I was accepted ED to Amherst and I could not be more excited. I am just curious, what is everyone’s favorite part about their Amherst experience and what sets it apart from other schools?
A few months into first semester, as a freshman, my history (of science) professor invited me into his office. This in no doubt was related to my apathetic “to cool for school” attitude. I felt his class was rather dry, so I had barely done any of of the readings, and bs’ed through most of my papers. I prepared for a good chewing out. Instead, we had an extensive conversation regarding the discovery of insulin. It was a flurry of words, some of which I understood, some of which I didn’t. Towards the end of the dialogue, however, I realized I was utterly fascinated with the material. At one point I believe I was actually arguing with him. Then he offered me a spot on his research team. I did every single damn reading after that.
Congrats!
In my opinion, the best part would be the people and the community on campus. We try to support each other. I also love how there’s always someone on campus that’s just as passionate (or probably more passionate) about a topic as I am. It’s just a place where I feel safe to be myself, to be different, and to be accepted. It’s very very exciting. Being at home this break has especially made me realize just how accepting the people at Amherst are, compared to back home.
@Amherst2019 did he have any idea you had not done the reading up until that point?
My D hates CC so would never comment here. But she loves Amherst. Excellent opportunities and support for them - financial and otherwise. Amherst has funding for unpaid summer internships and volunteer work, for instance. And a very structured career center via “Amherst Select”. And an organized alumni mentor program (Pathways).
She hasn’t been closed out of a desired class yet, which is amazing to me. Their advising/registration/system seems to function really well. One of her first semester profs takes all his students on a hike, in groups of 2 or 3.
She has no trouble talking to anyone - she has two advisers (prospective major adviser and pre-health) and has worked with people in the writing center, quant center, career center, and talked about research and such with professors she doesn’t even have a class with. She’s joined several clubs and has already gotten a leadership position in one as a liaison between this organization and the community.
Course expectations have been clear. Classes have been small. She knows all her profs. Exams have not been “bell curved” to weed anyone out. In fact no class has been a “weed out” class and she’s in the ones that typically are at other universities.
Dorms are beautiful and she really loves the food. She’s met a wide variety of kids from all over the US and world and made meaningful friendships. She’s fairly outgoing (keeps her dorm door propped open, joined a lot of clubs) but the early social stuff was facilitated by her RA and orientation leader at the beginning of the year.
I could go on but she’s very happy and doing very well there.
Agreed. My daughter has been able to enroll in all her first choice picks.
Thanks everyone! I can’t wait!