In the world of higher education, there are universities, and there are colleges. The fundamental difference between the two are resources: the former usually boasts graduate degree programs and a larger faculty. But bigger doesn’t always mean better.  A traditional liberal arts college places its entire focus on educating the undergraduate. Yes, the fresh-outta-high-school-barely-able-to-vote-let-alone-know-what-I-wanna-do-with-my-life set. Where to go for such an education? Let’s take a trip up to Massachusetts, where Williams College and Amherst College have been trying to answer that question for centuries.

1. Mascot Matchup

Amherst- The Lord (and Lady) Jeffs, named for college founder Lord Jefferey Amherst, is a perfect spirit leader for those who like their sports icons to be dignified and historical.
Williams- Similarly, the Williams mascot–the Eph–is named for it’s founder, Ephraim Williams. But if you like a bit of whimsy with your historical icon, the Ephs are represented by a purple cow.

Three credits to: Williams–how could you go wrong with anything purple?

2. Alternative Academia

Amherst- Taking part in the Five College Consortium in Massachusetts’ Pioneer Valley, Amherst students are given the privilege of taking courses at any of the member institutions’ campuses, including Mt. Holyoke, Smith, UMass Amherst, and Hampshire. Why choose one college when you can have five, right?
Williams- Emphasizing the usefulness of a well-balanced education and the ability to think creatively, Williams hosts a semi-annual Trivia Night competition that lasts eight hours. Students compete in teams to answer questions from a wide spectrum of topics in a marathon tournament of wit and stamina. The prize for the winning team? To organize and host next semester’s tournament!

Three Credits to: Williams–if Trivia Night is fun at my local watering hole, imagine how awesome it would be as an all-night affair!

3. College Town Cool Factor

Amherst -Nestled in Amherst, MA, a small picturesque town surrounded by the institutions of the Five College Consortium, Amherst thrives in a heavily student-populated area. One local attraction of interest: the Emily Dickinson Museum, dedicated to Amherst’s most famous resident.
Williams-  Located in the Berkshires region of Massachussets, the Williams campus personifies New England charm.  With Mass MoCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) to browse year-round, Tanglewood Symphony to enjoy during the summer, and a smattering of mom-and-pop shops, there’s many opportunities to indulge in local culture.

Three credits to: Williams, where the nearby symphony is music to my ears!

4. Ass-Kicking Alumni

Amherst– Bill Amend (Foxtrot cartoonist), Dan Brown (Da Vinci Code author), Raymond Teller (Penn & Teller magic/comedy duo).
Williams- Steven Sondheim (Broadway composer), US President James Garfield,  George Steinbrenner (owner of the New York Yankees).

Three credits to: Amherst–what would beach literature be today without the paradigm-shifting scandals of The Da Vinci Code?

5. Acceptance Rate Agony

Amherst- 14.8% for the class of 2012.
Williams- 17% for the class of 2012.

Three credits to: Amherst.

And the diploma goes to: Williams! Between these two liberal-arts powerhouses, Williams wins by virtue of its quirky mascot, quixotic trivia night, and quiet (but bustling) hometown.