<p>I never thought that I would be presented with such a wonderful problem, but I was recently admitted to both Amherst and Claremont McKenna Colleges. And now, I cannot seem to pick which to attend. My college advising office is unfamiliar with both schools, and nobody I know has attended either one, so now I turn to the internet.</p>
<p>I am significantly favoring Amherst at this time, largely due to the open curriculum, but I still feel uncertain with my choice. I am definitely majoring in economics, Claremont’s specialty, so any academic differences are minimized. Furthermore, as I am leaning towards management consulting/investment banking after graduation, would Claremont’s pre-professional focus give it an edge? Then again, north-eastern offices are generally larger and take more interns. I do however plan on eventually attending grad school. </p>
<p>Basically, I have no idea what to do. The financial aid packages were identical, and I cannot afford to visit either school before I move. Furthermore, as I would ultimately like to work in Texas, neither has a distinct advantage in networking. So, for economics, Amherst or Claremont? Any insights?</p>
<p>What does that mean I was recently admitted? Were you accepted from the wait list from Amherst and/or CMC? I’m sure both schools would be great.</p>
<p>The sort of pre-professional focus you’re looking for, Wharton, Stern, and Sloan would better offer you. Claremont McKenna is a liberal arts college like Amherst. Students at both colleges have high ambitions, and are pre-professional in that sense. However, neither encourages this sort of mentality toward learning.</p>
<p>You’re right to favor Amherst on account of the open curriculum. If you’re genuinely passionate about Economics, you could take as many ECON courses as you’d like at Amherst without being hindered by distribution or core requirements. At the same time, you’re at complete liberty to explore studies that you’ve never even considered before, and your exposure to new and exciting fields might even cause you to change your mind as to what you’d like to dedicate your life learning and doing.</p>
<p>If it matters to you, Amherst is significantly more reputable, due to its history, alumni, and location. Since you’re planning on going into a field where reputation is of utmost importance, Amherst will help you more in that regard.</p>
<p>I am in a similar situation. My other choice offers engineering, which I want to go into. Amherst does not offer engineering, but I chose it anyway. Since you’re planning on going to grad school, I think it should not be a huge concern that Amherst is “preprofessional”
Then again, I don’t have any experience of college matters…so i go with kwu’s suggestion</p>
<p>I was in a similar debate between Amherst and Pomona. CMC academically, is just about on par with Amherst and Pomona, so I think the comparison would be the same. It really comes down to a)future goals and b)your ideal location</p>
<p>I knew Amherst had more prestige than Pomona due to its longer history, but grad schools know Pomona is right up there with Amherst (as is CMC).
However, if you’re looking to get a job right after college, Amherst’s name will help more. I ended up choosing Pomona because of fit, the campus visit for admitted students really helped with my decision. I hope you visit both schools so you really know what you’re getting into.
Both schools are top notch, just imagine where you want to spend 4 years. Go with your heart</p>