<p>Ive narrowed my selection between Oxy and Amherst. Ive also visited and been accepted at both schools. Although they are both very different schools I liked my visits very much and now Im torn on where to go. I live on the West Coast so there are obvious advantages in terms of expense, weather, and travel, etc. But I also want to strongly consider the prestige factor that Amherst presents. Anyone had a similar decision to make or any insight on what I should do?</p>
<p>I don't know how much atmosphere matters to you, but I went to a presentation from one of my teacher's former students who just graduated from Amherst and he said he was depressed his whole first year because of Amherst's preppy atmosphere (and he came from what I would call the preppiest school in the Central Valley). He said he got used to it later and ended up liking it, but this turned me off Amherst for good because I wouldn't consider myself too preppy. Then again, I got waitlisted so my choice was made for me anyway. Good luck with your decision! They're both great schools, Amherst is a lot higher ranked but I wouldn't know what they use to determine rank so take that with a grain of salt. I've narrowed it down to Occidental and Berkeley myself, with Davis still in the running. Time's running out...</p>
<p>edit: I live in California (central valley), so my definition of "preppy" is probably different than everyone else's. ;)</p>
<p>How much do you want to grow and have your world rocked?
the east coast is a different mentality, different energy, different atmosphere than LA/California.
If you want your education to include adjustment to different lifestyles... want to experience something beyond your known world and discover you can embrace it ... then go east young student!
BUT the travel and expense and logistics make it more complicated.
Depends upon how you see college... strictly academic or full of life-lessons!
Either school is great and you can't go wrong!</p>
<p>Amherst is a much better school than Oxy, with more opportunities and stronger academics. Of course, follow your heart -- but in my opinion, you should go to Amherst.</p>