Amherst English Major

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.

The Five College stereotypes are greatly overblown. Most of them are limited to brief encounters with Amherst students. But Amherst students are certainly goal oriented and focused on their studies. Compared with other similar colleges, the stereotypes are true. Amherst does maintain its uniqueness through culturally and socially active students. The school funds many of their pursuits. Finally, the on campus stereotypes hold water very consistently.

I feel a certain freedom to pursue what I want to pursue, when I want to pursue it, and the only things holding me back time and my own willingness at Amherst. Since the school is well endowed, I never feel like I am missing any opportunities my friends at larger missing. Although the school is unquestionably small, this is something to embrace. Life at a small college, in an area with many colleges, does create the "bubble" mentality. However, schools like Middlebury and Williams are far more guilty of this than Amherst. One can venture out of Amherst with relative ease if he or she wishes. Moreover, when one leaves, the name recognition of Amherst is known by the right people. Sure the school does not carry the national fame of Harvard or Yale, but the right people know about Amherst, and it often says a lot about one's familiarity with good schools if one knows about Amherst. Students frequently complain about dining services; students congregate at our one dining hall on campus. But they are more than adequate. Most of the complaints come from the silly hours they still employ. The college is undergoing a HUGE renovation of all its dorms, so at times, it feels like things are in flux. However, all the freshmen dorms are now completed. School pride reached a high when the men's basketball team captured the D III National Championship in 2007. On the whole, students feel connections to the school in a variety of ways, not just athletics.

If one must decide on a single aspect of Amherst that sets it apart from its peers, it is on its academics. Famous for its lack of a core curriculum, Amherst students bear the freedom and responsibility to choose any class at any time. While I have seen some students abuse this privilege by taking only "gut" or easy courses, others truly take advantage of this by trying subjects that they would normally have been restricted from due to distribution requirements at similar schools. The school definitely fosters the image of producing humanities and social science majors--probably from the relative well-spokenness of Amherst students. However, the biology, neuroscience, and psychology departments are quite renowned. More so than just the actual subject matters, the professors themselves are one of the central reasons to attend Amherst. Not only are they accessible, but they actually enjoy student interaction. Additionally, you are never taught by TAs at Amherst.

A lot has been made of certain recent incidents on the Amherst campus involving race and gender questions. However, the school has met them head on. Anyone of any background can feel comfortable in the inviting environment. However, some self-segregation does exist. Most Amherst students come from an upper-middle class background, with a majority coming from the largest states, New York and California. Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and the D.C. area are also well represented. A decent number attended prep school, but not an overwhelming number. Amherst remains a relatively apathetic campus politically, but during an election year, things heat up. Certainly left leaning, with the breakdown following 50% Liberal, 10% Conservative, 10% Very Liberal and 30% Moderate. Many juniors and seniors are concerned about their futures, especially the job hunt. However, it does not dominate conversation as it does at some schools like Wharton-UPenn and Stern-NYU.

A multitude of clubs exist on campus that fit a variety of interests. Some of the most popular include Educate!, an African education initiative started by Amherst students, the various affinity groups, athletic teams, singing groups, and student government. It is no surprise that Amherst is known as "The Singing College." There's an acapella group for almost every musical taste in addition to formal choral groups. I have enjoyed my tenure in the all-male Glee Club.

After freshman year most people keep their doors unlocked since the dorms themselves require keycard access. There is certainly a sense of community in some of the more social dorms, while others are basically apartment buildings. In these dorms most nights are rather quiet. In the more social dorms, Wednesday through Sunday can expect one or more room groups to be throwing a party. One of the coolest things about Amherst is that one rarely has to pay money to party on campus. I have never heard of paying $5 or anything. Certain teams and groups of friends usually host. The older classes generally treat for the younger classes. I think this has been going on for a long time. Fraternities are off-campus, but still have some of the school's most reputable members a part of them.