Amherst College | Excel

Join us for three weeks of college-style learning on the tree-shaded, historic campus of the prestigious liberal arts school, Amherst College. Excel’s small seminars are engaging, interactive, and free from the pressure of grades and exams. Explore your artistic side with a Drawing or Photography class or debate investment strategies in a Business and Economics seminar. Make new friends from across the country and around the world, and be inspired by your supportive and talented instructors. Take weekend excursions to some of New England’s most beautiful cities, beaches, and natural areas.

Dates:
  • June 24, 2012 - July 13, 2012
  • July 16, 2012 - August 4, 2012
  • June 24, 2012 - August 4, 2012
Eligibility:
Students completing grades 9-12
Focus:
Excel
Typical Group:
80-120 Students, 15-25 Staff
Duration:
  • 3 week(s) (June 24, 2012 - July 13, 2012)
  • 3 week(s) (July 16, 2012 - August 4, 2012)
  • 6 week(s) (June 24, 2012 - August 4, 2012)

Overview

Located in Massachusetts’ Pioneer Valley, Amherst College has been committed to the pursuit of academic excellence since its founding in 1821. As an Excel student on campus, you spend four hours a day pursuing two areas of interest in small, active seminars. Course size is limited to ten students or fewer. Seminars encourage collaboration and hands-on learning, getting out of the classroom often for field trips, experiments, performances, and field assignments. Afternoon and evening activities allow us to make the most of our summer and of campus life. Whether taking part in an instructional sports clinic, volunteering at a local daycare, visiting a local farm for some homemade ice cream, or playing a pick-up game of Ultimate Frisbee, there are plenty of chances to connect with other students and instructors, and to pursue new interests. You are encouraged to start clubs and introduce the community to your favorite activities, or try something new – maybe digital photography, a cooking club, or mountain biking – in a social environment that supports and shares your enthusiasm. Evenings also provide a special opportunity to relax and have fun with our nightly community meeting, talent shows, and movie nights.

At Amherst College, we live in single-sex residence halls located at the heart of campus, with easy access to playing fields, tennis courts, athletic and other college facilities, and to the town of Amherst. Rooms are doubles and the majority of students choose to room with participants they do not know prior to the beginning of the program. Dorms are equipped with social common areas, as well as laundry facilities and a computer lab. Eat the majority of your meals at Amherst’s high-quality dining facilities, which provide a wide range of choices of hot and cold entrees, salads, healthy desserts, and vegetarian selections. Cook-outs, picnics, and restaurant meals provide the occasional change of pace.

Meet new friends from around the country and all over the world.

Some afternoons and on weekends we leave campus to see the best of what New England has to offer. Several afternoons during the program, you can choose to visit a full spectrum of New England colleges. In past summers, we have visited Middlebury, Dartmouth, Smith, Williams, and Trinity Colleges, as well as Harvard, Tufts, Brown, Wesleyan, and Yale Universities. Visits are generally led by our faculty who are alumni of these colleges. On our first excursion weekend, choose between two-day visits to New Hampshire’s White Mountains, the historic beaches of Cape Cod, or the cosmopolitan streets of French-Canadian Montréal. During our second weekend, the entire group takes a Saturday day trip to Boston to explore locations like Harvard Square, the Boston Science Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Freedom Trail, or Salem. On Sunday, seek out bargains at a local flea market in Hadley, Massachusetts, spend the afternoon at the provocative Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (Mass MoCA) in North Adams, or enjoy a few hours of biking, rollerblading, or hiking in the hills surrounding campus.

The program culminates with a final day of presentations and performances, allowing you to showcase your many accomplishments. Whether you perform an original a capella arrangement of a favorite song, deliver a knock out stand-up routine perfected in Public Speaking class, or present the runway debut of a chic dress you made in the Fashion Design seminar, this evening is your time to shine. Parents are invited to attend this wonderful event – the perfect way to say goodbye to each other and this amazing campus.

“Our goal was to have Sebastian experience life on a college campus, to gain some perspective on why he is working so hard in high school, and to expose him to some academics in a rich and fun way. It was wonderful to have our expectations met. The Amherst program helped him identify areas where he can ‘excel.’ The content in both of his classes enabled him to further his interests in both of these areas rather than just playing around with the ideas in his head on his own.” 

- Jim and Julia Hood, Westport, CT

Highlights

  • Polish your college essay or create a new short story in one of several writing workshops.
  • Sample delicious local meals while participating in a sustainable food workshop.
  • Discuss Aristotle, Camus, and Marx in the shade of the campus quad with your Philosophy class.
  • Record a CD of original music in Music Composition and Performance.
  • Improve your soccer or tennis game with a professional coaching staff.
  • Hike up Mount Washington, the highest peak in New England.
  • Follow in the footsteps of history on the Freedom Trail in downtown Boston.
  • Gear up for the big test with a Kaplan SAT prep class.
  • Practice your language skills with new friends from around the world.

What to Expect

Students must be able to think critically and creatively while engaging in thoughtful discussion with classmates. Excel at Amherst College gives a taste of college life and provides flexibility, and students are expected to be correspondingly mature and productive in their free time. Rules prohibiting alcohol and tobacco use, setting curfew times, and providing a safe and structured environment are in place and enforced. Our courses are not affiliated with Amherst College and are not for credit.

At Putney we take pride in our reputation for careful, thorough planning and attention to detail.  The descriptions of our programs  are based on our experiences in previous summers and our plans for this summer.  It is inevitable that some things described here will not happen exactly as presented.  To get the most out of the Putney experience, participants need to be flexible in responding to unforeseen situations, and creative in taking advantage of unexpected opportunities.  We expect Putney participants to share responsibility for the success of their experience.

