<p>Assuming Amherst and Yale both pony up enough bucks that D can realistically consider both (gee, what a large assumption) can anybody give me some talking points about the campus culture, workload, grading style, overall ethos that will help her choose? She has admitted students visits planned but this will have to do for now. </p>
<p>D is not a partier, does seek a social life, plans on intramurals at least, will do volunteer work, wants study abroad, bio/neuro major,plans on med school, will probably double at Amherst with Spanish, and she will be an aid recipient , probably doing work study, at both. Oh, I don’t think it matters much (she gets along with everybody) but she is relatively conservative in style and socially, relatively more liberal and open-minded politically, somewhat religious but not preachy. Thanks</p>
<p>That's a very good question, and one that I think of often. Bring it up to God next time you see him. I have. ;) Let's just say there are reasons that are not germane to answering this post. Is your assumption that I'm a lazy bum? Just assume I spent it all on crack and forty's. That will work fine for this discussion. I don't mind. </p>
<p>Now that that's taken care of, any help ? from someone with knowledge?</p>
<p>I'm sorry, curmudgeon, I can't help you there. As a member of Amherst's class of 2010, I hope that students won't be as abrasive as aguarafox, here!</p>
<p>I can't speak highly enough about the Amherst/Northampton area, though, and I know that there are lots of community volunteer opportunities (though perhaps not as many as in New Haven). I believe that Amherst may make studying abroad easier than Yale. Good luck to your daughter. :)</p>
<p>Certainly living up to the name "Curmudgeon," aren't you? I noticed the "pre-edit" remark, and you certaintly toned it down a bit, but don't worry, I won't say anything.</p>
<p>Thanks gavroche. We visited years ago when D was younger and enjoyed the area a lot. We have relatives in Western Massachusetts and that might help with the transition. At least I hope it would. I appreciate your good will.</p>
<p>it sounds like your daughter could fit in either place. The size is really the main consideration here, in what type of environment she would be more comfortable. A larger school could mean a larger group of non-partyers, but could also mean that people are more cliquey. It's really whether she would prefer big or small.</p>
<p>Based on your daughter's academic goals, I can add that the Amherst Neuroscience program is fantastic, and one of the senior faculty in that program - Professor Steve George - is also the pre-med advisor. He is a thoughtful and kind man, and will be of great help to your daughter.</p>
<p>Thanks AmherstAlum, I will check that out some more. </p>
<p>I have pulled several sheets off the printer earlier tonight about Amherst pre-med and checked the MD applicants site. It seems Amherst apps have very high MCAT's as a matter of course. That's good sign. I wonder how much culling comes from the committee, or if those scores are a natural outgrowth of superior preparation at Amherst?</p>
<p>With the now missing troll post by aguarafox, my crack and forty's line seems oddly out of place;).</p>
<p>Study abroad at Yale (outside of summers) is highly discouraged (not impossible, but they don't make it easy.) Lots of community service at Yale, though.</p>
<p>The visits should tell all (they are, after all, so different.)</p>
<p>I am a physician-scientist who has served on medical school , residency, and fellowship admissions committees of several leading medical schools so hopefully I can answer your questions.</p>
<p>I made this same decision a number of years ago, and picked Amherst because I felt that I could learn best in a small college environment in which I would know the majority of my classmates and professors at a personal level. I liked the idea of learning from professors (vs. T.A.s) in discussion seminars (vs. lectures) . Also, I felt that it would be relatively easy to participate in a variety of different activities that interested me. I also liked the idea of living in a college town near four other colleges where I could walk around safely, hike, cross-country ski, etc. very readily. Although New Haven has improved substantially in the past 10 years, I felt more comfortable in the Pioneer Valley. In terms of education, life experiences, and preparation for future career, I have found my time at Amherst invaluable.</p>
<p>I would say that Yale offers more for someone who wants to specialize earlier or intensively e.g.. your daughter could take graduate level courses. On the other hand, Amherst emphasizes a liberal arts education with breadth in addition to depth. For example, my roomate who majored in physics also took classes in Japanese literature, philosophy, and Spanish. Upper level specialized courses still would be available at UMass and other colleges but most likely would not be as extensive as at Yale. Also, there would be more research opportunities as Yale Medical School and the basic science departments of the university. However, it should be noted that her experience would likely involve working with a grad student or research fellow, and the priority of her research and mentoring by the professor would likely be behind that given to other people in the lab. If your daughter wants to gain a broader research experience, in addition to Amherst, I would suggest that she consider working during a summer at a research medical school. I have sponsored a number of Amherst students in my lab in the past, and there is an active placement/matching service in the career guidance office. On the other hand, Yale is Yale. It has world-wide recognition by the general public. It has a larger student body, full university community, in an urban environment. Your daughter will have to weigh how much these factors mean to her.</p>
<p>Probably more cross-admits will choose Yale; however, for those students who truly value a personal, focused undergraduate education, I cannot think of a better education than those offered at Amherst and other peer LACs. There is plenty of opportunity later to go to Yale or other top universities for graduate or professional school. In terms of medical school admissions, both Amherst and Yale have outstanding placement rates at top medical schools. I wouldn't choose one or the other on that basis.</p>
<p>I'll be in the Amherst class of 2010 and honestly, I couldn't be happier. I love the thought of a small class setting where you could also be heard by your professor.</p>
<p>I do understand that Yale is a prestigous institution but large institutions like that tend to have the disadvantage of being more graduate oriented and impersonal for undergrad students. At least, that is what I hear.</p>
<p>I'm also aware that Amherst has a great neuroscience department. D could always study at Yale as grad.</p>