When a few students from the upcoming Class of 2029—fellow QuestBridge matches like me—reached out to me on Instagram asking for advice on time management at Amherst College, I knew exactly what to share. In high school, I thought I had time management all figured out. Classes were predictable, extracurriculars rarely overlapped, and everything fit…Continue Reading Time Management: High School Vs. Amherst
In this blog post, I hope to share a glimpse into my journey as an international student traveling back home for winter break. For many of us at Amherst College, one of the most pressing concerns isn’t just the excitement of the holidays but also the logistics of transit. When I first arrived in the…Continue Reading Navigating Travel as an Amherst International Student and an International Journey to Japan
As someone who applied to TWENTY colleges (yes, twenty!) I feel as though I have a good sense of how to frame powerful applications. If you’re a first generation student or had parents who did not attend college in the United States (like me), this process may seem very daunting. Even if those don’t apply…Continue Reading College Application Tips
In the beginning, I thought that “wasting time” was the ultimate college sin. Like many first-year students, I entered Amherst with an intense desire to prove myself—overwhelmed with assignments, a packed schedule, and a mountain of expectations. Every moment of downtime felt like a wasted opportunity. If I wasn’t studying or doing something productive, I…Continue Reading The Secret Life of College Study Breaks: What I’ve Learned from Wasting Time
When people talk about the first year of college, it’s all excitement, new experiences, and meeting incredible people. And don’t get me wrong—it is fun! But there’s one thing no one seems to warn you about: the first-year (freshman) flu (and every other sickness you can think of). Living in residence halls, sharing spaces, and…Continue Reading Battling the First-Year Flu and Pneumonia: What No One Tells You About College Sickness
Amherst may be small, but its food scene is amazing. My friends and I have spent countless meals exploring the restaurants around town. Whether we’re craving a quick bite or a cozy sit-down meal, these spots never disappoint. Here’s our countdown of my top 8 favorite restaurants, ending with my ultimate favorite! #8 Royal Chicken…Continue Reading My Top 8 Favorite Amherst Restaurants
Happy (late) Thanksgiving, everyone! Today was a harsh awakening to reality, as I arrived back from break at 2 AM this morning and had to get right back into the busy rhythm of school. This year, we just have a week and a half left of classes after break, then five days of reading period,…Continue Reading Traveling Home for Thanksgiving
Embracing the Power of Routine When I first arrived at Amherst College, I felt the pressure almost immediately. Between rigorous coursework, adapting to a new environment, and the drive to succeed, it was easy to feel overwhelmed. However, I quickly realized that prioritizing my mental health wasn’t just essential for my well-being—it was crucial for…Continue Reading How I Balance Academics and Mental Health at Amherst
KEYWORDS; FLI (FIRST GEN-LOW INCOME) As a first-year student at Amherst College, I’m frequently asked, “Why did you choose Amherst?” At first glance, it seems like a straightforward question, but for me, the answer is filled with meaningful experiences, core values, and a touch of serendipity. Keep reading, and you’ll discover how my journey to…Continue Reading Why I Chose Amherst College: A First-Year FLI Perspective
When applying to colleges, my biggest worry was whether I could handle the academics. Was the education I received at my public high school adequate compared to private schools? Would I be behind my peers? Was I smart enough to attend an elite college? During my first month at Amherst College, I feared that admissions…Continue Reading Finding Academic Success at Amherst