<p>I’m looking to study Philosophy, economics and maybe psychology. I also want to take courses in History, Ecology and Geology. Basically, I think these are the factors I am looking at: </p>
<p>Relatively unknown LAC vs Ivy League. I know the saying that “people who don’t know don’t matter, people who matter, know”. But I want to work in Europe after graduation, so I am not sure how that applies. </p>
<p>6000 students vs 1600 students. </p>
<p>Endowment/Student: Amherst $820800 vs Brown $285187 </p>
<p>1000 acres vs 143 acres</p>
<p>Brown campus seems much more beautiful.</p>
<p>Brown has larger course offering</p>
<p>RISD</p>
<p>Amherst: rural(preferred) vs Brown: urban. (Does Brown have much outdoor opportunities?)</p>
<p>Different environments to consider. Brown has the city so more to do within walking distance, easy bus/train access to Boston and NYC, even Cape Cod.</p>
<p>Better location, more course offerings, the opportunity to take classes at RISD, slightly larger so you will meet more people..... amazing liberal, intellectual atmosphere, ivy league prestige.</p>
<p>That being said, Brown is the perfect school for some people (like me) but I guess others think it gives students too much independence in picking their courses, creating majors, etc. If you think you'd like to be considered independent and mature enough to design your own education and participate in a thriving intellectual and extremely diverse/eclectic environment, then Brown is for you.</p>
<p>I am also choosing between Brown, Amherst, and Macalester and I agree..Hellish Choice indeed! I have no clue how to use this site, so could someone please tell me how to post a question please? Thank you!</p>
<p>They are two incredibly different environments, particularly with regard to size and social life. When I came to Brown I thought I would never be in a big class because I was paying all this money, but in reality, when a university is above a certain size, big classes are inevitable. I have been in more than a few large intro classes (>100) and I'm only half way through my career here. I imagine that is not the case at Amherst. So if professor attention is really important to you, consider that. </p>
<p>Also, Amherst is actually much more into sports despite being D3. They have a very jocky student body and the fratty nature of many of their jocks permeates the social scene. Here at Brown athletes are not necessarily looked down on, but they certainly don't rule the roost. I appreciate that but I also wish there were more school spirit sometimes as well as more organized intramurals.</p>
<p>Doesn't take frats to make a social scene "fratty." Maybe they're just the exception but the few people I know who go there are almost perpetually drunk off cheap beer.</p>
<p>I think they are the exception...I deliberately refrained from posting about the only four Brown students whom I know, because I don't think it would be fair to your student body at large.</p>
<p>Both are great schools. I considered Amherst back in the day. I thought Amherst would appeal to my son because of the open curriculum but he had no interest in the small student body or non city campus environment. His dislikes are probably the very reasons someone else would choose Amherst over Brown. So don't worry about prestige or academics (both are good, although Amherst has less classes/majors). Which environment appeals to you more? That's the one where you'll be more inclined to do well and lead to a great undergrad college experience.</p>
<p>Both open curriculum, both excellent academics, both friendly/laid back</p>
<p>This is going to sound picky: Brown is on a hilltop and gets light all day. Amherst is hillside and is thus shady. This makes a difference in winter!</p>
<p>Maybe visit and see which atmosphere appeals to you?</p>