<p>I was in the same boat as your sister last year. I’ll start out by saying that I didn’t get the chance to visit Williams during their Admitted Students Weekend, but from what I know about the school, it’s very strong academically. As a matter of fact, all three schools are so I won’t dwell too much on that. To tell you the truth, the whole sports and jock culture was a major turn-off for Williams. Of course I had heard about it before I applied, but after doing more research after getting in, I soon realized how much of a misfit I’d be if I went. To Williams’ defense, though, their financial aid package was third best out of all the schools I applied to–Amherst’s was second best (Both of which were better than Brown’s package–but in no way am I complaining about what Brown offered. Williams and Amherst are smaller so that says a lot.).</p>
<p>I did get a chance to visit Amherst and I absoultely loved it! The campus was beautiful, food was great, the other prospective students were awesome, the staff was nice. The decision not to attend came down to the overall social scene. When I stepped foot on campus, I felt as if I had walked into a Calvin Klein magazine—needless to say, I felt under-dressed. Also, Amherst (and Williams for that matter) are huge sports schools and BIG rivials–my goodness, the administration would not stop talking about how much they “hate” the other (at the time) “number one ranked LAC up north.” That kind of rubbed me the wrong way. I didn’t really understand why the administration had to continue to mention how prestigious the school is. We got it already! Haha, lame reason, yes, but who really cares about rankings?! Another reason why I did not chose Amherst was because of the surrounding town. In short, it’s pretty isolated and there’s not much to do. It’s a quaint little town (think rows of brown brick buildings and little shops along one or two long stretches of road), but I knew I’d get bored of it after a while. Lastly (and this is from my own personal experience), I didn’t really feel the comradery between the African American students on campus. The ones that I “tried” talking to seemed quite haughty and old-hat. As awful as that probably sounds, I just didn’t feel like there was a black community on the campus. To Amherst’s credit though, the campus community did feel very open as a whole (despite the major jock presence and HUGE frat/drinking scene—yes, that was a big turnoff…actually, while I was there, I stayed in the dorm notorious for drinking and partying…let’s just say the kids didn’t disappoint. Not really my thing, so it was a negative in my book).</p>
<p>Basically, I chose Brown (after getting in off the waitlist) mainly for the open curriculum and for all the opposit reasons I listed above about why I didn’t choose Amherst and Williams. Brown just clicked for me—it was a strange (but awesome) feeling that I just can’t put into words. It just felt right. I didn’t have to force myself to think whether or not I’d fit in or if I would like it or if I would mesh well with the community and town—everything just felt right. (No regrets thus far! I’m sooooo happy and proud to be a Brunonian! 
) I really think your decision will come down to fit—and that “funny feeling” of just knowing something is right when you visit. All schools are strong–it’s just such a personal choice that can’t be expressed or persuaded on a a college discussion board. Best of luck!</p>