U.S. College Road Trip! Episode 26 - Amherst College

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Amherst: A Small Town with Big Brains, Quirky Alumni, and Endless Coffee Shops

Welcome to Amherst, Massachusetts, where the cows are scenic, the bookstores are plentiful, and your barista probably has a Ph.D.  This small town packs a serious academic punch, home to both Amherst College (one of the most prestigious liberal arts schools in the country) and UMass Amherst (where you can find both top-tier research and the nation’s #1 dining program—yes, really).

If you’re looking for a quintessential New England college town where students debate philosophy over espresso and professors might invite you to a poetry reading at their farmhouse, Amherst is your place.

And, let’s be real—the alumni list alone proves this town attracts some interesting people. Ever heard of:

• Teller (of Penn & Teller fame)—Yes, the magician, known for never speaking during performances. He has a degree in classics (because of course he does).

• Dr. Drew Pinsky—The famous TV doctor (who has definitely seen some things).

• Julie Powell—Author of Julie & Julia, a book that made half the country want to cook their way through a Julia Child cookbook.

What Makes Amherst College Stand Out (Besides Its Open Curriculum and a Town That Looks Like a Postcard)?

1. A Supportive Community That Actually Wants You to Succeed

Students at Amherst College and UMass Amherst report that their professors and peers are not just crazy smart, but also genuinely helpful. Whether it’s tackling a tough research project or just figuring out where to get the best coffee in town, Amherst students look out for each other.

2. The “Take Whatever You Want” Approach to Learning

Amherst College has an open curriculum, meaning no required courses. You can:

✔ Major in physics and take improv just for fun.

✔ Study neuroscience but also deep-dive into 19th-century Russian literature.

✔ Test out every subject you ever thought was cool (without getting stuck in a class you hate).

Basically, Amherst trusts students to be curious and responsible enough to explore freely—which sounds great, until you realize you now have to make all your own academic decisions. (Good luck!)

3. A Ridiculously Wide Range of Majors and Programs

Between Amherst College and UMass Amherst, students have access to an incredible variety of majors. Whether you’re into data science, creative writing, or sustainable agriculture, there’s a program for you.

And if you somehow can’t find what you’re looking for?  No problem—just take classes at four other nearby colleges through the Five College Consortium (including Mount Holyoke, Smith, and Hampshire). Basically, if you want to learn it, Amherst will find a way for you to do it.

4. A True College Town Experience

Amherst is the definition of a college town, filled with:

✔ Indie bookstores and cafés where deep conversations are basically required.

✔ Farmers’ markets and food co-ops because, you know, New England.

✔ Concerts, poetry readings, and art exhibits to keep your brain inspired.

Oh, and if you’ve ever wanted to join a political protest on your way to class, this is a very socially active campus—so get ready to have strong opinions and know how to argue them well.

5. Amherst is All About Inclusivity and Sustainability

Amherst isn’t just smart—it’s socially conscious, too. The school values diversity, social justice, and sustainability, with students from all 50 states and 70 different countries. If you care about making a difference in the world, you’ll fit right in.

Plus, 45% of Amherst students study abroad during a typical year—because why limit your intellectual curiosity to just one continent?

By the Numbers: How Competitive is Amherst?

• Acceptance Rate: 9% (so, yeah, it’s tough).

• Early Decision Acceptance Rate: 24% (which means applying early could help).

• Average SAT Score: 1370-1550

• Average ACT Score: 32-34

Translation: If you’re applying to Amherst, bring your A-game (and a well-crafted personal essay).

Here’s the link for admissions to learn more. https://www.amherst.edu/admission

Go Mammoths!

Feeling overwhelmed with the university admissions process? We can help. Check out our website and schedule an appointment with a counselor to see exactly how we can help you find your best fit school and make your application the strongest it can be.

Amherst Alum? Any insight into your experiences would be amazing. At Next Level College Application we do not have an agenda other than helping our clients find the schools that are the best fit for them.