Hi, my daughter is struggling with the decision between Amherst College and Carleton. We visited and liked both very much. She’s a probable Environmental Studies and Political Science major (or major/concentration, depending on how the school structures their academics). She’s also particularly into social and environmental justice. Does anyone know where Amherst students go for service opportunities? Carleton seems fairly circumscribed (to Northfield) by geography. Also, she is concerned about the student environment “vibe”–how preppy is Amherst as compared with the “quirky, down-to-earth” vibe she got and heard about at Carleton? Feedback would be most appreciated! Thanks!
I think your daughter needs to go with her gut here. Concerned students will find service opportunities wherever they go. I would say Northfield versus Amherst is a wash for that. As far as the student environment, I suspect its more east coast versus midwest. If she has visited both schools, she should get a feeling which school seems right.