Haverford vs. Amherst

Colleges and Universities A-Z Amherst College
1

<p>[I also posted this in the Haverford forum]
Hello,
I am a long-time reader of college confidential but a first-time poster. I am posting because I have been accepted to both Haverford and Amherst and was wondering if anyone had any advice or things to consider while making my decision. I live much closer to Haverford (only about 45 minutes away) and I plan on majoring in Political Science (with probable plans for grad school). I will be sleeping over both of the schools in the next few weeks to help with my final decision but I would appreciate it if anyone could contribute what they think in order to help me.</p>

<p>Subjective points about each school:</p>

<p>Haverford
Advantages:
Very homely, very friendly, very caring environment
The opportunity to take classes at Bryn Mawr and UPenn. [Another question: has anyone else had experience with doing this? Is it grossly inconvenient to take classes at Penn?]
Philadelphia [easy access by train to a city I know very well. Next year, I will have a twin brother at Penn and a girlfriend at Temple—two very large things to consider that I know shouldn’t make as much as a difference as they probably will]
The obvious advantages: great school, small classes, smart people, personal attention from administrators
Possible Disadvantages:
Too small?
Science and foreign language requirements?
Over-emphasised Honor Code? [Is it overly intrusive (as I fear) or just very convenient and a nice way for the administration to express their trust?]</p>

<p>Amherst
Advantages:
Once again, the obvious ones listed above
The fantastic Law, Jurisprudence and Social Thought program to supplement my Political Science major
A more “avant-garde” poly sci program – more emphasis on motivations in US politics, corporate influence, etc
Grad School concerns (more name recognition) [question: Does anyone think that attending Haverford would be less impressive to Poly Sci Ph.D. programs?]
Slightly larger
Disadvantages:
4 – 5 hours away
Possible concerns about pretense, etc (I think this is unfounded and I am sure I will find out when I sleep over) [any comments?]
Amherst is (possibly) inferior to Philadelphia / Bryn Mawr area.</p>

<p>Thank you for anything you could write about the schools, their environments and the people there, their “cultures,” Political Science, grad school, the locations, or anything else. I would appreciate any advice very much.</p>

2

<p>Well, I don't know much about Haverford, but here's what I say to your negatives for Amherst</p>

<p>Pretentious people are NOT overflowing at Amherst by any means. Yes, there are preppy kids, some overbearingly so, but there are so many down-to-earth, genuinely nice to be around people here that you could just avoid the a**holes if need be. I know a few pricks, but I mean, especially trying to enhance the diversity of the school, you see few rich, uptight snobs.</p>

<p>And you're right, if you're REALLY into the urban atmosphere Amherst probably isn't for you. But, the community is great, the 5 college system lets you meet thousands of kids if that's what you want. The town itself is nice, not huge but pretty busy for a little place.</p>

<p>Hope that helps</p>

3

<p>Thank you.</p>

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<p>amherst is a much more secluded place than haverford which is right near philideplhia
personally i think the area around amherst is nicer not that its not great by haverford
i think both names would be recognized favorably by grad programs
my dad went to haverford and had like the time of his life, he goes back like 5 billion times a year and has lifelong friends and has wanted me to go there practically since i was born so i immediately rejected the thought of applying
it's a great school though with a really nice community
both schools also have womens colleges nearby i dunno if abundance of girls will play into your decision at all, but that's not really an issue
good luck with your decision!
hope you have an amazing time at wherever you end up!</p>

5

<p>Aw. Thanks.</p>