What are some stereotypes about Amherst College students?
I came to Amherst thinking the student body would be dichotomized between (1) rich, preppy and stuck up kids and (2) hippies. I was also nervous that Amherst students would all be smart in a forward and intentionally intimidating way.
Are the stereotypes accurate?
These stereotypes are completely false. Not only is the student body incredible diverse (socio-economically, ethnically, geographically, politically), Amherst students -although extremely intelligent- express their aptitude in an unpresumptuous way.
The Big Picture
BEST THINGS About Amherst?
(1) Geographic, Socioeconomic Diversity... People here are from all walks of life and have very unique and interesting perspectives and opinions. My social education has been just as valuable as my academic education. (2) Antonio's Pizza, open 'til 2am every day. (3) Small classes with engaged students and enthusiastic, accessible professors. (4) Five College Consortium enables you to take classes at UMass, Hampshire, Mt. Holyoke and Smith (which offer classes in communication, accounting, filmmaking, etc that are not offered at Amherst). (5) OPEN CURRICULUM = NO REQUIREMENTS!
WORST THINGS About Amherst?
(1) Long winters. (2) Bad food. (3) 1,600 students = too small. By the time you're a senior you'll be really ready to get the hell out of here.
REACTION TO 'I Go to Amherst'?
Many people assume that I go to UMass, which, frankly, pisses me off. But the people who matter in getting a job know what Amherst is and are always impressed.
COLLEGE TOWN?
Definitely a college town, but definitely not a city. There are lots of options for food, a movie theater and enough bars to keep you happy, but not much more than that.
Amherst College Academic Life
Small classes, though selection is limited. However, you can always take classes at the other 5 Colleges. Class participation is definitely common; people are not afraid to voice their opinions and those opinions are almost always interesting and well-informed. You definitely learn a lot from your peers... And, yes, intellectual conversation definitely occurs naturally outside of class, but is mostly reactionary and not the central point of peer relationships.
Students are not competitive, except with themselves.
Most unique class: Workshop in Moving Image (creating and editing films), Playwriting.
NO CORE CURRICULUM!! SO GREAT!! If you never want to take math again, you don't have to. Allows you to explore your interests without feeling burdened by requirements.
Work hard, play hard. That's Amherst. Some students work a lot, but you can easily get away with very little by choosing the right classes and paying attention when you need to.
Amherst is definitely NOT geared toward getting a job. Students apply that own pressure on themselves.
Amherst College's Student Body
Very diverse in every way despite our size (geographically, financially, ethnically, etc). Moreover, everyone's view is respected and appreciated. As an RC, I would know about racist, sexist or other negative incidents but I've heard of very few if any involving Amherst students.
You would, however, feel out of place at Amherst is you were a hard-core conservative. You might also have a tough time with the social life if you don't drink, simply because most people do and they tend to act like silly buffoons as a result.
Students wear anything to class -people definitely aren't obsessed with dressing up for class or social or sporting events. We do what we want and what we feel comfortable with -that runs the gamut from sweats, to khakis and polos, to torn jeans and tees, to dresses... Mainly, whatever in your closet is clean.
No one talks about money even though many students have a lot of it. I feel bad for people who go to schools where money is an important value.
Amherst College Student Activities & Social Life
Sports teams dictate the social life on campus, but all parties are open to everyone and everyone attends. No one is ever excluded from any social event on campus, ever.
I'm the head of Program Board -we bring in mentalists, comedians, illusionists, and other performers throughout the year on random nights for the students to gather and release some stress. These events are really well attended!
Don't worry about the Smith and Mt. Holyoke girls, they really don't come over too much and even if they do they're just an afterthought to most Amherst guys.
Freshmen are totally into each other -always leaving their doors open and attending every event ever. It's great -they're like a huge family.
People party anywhere from 1-5 nights a week, depending on who you are. Most people just go out on Saturdays, or Wednesdays (bar night) and Saturdays. To party more than that is somewhat rare and occurs mainly among upper classmen.
