<p>Amherst has an open curriculum, too.</p>
<p>I liked Amherst a lot for its artsy and academic (but laid-back) culture, law/social justice programs, and politically active campus. Its physical campus is really nice, too. Although the school’s size limits its academic resources, I understand that the Five College Consortium (Hampshire, UMass, Mt. Holyoke, Smith, Amherst) significantly expands them. Moreover, students are actually able to use this consortium because of proximity, scheduling, and transportation. I didn’t end up applying because I decided that it was too small and isolated (I grew up in a city), but sometimes I regret my decision. It’s a fantastic school, but, like any place, it appeals only to a certain crowd.</p>
<p>I don’t know much about Williams. It’s very rural, boasts a good math program, and tends to attract “outdoorsy,” athletic students. Everyone I know there loves it.</p>
<p>Obviously, I’m biased because I’m at Brown, but all three schools should serve you well academically (especially in those departments). Williams has distribution requirements (which don’t seem too heavy) in lieu of an open curriculum. However, they have distinct cultures, not to mention that two are small colleges, and one is a mid-sized university…</p>