Amherst College Top Questions

I think most students at Amherst can find some sort of niche to become a part of, but the interactions and divisions among students from different social, ethnic and financial backgrounds is probably more significant than the college would like to admit. The sports teams some times tend to take over the social scene, but really most people can probably find some sort of social network. I would recommend that people get involved in some sort of activity or on campus organization so they can meet people.

equal opportunity to everyone, diverse backgrounds, should have more internationals and blacks

There are certainly cliques and groups but many different people do come together. Athletic cliques, however, are very common.

The student body would benefit from more interactions outside of their comfort zone. Opening up to new experiences and learning about other peoples journeys is a piece of education that is overlooked and unused far too often. People could be a bit more friendly on the path toward each other too. I mean, life can be rough, but sometimes just one smile can lift you or someone else out of a ditch and realize that crap happens to everyone but you don't have to focus on that.

I don't think any person would feel out of place at Amherst. Amherst has the most diverse student body I have could imagine. There is a friend here for everyone. Most people where clothing to class. What kind of stupid question is that? No, sorry, most people where gorilla suits. I'd say the majority of students are from New England. I am one of two people form Louisiana in my class. I'm not sure about the political leanings of most students. People that I hang around don't talk about how much they will make one day, although I am pretty sure anyone who goes here is going to make a ton of money someday.

There really is no single type of Amherst student, and I can honestly say that this is the most diverse group of people I have ever come across. The school is committed to making college affordable for students, regardless of their financial situation, and the aid office is really great about working to make the costs to students and their families manageable. The campus is very inclusive, and students hailing from all sorts of backgrounds and experiences mix and interact. Diverse perspectives make class discussions an incredible opportunity to learn from your classmates. Almost everybody you meet is passionate about something, whether it's a cause, a sport, an instrument, or an activity. The energy on campus is truly astounding. Any student who is hard-working, motivated, and willing to approach things with an open mind will fit right in. We're all a little quirky in our own ways, and this is what gives Amherst its allure.

I don't think there is a particular kind of student who would feel out of place at Amherst--although it's small, there are all different kinds of people and groups. There are definitely some very intellectual, somewhat pretentious people here, and there are also some somewhat frivolous superficial types, but for the most part, people are friendly, engaging, and interesting. Some students are very politically aware and active, and get frustrated with those who aren't, but overall the student body is well-informed.

I have never once felt that there was not enough to do at Amherst. Most of the student body is involved in something, which is reflected in the broad range of activities.

Student body is VERY open and accepting of all walks of life and belief systems.

At first I thought everyone was middle class just like me, but I've started to notice a slight subculture of students who come from very rich families, who wear very preppy clothes, all have Iphones, read the Wall Street Journal, and somehow know all about finance and banking jobs. There students are involved in the party and athletic scene, but very little in cultural, community service, or academic (ie debate team) kinds of groups. Different types of students interact when on sports teams and in common clubs. Students wear jeans, sweatshirts, sneakers, brown shoes, polo shirts, t-shirts, northface jackets, etc to class. A little preppy, but rarely do I see sweater vests and loafers. Some kids are politically active, but overall the campus is apathetic. Most kids are liberal since we are in the Northeast, but many kids, especially from other regions or rich backgrounds are conservative. As seniors, kids talk about the salaries of the jobs they are applying too, but thats it, and only among close friends.