A student from the Class of 2029 recently messaged me with a concern that felt all too familiar: “How do you deal with people not understanding your choice to come to Amherst?” I couldn’t help but smile because I’ve been in that exact situation more times than I can count. Choosing Amherst was never a question for me—I knew it was the right place. But explaining that choice to others? That’s a different story.
When I first told people I was going to Amherst, the reactions varied. Some were excited for me, but others were confused. I had plenty of people say that UMASS is exciting because they had the best dining hall food in the U.S (side eye). But I got questions like Why not an Ivy? (Amherst is still an elite school don’t let the Ivy Names fool you; and I know tons of people who chose Amherst over Brown, Harvard, and Yale!) What even is a liberal arts education? Why would you leave California for a tiny school in Massachusetts? Why not UCLA or Berkeley, it is closer to home?
At first, I tried to explain—about Amherst’s small class sizes, research opportunities, and the incredible open curriculum. But I quickly realized that some people weren’t really asking out of curiosity. They were questioning my choice because they didn’t understand it. And that’s when I had to remind myself: my decision wasn’t for them. It was for me.
If you haven’t read my previous student blog (let me catch you up), you should know that I applied to Amherst College primarily through QuestBridge. In fact, Amherst was the only school I ranked because I absolutely fell in love with it—it felt like the perfect fit. Of course, I had backup plans in case I didn’t match. I could have rolled over my applications to the regular decision process, and I also applied to the UC and CSU schools in California. But let me tell you why Amherst was my kind of perfect…
Why I Chose Amherst (And Why I’d Do It Again)
From the moment I stepped onto campus, I felt something different. Amherst wasn’t just a school—it was a place where I could be challenged academically, supported personally, and surrounded by people who wanted to think critically about the world. The small class sizes mean my professors actually know me, allowing me to engage in real conversations rather than just taking notes in a lecture hall. The open curriculum gives me the freedom to explore psychology, law, and history without being boxed into rigid requirements. The tight-knit community was something I was already used to—I went to a public high school with only about 70 students in total (yes, you heard that right), so a smaller environment was my norm. Coming to Amherst was actually bigger than what I was used to, but I can still build close relationships with faculty and make meaningful friendships. Now, I understand that the small school environment isn’t for everyone. Some students want a bigger campus, more students, Greek life (not my favorite), more dining hall options, massive auditoriums, or the excitement of huge football stadium games. And that’s completely valid. But I’m here to tell you—Amherst is so worth it and why you shouldn’t feel guilty for choosing it and to not let your peers discourage you.
Owning My Decision and Helping Others Do the Same
To the student who messaged me and to anyone who relates to this—your college choice is yours, and others don’t have to understand it for it to be valid. If Amherst feels right for you, that’s all that matters. Confidence in your choice comes from your experiences, not others’ opinions, and the more you immerse yourself in Amherst’s opportunities, the clearer it will become why you chose this path. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for where you decided to go. If someone questions your choice, shift the conversation—talk about what excites you, whether it’s your classes, your future plans, or even just the beauty of campus in the fall. College is what you make it, so find what makes you happy in this space and make it your own.
Final Thoughts: Trust Yourself
At the end of the day, you are the one who will be walking these pathways, sitting in these classrooms, and shaping your future here. If Amherst feels like the right place for you, trust that feeling. The people who truly support you—the ones who matter—will celebrate your decision and be excited for the journey you’re about to embark on. As for those who don’t understand your choice? Maybe, with time, they’ll come around. And if they don’t, that’s okay too. College is a deeply personal experience, and what matters most is that you feel at home in the environment you’ve chosen. You are the one who will make the most of this opportunity, and Amherst is lucky to have you as part of its community.