<p>I can’t imagine two places that are more alike than Williams and Amherst. The rivalry between the two is very much a sibling rivalry. The only way to decide which is for you is to visit – this can’t be done on the internet. You should visit both schools and see if you want to apply. Then, if you’re admitted you should go to the preview weekends, where you spend the night. It looks daunting now, but 90% of students know with certainty where they want to go after their preview weekends. Good luck!</p>
<p>machiavelli: You said you were on the williams track team. What kind of times did you run in high school to get on the team? I know there are no cuts but could you give me an idea of the kind of performance level it takes to be a varsity runner at williams?</p>
<p>Do you have any idea if Williams budgets any of its admissions “tips” for track recruits?</p>
<p>I will be on the team next year, I am still a senior. Also I am a thrower not a runner so I dont really know the times, sorry. If you are a thrower please PM me and I will tell you my marks n stuff.</p>
<p>I heard that there is like a really small number of tips for track. I am sure someone has the real data. They get 66 tips across like 30 sports boys/girls and football gets like a larger number and so does basketball, hockey so you can estimate from there like 2-4 just for track each year.</p>
<p>My daughter is going to be a member of class of 2013 at Williams. Last year during a college tour we were going to visit Williams and Amherst. Unfortunately we had a problem with the car and couldn’t get to Williams. We did get to Amherst. My daughter was totally turned off by Amherst.</p>
<p>She applied to Williams on a lark not expecting to be accepted. She was accepted and after visiting Williams during spring break in April she was quite happy with it. She loved the classes she went to. She visited the buildings. She was very happy with Williams.</p>
<p>It is funny that she got accepted to a school that she wasn’t really interested in . I guess that is what is called fate. She was meant to go to Williams.</p>
<p>I feel that Williams is the correct choice for her.</p>
<p>How are equestrian sports at Williams and Amherst. I have never riden a horse but its been my dream to. I really want to learn during college but at the same time without going broke. How are the costs for this activity at each and are they welcoming to novices?</p>
<p>Several things you can think about:</p>
<ul>
<li>Setting (Williamstown vs. Amherst)</li>
<li>Five college consortium</li>
<li>Williams’ tutorial program</li>
<li>Williams-Oxford program</li>
<li>Almost no requirements @ Amherst</li>
</ul>
<p>They’re inevitably pretty similar in that they’re both elite LACs, almost all of which share your described properties of flexibility, small classes etc. If its possible, I guess the next thing to do is to visit and get a sense of feeling for each school. If it isn’t possible, try to glean that sense of feeling from places like websites etc.</p>
<p>I’m going to be attending Amherst college next year but the differences between Amherst and Williams aren’t that numerous when comparing each to different colleges. For me, I liked Amherst’s environment better and didn’t even apply to Williams but in terms of academics, they are virtually the same. Williams may even have the edge because they are bigger and have more course options but not too big to start losing that individualized attention that you want from a LAC. It’s a lot about preference and if you haven’t already, visit each and sit in a couple of classes because well the education is the reason why you go to college. This debate can go on forever and of course there can be those people who are so close-minded they just write comments saying how one college is for idiots or how one college isn’t even close to the other but the truth is that both schools are incredible and a true gift to be able to attend. So try visiting both if you can and good luck with your decision, and maybe you’ll join me at Amherst college or if you choose Williams, we’ll be friendly rivals in the future.</p>
<p>^^^^ I think most of those comments are jokes.</p>
<p>The rivalry is strong, but it’s a game. I think most rational Ephs know that Amherst is a wonderful school, and most rational Lord Jeffs know that Williams is a wonderful school.</p>
<p>The rivalry is part of the fun.</p>
<p>That said, PKWsurf21: You made the wrong choice. (Just kidding.)</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>Ahahah I’m sorry. I meant with the close minded comments that i’ve seen them in the past in really intense debates where kids are makig really ridiculous and rude comments lol. I did not mean that about the rivalry stuff on this thread. I personally like the rivalry except for the fact that Williams dominates Amherst in football. Lol sorry about the miscommunication.</p>
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<p>I’m sorry, I’m really confused by your post. Did you make a mistake? Don’t worry, there’s still time to edit it!</p>
<p>That said, mythmom is right, although you’ll be hard pressed getting many students to admit it. I’m currently doing a summer program and living with an Amherst student, and we get along very well. Our schools in general sound very similar.</p>
<p>Differences are differentiated along the distinct areas of circumspective statistical distribution such as: athletics, external community appeal, course dynamics, reputation, intellectual rigor, etc. Fit, financial aid, and forseability rarely enter the picture from the students prospective as these are more elusive and student oriented, where these important and salient features rarely enter the benefactors mind. </p>
<p>As costs precede common sense and the factors such as mentors, parents and tangential abstractions take precedence over personal design towards success and experience, we find the process approaches the semblance of balance between chance and measured deliberation.</p>
<p>Amherst has defined itself apart of the Williams charter and thus appeals to the reactionary in their draw. Its consortium environment appeals to those for whom a more metropolitan community is important, and to those for whom class distinction and anonymity appeals, and especially for those for whom a pastoral setting intimidates fragile characters.</p>
<p>Williams celestial beginnings were wrought within a frontier frought with war and thus took on the more patriotic stance of conserving the frontier for present and future generations. Armed with history and the self confidence of its assertive antecedents, Williams marched into time well knowing that its past would bind over time to defend its principles grounded in the liberal arts program, where education would be the primary defence of the frontier, of our nation, and the independence of our people and their way of life as observed within our culture. </p>
<p>As such, I am Williams, and I claim a stake for the frontier that is Williams and our future.</p>
<p>Go EPHS!</p>
<p>I see how the two colleges are so similar and I guess the choice is whether or not I like the mountains more than civilization(which I do, I think). The thing is I have no means to get up to Mass. and my dad definitely not gonna let me take a bus up there from NYC by myself. What should I do to decide? I wanted to go Amherst Open House but I lost my application the day I was gonna send it off. Sigh. Lucks doesn’t seem to be on my side.</p>
<p>you lost an application to amherst’s open house. luck is on your side.</p>
<p>Unless you are talking about applying ED, just apply and the decision may be taken out of your hands. Many students get into one school and not the other.</p>
<p>You can also use websites and catalogs to help you decide. Look up your intended major in online catalogs and compare the offerings.</p>
<p>Then I think most students really could be happy at either even if one appeals more than the other.</p>
<p>Williams offers transportation from Albany (and a few NYC vans too) to the campus for every major break, so you won’t be alone on a bus full of strangers, but with other Williams students :]</p>