Amherst College

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Amherst College is a private liberal arts college located in Amherst, Massachusetts, United States. Founded in 1821 as an attempt to relocate Williams College by its then-president Zephaniah Swift Moore, Amherst is the third oldest institution of higher education in Massachusetts. The college is known for its rigorous academic climate, its wide array of undergraduate courses, and its close-knit community. Amherst is a member of the Five Colleges Consortium, which allows its students to attend classes at four other institutions in the Pioneer Valley: Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

History

Amherst College was established in 1821. Initially, it was a men's college, and it became coeducational in 1975. The college was named after the town, which in turn was named after Lord Jeffery Amherst, a British Army officer. The founding of Amherst was closely linked to the Second Great Awakening, reflecting the era's evangelical fervor. Its curriculum has evolved over time from a strict classical education to a broader liberal arts curriculum.

Academics

Amherst offers the Bachelor of Arts degree in 40 majors in the arts, sciences, social sciences, and humanities. The college operates on a semester-based academic calendar. Amherst's open curriculum allows students the freedom to craft their own educational path without the constraint of core requirements. Students are encouraged to pursue double majors or to create their own interdisciplinary major.

Campus

The Amherst College campus is known for its picturesque landscape, including the main quadrangle, historic buildings, and the Emily Dickinson Museum, located nearby. The campus also features the Mead Art Museum, which houses an impressive collection of art, and the Beneski Museum of Natural History, known for its collection of dinosaur fossils.

Student Life

Amherst College has a vibrant student life with over 100 student clubs and organizations, including music and theater groups, cultural organizations, and volunteer and service groups. The college competes in NCAA Division III athletics as part of the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC). The college's mascot is the Mammoth, reflecting the discovery of a mammoth skeleton near the campus in the early 19th century.

Notable Alumni

Amherst College has produced a wide range of notable alumni, including Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and leaders in business, government, and the arts. Notable alumni include President Calvin Coolidge, literary critic Harold Bloom, and authors Dan Brown and David Foster Wallace.

Admissions

Admission to Amherst College is highly competitive, with the college practicing a need-blind admission policy for all applicants, including international students. The college is committed to ensuring that all admitted students can afford to attend, offering generous financial aid packages.

Conclusion

Amherst College remains one of the premier liberal arts colleges in the United States, known for its academic excellence, beautiful campus, and commitment to providing a comprehensive liberal arts education. Its affiliation with the Five Colleges Consortium further enhances the academic and social opportunities available to Amherst students.