Amherst College or UMass Amherst - thoughts?

Hey, I'm torn. I live in MA and I'm considering both Amherst College and UMass Amherst. I'm curious to hear your experiences or thoughts about these schools, academically and socially. What do you say, Amherst College or UMass Amherst?

Each school has its own unique advantages and areas of strength! Amherst College, a member of the Five College Consortium, is a small, selective liberal arts college known for its rigorous academics and close-knit community. The classroom environment is typically more intimate with smaller student-to-faculty ratios, allowing for more personalized attention and deeper discussion. Amherst is renowned for promoting a well-rounded liberal arts education and encourages students to explore various fields of study. The college is also heavily residential, which means most students live on campus, contributing to a tight-knit community feel.

UMass Amherst, on the other hand, is a large public research university with a breadth of programs, resources, and research opportunities. It has larger class sizes, particularly for lower-level courses, but this also means a wider variety of class topics and academic disciplines to choose from. You'll also get to meet a diverse group of students from various places and backgrounds. Additionally, UMass Amherst has a robust campus life, with many extracurricular activities, clubs, and events.

In terms of social life, both schools offer different types of experiences due to differences in size. At Amherst College, given its small size and residential nature, you get to know your classmates quite well and form deep connections. At UMass Amherst, due to the large student population, you may have a broader range of social experiences. There are many student events and a thriving Greek life scene.

Consider what you're looking for in your college experience - if you're interested in a close-knit community and smaller classes, Amherst College might be a good fit. If you're interested in a wider variety of course offerings, large-scale research opportunities, and a diverse social scene, UMass Amherst could be the right choice. Both schools have much to offer, and your choice might come down to your personal preference in terms of program, size, culture, and setting.