<p>Hello all,
I visited Amherst this fall with my dad, who is an alum and was there for the capital campaign kickoff. Academically, Amherst seems perfect. The philosophy department is great, and while there’s no core curriculum, it seems that I could still end up reading almost as much of the Western Canon as I might at a place like Columbia or UChicago. The campus itself was amazing as well–different from those of the urban schools I’m interested in, but certainly breathtaking in its own way. </p>
<p>Anyway, one apprehension I have about Amherst is that it seems to be such a preppy place. While I have no inherent problem with that, I’m interested in other parts of the Amherst social scene. I guess what I’m really wondering is whether there’s room at Amherst for bookish kids who are passionate about art/film/photography/indie music/etc., don’t care much about sports, and aren’t to interested in the typical college drinking scene. I’m sure I’d love hanging out with skinny jean-clad film majors from Hampshire and whatnot, but I want to know if there are any of those types at Amherst. I’m also wondering how often Amherst kids hang out in Northampton (which struck me as a whole lot more interesting that the town of Amherst) and use the five-college system (both academically and socially).</p>
<p>I do not speak from experience but I have done a lot of searching on the website and through announcements and stuff and it would seem to me there is a very solid culturally (as in the arts) aware and involved crowd. What I think is most wonderful about the possibilities of Amherst is that there seems to be solid support for students of all kinds and all interests. </p>
<p>And.. while it is a little disappointing to me, it might help you to know that Amherst doesn't have the reputation of student support when it comes to athletics as other small schools might. Now, I have no idea of what I've written is fully accurate, but from all I've gathered, it is the impression I have received. If this is wrong, I am hopeful others will post to either confirm or deny. :)</p>
<p>I know this doesn't pertain to your questions, wmmk, but you mentioned the Western canon, and Amherst has a course called "Readings in the European Tradition" that covers various canonical works. The course has existed for at least a few years. I don't know if you're aware of it, and I think you'll find it interesting:</p>
<p>Yes, there is absolutely room for "bookish kids who are passionate about art/film/photography/indie music/etc." Of course there aren't as many of them as at Hampshire, and they don't flaunt their artsiness as much, but they're definitely there in growing numbers. Amherst has just this year officially started a film department, although there have always been lots of film offerings in the English department. Freshmen don't hang out in Noho so much because it take an hour to get there on the bus, but it is definitely far superior to Amherst in terms of things to do. There is also a bunch of great indie shows there, and they just put in an Urban Outfitters, so you'll have all the skinny jeans you need.</p>