Amherst College

Yes, an average Indian Student can apply to Amherst College, but admission is very competitive. Amherst College looks for well-rounded students who are academically brilliant, intellectually curious and have extracurricular interests. While a good academic record is crucial, admission also considers other aspects such as leadership qualities, personal essays, letters of recommendation, and standardized test scores (if applicable). Financial aid is available as well, and Amherst practices a need-blind admission policy for its international students, which means their financial need does not determine the admission decision. Being an average student doesn't hinder the chance to join through it is very challenging if proper preparation is done.

Amherst College provides need-based financial aid to international students, including students from India. Indian Students can apply for financial aid by providing the necessary documents, such as a CSS profile, to establish financial need. Amherst's financial aid packages are comprehensive and include tuition, room, and board. Scholarships are not merit-based but rather need-based. To avail of financial aid, you need to apply for admission to Amherst College and submit the required financial documents before the deadlines. Besides that, students can also seek external scholarships such as the Inlaks Scholarships or the Tata Scholarships for international students. 

It is so by all means personal, academic and aspirational considerations that determine why one opts for Williams College over Amherst College for a B.A. in Economics.This small college in lovely rural surroundings promises to keep the tight community feel very individualized approach to education, with a low student-faculty ratio. Hence you are more likely to see individualized attention, especially important in the study of Economics, where theories and applications are usually discussed in small settings. This facilitates deeper engagement with professors and peers.Williams has a very interdisciplinary economics course. The college combines economics with political science, environmental studies, and philosophy, thus looking at economic questions from a greater diversity of perspectives. A holistic treatment would provide a richer understanding of Economics, especially if you are keen on applying economic principles to real issues in addition to their abstraction. Williams provides a rich concentration of opportunities through research, internships, and close collaborations with faculty, thus broadening your educational experience and better preparing you for graduate study or careers in different fields.While both are as prestigious as this, another college not too far away, such as Amherst, is slightly different in its liberal arts experience. Amherst has an excellent Economics program, but compared to the research opportunities, experiential learning, and close faculty mentorship at Williams, it may pale in comparison depending on your learning style.

Amherst College and Williams College are both highly ranked schools with excellent financial aid programs. Here are some things to consider when choosing between the two for a Bachelor of Arts in Economics:  CurriculumAmherst College offers a wide range of courses, with no core general education requirements beyond the major. Amherst's economics programme covers topics such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and behavioral economics. Williams College's economics programme focuses on teaching and research, and includes introductory courses that cover fundamental economic principles.  Financial aidBoth schools offer outstanding financial aid. Amherst College is need-blind for all applicants, and 57% of students receive financial aid. Williams College meets 100% of demonstrated need for domestic students, and 51% of undergraduate students receive need-based financial aid.  

Living on campus will be a better experience for students. Amherst College hosts 34 student residence halls and houses. Living on campus puts students closer to study areas, food options, and libraries, all of which can help you succeed academically and socially. The cost of housing and meal is $9,940 and $8,450 respectively. On campus housing provides security 24/7. Students can also find off campus housing but student reviews mention that the cost of living off campus is comparatively high. The average rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in Amherst, MA is $1095. Living off campus, students have to arrange food and utilities.  

Application process at Amherst College-Review the Apply to Amherst page.Select the First-year Applicants or Transfer Applicants page based on your status.Choose an application type: Common Application, Apply Coalition, Powered by Scoir, or QuestBridge Application.Submit the required documents-Optional Standardized test scores.High school transcriptsLetter of recommendationEnglish proficiency test scoresAmherst College Writing SupplementAdditional Research paper or Art SupplementStudents can directly submit the documents while applying or email them.Pay the application fee of $75. Once the students submit application a personalized Application Status Portal is set up and admission office will email the  credentials to access your ASP.