<p>Im pre- med and want o know the differences and similarties of both in terms of social lives, diversity( im African American), course load, difficulty of classes and general atmosphere of student body. Thanks for any comments</p>
<p>Amherst is leagues above Vassar in terms of academics. The course load is rigorous but very rewarding. It was founded specifically with the mission to educate students of exceptional talent but limited financial resources, and its student body reflects that – Amherst is one of the most diverse liberal arts colleges with a huge percent of minorities and international students.</p>
<p>oh, let’s not get carried away by the “limited financial resources” label. I doubt if more than 15% of the students at either college are receiving Pell grants.</p>
<p>I take issue with the statement “Amherst is leagues above Vassar in terms of academics”. It is ranked higher, and more selective, but I don’t think that translates into better academics. I’ve obviously never taken a class at Amherst and I’m sure they’re great, but I really couldn’t be happier with my classes at Vassar, and don’t think it could be leagues below anything. Academically, you can’t go wrong with either.
Socially, they’re very different, so that’s what you’re going to want to look at.</p>
<p>johnwes, 20% are from “low-income families.”</p>
<p>cf. <a href=“https://www.amherst.edu/media/view/83206/original/08%20122%20SSR.pdf[/url]”>https://www.amherst.edu/media/view/83206/original/08%20122%20SSR.pdf</a></p>
<p>Not sure how to interpret that euphemism, but I take it as a good thing.</p>
<p>I would agree that Amherst is much more socioeconomically and racially diverse than Vassar, and that Amherst’s diversity transcends these typical superficial labels. It is indeed more selective and much more prestigious. However, I’m inclined to agree with ThatsWhatSheSaid that academic quality is difficult to gauge fairly and accurately.</p>
<p>The social lives at both schools will be more campus-oriented. However, know that the town of Amherst is much, much more beautiful and lively than Poughkeepsie. A Vassar alum told me in good humor that “Poughkeepsie is known for three things: Vassar, IBM, and cocaine.” You have the social opportunities afforded by the Five College Consortium too: you have the opportunity to enjoy the town of Northhampton; concerts, lectures, and performances at UMass, Smith, Holyoke, and Hampshire.</p>
<p>Because Amherst is a NESCAC school, a great deal of the student body is athletic. However, know that a vast majority of the student body is intellectually earnest and dedicated, even the athletes. And, everyone is very friendly and open, as long as you take the initiative to meet and socialize with people, of course.</p>
<p>With regards to course load and difficulty, you know that Amherst has the Open Curriculum, and you have absolute freedom to plan out your curriculum and explore your interests. Again, one shouldn’t make generalizations about course difficulty, but at Amherst, you are free to make your learning experienced a balanced, intense, or laid back one.</p>