prove advantageous and it has a gorgeous campus. Proximity to Harvard and MIT would help socially (and thus you can discount your social life concerns, since it might even be better at Wellesley than Amherst due to this reason) and not to mention you’d get undivided attention from professors and a much better overall experience at Wellesley due to the fact that it’s all-women and due to small class settings, and you’d be able to grow and flourish as a young woman. You’ll always have the chance to go to a co-ed school, but you’ll never again have the chance to go to a women’s school. Don’t forget the fact that Econ at Wellesley is incredibly competitive too and so it has a great reputation with employers due to that reason as well. Lots and lots of Wellesley women go on to work on Wall Street and internship opportunities are also really great because the Center for Work and Service does an excellent job with helping people get the opportunities they want. The Economics department and Econ faculty at Wellesley is absolutely stellar (not to mention amazing programs in all the other things you’re interested in!) and I strongly believe that the proximity to MIT (one of the best Econ departments in the nation and where tons of exciting research is happening all the time) will not only help academically, but also in terms of future opportunities (also the case with Harvard), e.g. for postgraduate study, research opportunities, networking, etc. Recruitment and study abroad at Wellesley are both top-notch! TONS of Wellesley women go to Harvard Business School and Harvard law school, and some 90% end up getting a postgraduate (master’s) degree and so the opportunities are pretty much insane, since this beats statistics for many Ivies too! The alumni network is also INCREDIBLY strong and tight-knit, which also contributes to better recruitment opportunities and a sense of sisterhood which will be life-long. Food at Wellesley is also supposed to be really great, and it’s widely known to have “dorms like palaces.” What more need I say?!</p>
<p>Let us know what you decide I’d be really interested to see which way your decision ends up going!</p>
What more need I say?!</p>