All three seem relatively similar on paper, although I am aware of the differences in curriculum and location. Most of the current advice is to go visit them, which is not an option due to the coronavirus. Both of my parents went to Amherst, so I have been there a few times and got a favorable impression. However, I have not and will not visit the other two schools. Can anyone differentiate the social life at these schools? I know Amherst has publicly struggled with the athlete/nonathlete divide and the party scene, but can someone speak about the others? Academically, I am undecided but leaning toward environmental studies or computer science. Another thing, I am transgender (FtM), so does anyone know of the LGBTQ acceptance and accommodations at these schools? Thank you so much for your help. I have a tough decision ahead of me!
Go with what you know. Right now Amherst is the most diverse college racially and socio-economically in NESCAC. This may sound harsh, but I would not want to risk being isolated in Bill Town or Middlebury unless you own a pair of skis.
Rating these schools by their environmental studies programs, Middlebury — with, among other features, its access to the old-growth forests of the Adirondacks — would place first, followed by Williams, IMO. However, Middlebury finished on a bleak note this year (https://vtdigger.org/2020/03/15/spike-in-vandalism-at-middlebury-as-students-prepared-to-leave-campus/), which might offer you sufficient reason to choose either Williams or Amherst. Since you are uncertain as to your academic direction, you simply may want to select the school with which you are already familiar.
Come on–Middlebury has 2,500 students. You have no idea how many kids participated in this destructive behavior. Is it worth crossing a school off your list because some students got drunk and acted like childish idiots? Not excusing this behavior at all–it’s terrible and extremely disrespectful, but I wouldn’t throw all Midd students in the same bucket because of the actions of a few bad apples.
Congratulations on acceptance into such great schools. I am clearly biased, so I agree with @circuitrider - go with what you know. D18 found her people at Amherst.
As you know Amherst is small, so you really must keep an open mind and heart. D18 counts in her close circle of friends people that are completely different than herself, including several athletes. I think that is the beauty of Amherst- so many differences that make for a rich and intellectually stimulating experience. #tusksup!