College Profile: Amherst College

I recently had a chance to visit Amherst College and was impressed by the gorgeous campus and resources for students. I was there on a more quiet June day, but that didn’t take away from learning what makes this school special. If you're searching for a college where curiosity is celebrated, classes are discussion-based, and students have the freedom to create their own academic journey, then Amherst is top-notch. One of the nation's premier liberal arts colleges, Amherst combines world-class academics with a close-knit campus community and access to the resources of a consortium of nearby colleges.

History:

Founded in 1821, Amherst College was originally established to provide an affordable education for talented young men who could not afford to attend college elsewhere. Over the past two centuries, the institution has evolved into one of the country's most respected liberal arts colleges while maintaining its commitment to academic excellence and opportunity.

Amherst became coeducational in 1975, welcoming women as degree candidates for the first time. Today, students from all 50 states and dozens of countries call Amherst home, creating a vibrant and diverse learning community.

Fun Facts:

• There are no general education requirements. Amherst is famous for its Open Curriculum, allowing students to design their own academic path instead of following a required core curriculum.

• The mascot is the Mammoth. Adopted in 2017, the Mammoth honors the famous mammoth skeleton housed in the Beneski Museum of Natural History on campus.

• Part of a College Consortium. Amherst students can take classes at nearby colleges including the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Smith College, and Mount Holyoke College, greatly expanding course offerings.

• Tiny classes, big conversations. The average class has about 16 students, and nearly every course enrolls fewer than 30 students, making discussion and faculty interaction central to the learning experience.

• Need-blind admissions. Amherst is one of the few colleges that admits students without considering their financial need and meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students.

  
  

Traditions:

Although Amherst has evolved over its 200-year history, students continue to enjoy traditions that build campus spirit and community.

Fall Fest and Winter Fest - These campus-wide celebrations welcome students with food, games, music, and activities that bring the entire campus together at the beginning of each semester.

Lip Sync Competition- One of Amherst's favorite annual events features student groups performing choreographed lip-sync routines. The competition is filled with creativity, humor, and plenty of school spirit.

Mammoth Pride - Since becoming the official mascot, the Mammoth has become a beloved symbol seen at athletic events, campus celebrations, and student activities.

Convocation - Each fall, the incoming class gathers with faculty and upperclassmen for Convocation, officially welcoming new students into the Amherst community and marking the beginning of their college journey.

Student Life:

Life at Amherst extends well beyond the classroom.

Students can choose from 140+ clubs and organizations, including cultural organizations, community service groups, publications, performing arts, outdoor adventures, political organizations, and club sports. The college's small size means students often participate in multiple organizations and quickly get to know classmates from many different backgrounds.

The surrounding town of Amherst offers bookstores, coffee shops, hiking trails, restaurants, live music, and easy transportation throughout the Pioneer Valley.

By the Numbers:

• Founded: 1821

• Location: Amherst, Massachusetts

• Enrollment: Approximately 1,900 undergraduate students

• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: Approximately 6:1

• Average Class Size: About 16 students

• Students Living on Campus: Approximately 97%

• Freshman Retention Rate: Approximately 97%

• Graduation Rate: About 96% within six years

• Countries Represented: Students from more than 50 countries

• Academic Model: Open Curriculum with no core requirements

  
  

Students consistently praise Amherst for its close relationships with professors, collaborative academic culture, and the freedom to explore multiple interests. The Open Curriculum allows aspiring scientists to study philosophy, artists to pursue economics, and future lawyers to immerse themselves in literature without being limited by required coursework.

If Amherst seems like it might be a good fit, I encourage you to tour it in person, if possible, and explore the school through their website at: https://www.amherst.edu/.