Amherst College

Amherst College, located in Amherst, Massachusetts, is a small, private liberal arts college with around 1,800 students. Part of the Five College Consortium, Amherst is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. It is known for its open curriculum, which allows students to design their own course of study without general education requirements. The college emphasizes close faculty-student relationships, small classes, and a rigorous intellectual environment. Amherst’s campus is both picturesque and historic, with sweeping views of the surrounding Pioneer Valley. Students are typically described as intellectually curious, independent, and community-minded. With its combination of academic flexibility, close-knit community, and access to resources through the Five College Consortium, Amherst offers a uniquely personalized and challenging liberal arts education.