<p>What is it that makes you want to go to Amherst? Why does it stand out from other colleges you researched or are applying to? What initially drew you to it, and, if you go there, what ultimately led you to choose Amherst over other schools you were accepted to?</p>
<p>Basically, what makes it so special?</p>
<p>Open Curriculum, for sure.</p>
<p>Also, at the time I had been applying, it was one of only three schools--the other two were Princeton and Carleton--that offered very generous Financial Aid without loans.</p>
<p>When I visited in late April, it was by far the most beautiful campus I had ever seen, and I had already visited aesthetically impressive schools like P, ND, BC.</p>
<p>I was drawn to Amherst because Joseph Stiglitz went there (random, I know), because it’s ranked the #1 liberal arts college in the United States, and because it offers an open curriculum. </p>
<p>Until I got accepted, I never seriously entertained the idea of going to a liberal arts college in a small town, but their generous financial aid award really sweetens the deal. Plus, they seem to actually want me to attend. For example, I just got off the phone with financial aid office, and when they couldn’t answer one of my questions, they put me on the phone with the guy who actually made my financial aid package, and he basically told me to ask as many questions as I’d like. He was very nice.</p>
<p>When I call Columbia, by contrast, I get some snitty student rep on the phone whose goal is to shut me up as quickly as possible – never mind that the person I speak to is always clueless about my financial situation. They sent me a likely letter, ostensibly because they want me to attend so badly, yet they treat me like some random schmo. I have a feeling this is a sign of things to come.</p>
<p>Now if only Amherst would make me a Schupf Scholar…</p>
<p>yea, the treatment from LACs v. Ivies even during acceptance and recruiting time foreshadows the attention we will get as students…
i’ve received a couple early letters from LACs, each of them with very warm hand-written notes. on the other hand, universities/ivies will be sending me a computer generated email next week.</p>
<p>I love that when i visited Amherst and explored the natural history museum, I found a current student talking to a resent alum visiting. They where the only students at any of the colleges i visited that actually wanted to sit me down and tell me how great amherst was. they answered all my questions, gave me e-mail adresses if i had any more and truly wished me good luck. totally unsolicited amazing experience.</p>
<p>The open curriculum is definitely a huge bonus. Not to mention if you’re a harry potter geek then the aspect of playing/watching Quidditch there is appealing. All the different student groups appeal to me a lot.</p>
<p>I can’t wait to start!</p>