<p>I'm actually a she, not a he, by the way... I decided that Brown was not the right fit for me. From abstract elements like the "feel" on campus to the location (I live about twenty minutes from Brown, and I wanted something a bit different for college-- also, I'm not a fan of Providence) to the intimate community offered by a school like Amherst, it just seemed better for me (not to mention that Amherst will cost me about half as much as Brown). I really had it down between Yale and Amherst and in the end I decided that Yale is undeniably a great school, but that I would be choosing it for the wrong reasons. I agonized over this decision (I was admitted EA to Yale and had convinced myself I was going there until about March), but I'm actually quite happy with deciding to go to Amherst, although I can see why a school like Yale or Brown might be a better fit for someone else.</p>
<p>thanks for explaining. I think i was misunderstood by some though - it wasn't the prestige factor that surprised me about turning down Yale and Brown for Amherst. It's just that Brown is my dream school and i would never dream of turning it down for Amherst; however, I completely understand that Amherst might be a dream school and perfect fit for someone else. You're right - when you're choosing between top schools like Amherst, Brown, and Yale there really is no wrong answer. They're all have strong academics, great professors, extra curriculars, etc. Choosing one school is just a matter of personal preference.</p>
<p>Years ago, I was accepted to Amherst and Yale, After visiting both, I felt more comfortable at a small LAC. While my parents preferred I attend Yale, they respected my choice as they realized that I was the one getting the education and not them. They also were enthusiastic supporters of my college experience, showing up at games, musical performances, and cultural activities I was involved in, so I felt that once I made my decision, they were behind me 100%. They also became strong and loyal supporters of Amherst long after I graduated. My parents were immigrants to the U.S., but they were wise enough to know that one of the great features of living in America, is the variety of life choices and possibilities here, and that it is the individual who gets to make the choice.</p>
<p>I certainly am taking this same approach with my children's college searches, too.</p>