Hi everyone! I was fortunately accepted to both Amherst College and Hamilton RD, and I am thrilled. These two schools are currently my top choices( I was also accepted to William and Mary RD, but I do not know my financial aid package yet, and therefore, cannot truly consider it right now.) I am a latina who is currently interested in majoring in economics, and perhaps minoring in a language(French or Russian), art history, or computer science. I would love to study abroad, and I am especially interested in each school’s diversity level, as well as job placement and internship/research opportunities. I know that both schools are academically rigorous, so that is not a top concern. I am also curious about the social scenes at each school. Could anyone please guide me in the right direction in terms of which school could be a good fit for me? Thanks!
If you would like, you could consider a few attributes that pertain to those you have mentioned:
Both of these colleges support their students’ research efforts: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/undergrad-research-programs.
Hamilton’s faculty seem to be a touch more active with respect to publishing in economics, though both Hamilton and Amherst are clearly top-notch for this field: https://ideas.repec.org/top/top.uslacecon.html.
Amherst enrolls lots of French majors. A lot more, for context, even than a school known for languages such as Middlebury: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=Amherst&s=all&id=164465#programs.
Hamilton appears to enroll more foreign language majors in general than other liberal arts colleges, most notably in Hispanic / Latin American, French, Chinese and classical languages: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=Hamilton&s=all&id=191515#programs.
Hamilton graduates register slightly higher early career earnings than those from Amherst.
Hamilton administers study abroad programs in China, France and Spain, as well as domestic programs in the Adirondacks; New York City; Washington, D.C.; and Boston. I’m less familiar with Amherst’s direct programs. Both schools support enrollment in over 100 pre-approved abroad programs.
Congratulations on your acceptances and best of luck your decision, @Penguins75!
I have many family Amherst alums and know the faculty to be excellent. Amherst is committed to achieving increased diversity among its students and faculty. It has lead the way among LAC in this regard and is truly a model. Amherst is also part of the 5 college consortium where you can enroll in classes at Smith, Mount Holyoke, UMASS or Hampshire (if it survives). The small town is very comfortable and student oriented. Amherst is really the best. You are extremely fortunate to be admitted, so congratulations.
We toured Hamilton and were not really impressed with the town or the area. Too remote for us. But best of luck.
45% of students at Amherst self identify as diversity
https://www.amherst.edu/amherst-story/diversity
Socially, Hamilton benefits from its spatial aspects. With three distinct campus neighborhoods, each with a dining hall, you’d be free to explore a variety of physical and social settings on a daily basis.
Regarding CS, it’s worth mentioning that Hamilton has performed well in coding competitions amid fields that have included other liberal arts colleges:
https://www.hamilton.edu/news/story/comp-sci-department-hosts-college-computing-conference
Amherst is one of the most diverse LACs out there, with the Common Data Set showing roughly 45% of the class is non-white. We know several recent alums and they, and their friends, have all made successful transitions after college and are working in the careers of their choice, whether business, non-profits or public service. If the money works at Amherst, that seems like an easy “yes” to me. Congrats on great options!
Amherst seems to have decent financial aid and will also support the study abroad semester financially too so the study abroad support is strong at Amherst. Don’t know about Hamilton’s study abroad support for students with financial aid.
For what it’s worth, when we visited Hamilton for the interview, I overheard some of the professors in the CS department who were at the local pizza place having lunch. I was really impressed that the conversation seemed to be focused entirely on how to create the best experience for the students. As an alum, I’m partial to Hamilton, but I’m sure you would have a great experience at either place. @anon145 makes a good point about additional financial support for study abroad students - if that’s something that will be important to you, definitely make some calls and find out what resources Hamilton provides. Their study abroad programs are great. You can also request to be granted credit for other programs - at least, that was my experience many years ago. I just needed approval from the department head.
Two great schools. Both should satisfy your goals. Amherst College places you into a consortium of schools that may enhance diversity & educational opportunities.
Consider buying a sweatshirt from each school to see which has the better fit. Might be a wise investment as one may help get scarce tickets on Broadway.
Opened in 2018 the new Science Center at Amherst is the largest capital project the college has undertaken to date. A marvel and behemoth. https://www.amherst.edu/news/news_releases/2018/10-18/new-science-center-celebrated-with-inquiry-demos
I don’t have any personal experience with Hamilton.
Amherst doesn’t have minors. You can double major if you are really into two subjects, many students do, and it’s a bit easier given the open curriculum (no gen ed reqs). But it can be tricky (two comps/theses, for instance).
Diversity probably better at Amherst. Econ is a very popular major there.
Outcomes for class of 2017 here: https://www.amherst.edu/system/files/Classof17FirstDestinationInfoGraphic2.pdf
Career center has a lot of great programs but you have to use them. Amherst Select internships, an alumni mentor matching program, help with resume and cover letters and interviewing, then lots of specific help if you want a consulting or finance career, comprehensive pre health advising. My kid had several good job offers and I think all of those initial contacts came from the career center portal (like LinkedIn where your profile can be accessed by recruiters) except one which came from a professor.
Study abroad system is changing for your class to be easier than it is now, but even the current system covers the semester or year away as if you were on campus (your student/parent contribution doesn’t change and that includes airfare and everything else).
There is paid summer research as well as funding for off-campus internships or research.
Both great choices. I like how both schools have a focus on writing and ensuring students graduate with good writing/communication skills. Career services are a strength at both. Amherst wins for location, Hamilton wins for campus beauty. Can’t make a wrong choice here.
Thank you to everyone who replied! Based off of yesterday’s news, I am now between Amherst, Yale, and Penn.
Yikes. Hard to believe that the same person for whom Hamilton was in the running is now seriously considering Penn. Not saying there aren’t sound academic reasons for attending all these places, but, Penn is clearly the outlier here for reasons I’d be happy to elucidate if you PM me.