Being a part of the 5 Colleges is one of Amherst's many strengths. Though I have to say that I think that the quality of classes at Amherst Colleges is better than at the other 5 colleges, having the opportunity to take classes, meet students/professors, and attend academic or social at Mount Holyoke, Smith, UMass and Hampshire is indispensable. Being a part of this consortium means that Amherst can retain the advantages of a small college but offer its students the course catalogue of a large university. I have taken three classes at the other colleges over my 4 years at Amherst, and greatly enjoyed each one.

Professors at Amherst are 100% accessible and invested in their students' educations. When I was a freshman, I was hesitant to "bother" professors at their office hours. By senior year, I learned that even though professors are absolutely brilliant they are also friendly and approachable (with some exceptions, of course), want to hear what students have to say, and treat students as equals, just in an earlier stage of their careers.

Amherst is a very liberal environment, politically and socially. I sometimes worry that students that hold conservative political views but are not willing to justify/explain those views might feel a bit uncomfortable at times. Of course, there are very outspoken conservative individuals in both the student body and among the professors, but the tacit assumption made about everyone is that they're liberal.

Also, Amherst students strive to do well in everything-- because the student body is so small, a large majority of them are athletes (varsity or club). This makes for a generally athletic, thin, outdoorsy student body. It might be hard for someone that doesn't completely fit this image a little self-conscious (though not necessarily--there are many exceptions to every rule at amherst!!). On the other hand, though, Amherst students don't dress up for class. Jeans, T-shirts, sweatshirts, sweaters and boots all winter long are the standard. Some people wear dresses once it gets warm out-- but in general, we're a pretty casual and laid-back bunch in terms of what we wear.

Ultimate Frisbee is the coolest group on campus. Best people you'll ever meet.

That they're preppy, rich, and act entitled to everything they've gotten in life.

On the whole, absolutely not. Amherst students are a diverse, hardworking, fascinating bunch. People who you might associate with this stereotype--legacies, maybe some athletes-- are intelligent, motivated, and bring a lot to the school, as does everyone else.