Amherst College Top Questions

Top academics. Liberal.

The stereotypes of Amherst students fall into three categories: Amherst students in relation to the Five Colleges, Amherst students in relation to the greater collection of colleges of its ilk, and also Amherst students within the college itself. Amherst students fit nicely into the mixture of the Five College students. Each college brings its own types of students to the proverbial table, and Amherst is no different. I have had some girls at Smtih and Mount Holyoke, the two all-female colleges nearby, tell me that they have some of their closest friends at Amherst. Others feel like Amherst students invade their college bubbles too often. However, this is a very common complaint at Amherst and all the Five Colleges when students from the other Five Colleges take classes at their own school. On the whole, Amherst students are definitely seen as wealthier, future-focused, but down to earth when spoken with. Compared to colleges like Williams, Dartmouth, and Middlebury, Amherst students certainly closely resemble the students at these schools, but with some distinctions. Amherst students are seen as more socially and culturally active and aware. Additionally, since the class size is so small, each individual is multitalented. Very few are exclusive specialists in their academic and extracurricular pursuits. The students dress more pragmatically than fashionably. Within the College, there are an unusually high number of cliques with which students definitely identify. Athletic teams and affinity groups unfortunately lead the way. At times they can be exclusionary, but get any of these individuals in an intimate conversation, and they are quite relatable. The number of students who can mingle with anyone on campus are about even with those who find a comfort zone with only those with whom they identify on an external level.

Concerning academics, Amherst is known for having great professors who are here to teach and are really interested in fostering personal growth for students. Thinking about the social aspect, Amherst can have the stereotype of having a stifling social environment that is quite routine.