<p>I am looking to major in either philosophy or English (am interested in Japanese as well). I was just browsing through both schools' course catalogs and I noticed that williams offers waaay more courses in all three academic areas (but I am applying ED to amherst). My question is, does the quantity necessarily indicate the quality of the departments? There just seemed to be more depth in Williams' offerings than Amherst's.. but then again Amherst is a bit smaller than Williams.</p>
<p>Well, people are going to write in here talking about the consortium, but only 40% of Amherst students take at least one course in the consortium. You need to look at the offerings and see if there is enough to occupy you for four years. I suspect that there is. The Amherst folks I’ve talked to have been very happy with their school. I don’t know about Japanese, but I’m sure philosophy and English are well enough represented.</p>
<p>However, if you are not sure, apply to both RD and decide later on. Looking at course catalogues is certainly a good way to get down to brass tacks. If you are unhappy with course selection you should rethink your plan.</p>
<p>proud, I wouldn’t worry about keeping yourself challenged at Amherst. You have to remember that you’re only going to take 32-40 courses over a period of four years, fewer if you intend to study abroad. With three majors – or even areas of interest – plus some pure electives, like history, art history, or the sciences plus the opportunity to write a thesis or do independent study, your dance card is going to fill up fast. </p>
<p>Williams and Amherst have a lot of overlap in student personality and teaching styles. If you’re more comfortable at Amherst then I wouldn’t worry about the number of classes offered. You’ll get an excellent education at either school, but personal fit should be the most important factor in your choice.</p>
<p>Amherst is a bit smaller than Williams, and supplements its offerings through the 5-College consortium. Many Amherst students do not use the consortium because there are vast offerings within the college, but it is still there for those who choose to use it (I have gotten a ton out of the consortium). I have heard great things about the Asian Languages and Civilizations program at Amherst (though I only know one professor) and the English department is top notch (one of our best). </p>
<p>Remember that Williams is more insular (or isolated, I suppose) than Amherst, and as such, needs to provide more courses than Amherst does, whereas Amherst can draw on the strengths of, say, the top-notch linguistics program at UMass, the fantastic art department at Smith, the immense variety of unique languages that are taught in the various schools, and film studies at Hampshire.</p>
<p>As an Amherst student, I have to make a plug for my school, which is really, truly fantastic, but Williams is amazing too, and an equally wonderful place. I agree with mythmom, ED is not a good idea unless you’re absolutely certain, and it doesn’t sound as though you are. I would look into colleges that offer EA.</p>
<p>thanks for the clarifications all. i am definitely set on amherst (visited three times and loved it), it was just more of a curiosity. thanks again!</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>If you really exhaust the resources (which is very unlikely) remember that studying abroad is always an option - as someone interested in Japanese, you may want to spend a semester or year there. </p>
<p>Anyways, good luck, hope to see you at Amherst!</p>