Fees

Tuition:

  • $4,990 (June 24, 2012 - July 13, 2012)
  • $4,990 (July 16, 2012 - August 4, 2012)
  • $8,990 (June 24, 2012 - August 4, 2012)

For more information contact maggie@goputney.com

Apply Online

Excel at Amherst students choose a morning and an afternoon seminar.  Each of these small, discussion-based seminars meets for two hours daily on weekdays. Courses are not affiliated with Amherst College and students do not receive college credit for our program.

Morning Seminars (click on seminar to read full description)
 Architectural Design
Architectural design is the expression of ideas in spatial, material, and cultural terms. It draws inspiration from sources as diverse as a functional need, the structure of a leaf, or a philosophical text. This seminar will explore how we interact with space through interactive field trips around Amherst, design exercises paired with critique sessions, and dynamic projects with other classes such as drawing and painting or photography.  We will dive into topics such as manual and digital drafting, plan reading, artistic analysis, historic styles, and sustainable design.  At the end of the session, students will leave with a small portfolio of their work, including a final design project in plan, model, or digital form.
 Business and Economics in Today’s Economy
This hands-on course begins by explaining the economic playing field where firms operate, discussing supply and demand, regulations and free trade, international trade, and currency flows. Through role-playing, discussions, and occasional lectures, consider the practical aspects of business, including accounting, finance, marketing, advertising, public relations, the organization of the firm, corporate leadership and culture, and business ethics. Finally, working together as a team, put what you have learned into practice by researching, developing, and operating your own small business.
 Creative Nonfiction: The Personal Essay
Thinking about those college essays? Ready to break the cookie-cutter mold you learned in high school English? This dynamic workshop-style course led by a published essayist is just what you need to find your own unique writing voice. Write about what’s important to you, whether it’s a memory from childhood, a key moment in your life, or a profile of the person who has influenced you most, all while learning about such important topics as argumentation, imagery, word economy, and anecdote.  At the end of the program, present your best piece in front of your peers.
 The Art of Digital Photography
This course is a practical introduction to key technical concepts, including shooting techniques and digital editing, as well as the use of digital cameras and photo editing software. Explore the implications of digital manipulation in an age dominated by the power of the image. This course incorporates a number of projects, including collaborations with other courses and culminates in a gallery showing of your newly created portfolio. You must bring your own digital camera with a pixel depth of at least 5 megapixels. There is a supplemental fee of $250 for this course.
 Drawing and Painting: Inside the Artist’s Studio
Develop and refine your artistic vision as you explore a variety of materials and media. Working with acrylics, watercolor, or charcoal, create pieces based on subjects ranging from the human figure to still life, from landscape to portraiture.  Through regular critiques, constructively evaluate your own and each other’s work. There are frequent visits to area museums, as well as consultations with accomplished artists. Prepare a personal portfolio and present your work at a program-wide gallery opening at the end of the session. All art supplies for this course are provided for a mandatory fee of $150.
 English as a Second Language (ESL)
This course is open to foreign students wishing to acquire English fluency by living and learning in an English-speaking environment. Through a specially designed series of fun and active conversational exercises and games, students learn to communicate effectively with their American counterparts and to participate fully in the life of the program.
 Film Studies: The Language of Cinema
The development of any art form is a restless search for new forms of expression. Today’s cinematic language has been influenced by a combination of artistic, scientific, and economic developments over the past 100 years. This seminar examines the visual language we take for granted when we watch movies. What are the “rules” that make a believable reality on screen? What are the artistic and technological innovations that have expanded the language of cinema? How will the art of moving pictures change with the expanding world of new digital technologies? Students watch some films that are “R” rated.
 History of Modern Music
Popular music is an undeniable force in modern culture. It can dish up biting social commentary, serve as a call to action, or simply express an emotional state of mind. In this course, learn about the history and musical lineage behind popular songs of the last 80 years, as you work your way from the roots of rock and roll—gospel, blues, and jazz—to recent trends and personalities. Debate the contributions and controversies surrounding individuals like Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, and Lady Gaga, styles such as grunge, emo, and techno, and distribution platforms like MTV, the iPod, and Guitar Hero. Bring your own musical taste and expertise, whether it’s hip hop or country, to lively group discussions, concerts, and class projects. 
 Philosophy
Philosophy is a discipline concerned with big questions: ideas of good and evil, problems of knowledge, the existence of a God, free will, to name a few. Not for the faint of heart, in this class you will examine three enigmas that have long puzzled philosophers: time, subjectivity, and death. Is the present ever present? Who says I? Can there be life without death? From Descartes to Heidegger to contemporary masters of continental philosophy such as Jacques Derrida and Alain Badiou, we will study how some of history’s greatest minds have grappled with these problems in order to better grapple with them ourselves.
 The Psychology of Personality
How much of who you are is determined by your family? Your gender? Your friends? Your inner drives and desires? Your personality traits? Which human behaviors are considered adaptive, and which cause difficulties? In this course, examine different psychological theories that attempt to explain various aspects of personality and behavior. Look at psychodynamic, behavioral, trait, and multicultural theories, among others, and examine them in the context of your own experiences. Readings, discussions, films, experiments, and group activities give you opportunities to explore psychological concepts and evaluate their relevance to your own life.
 Public Speaking and Debate
Take the first steps toward becoming an effective public speaker as you overcome your fear of speaking in front of groups and learn techniques for engaging your audience. Discuss and practice formal and informal debating techniques, and learn about the uses (and misuses) of rhetoric. Over the course of the class, prepare and present several speeches on topics of your choosing using John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Jr., President Obama, and others as examples. International students choosing this course must have a strong grasp of the English language.
 SAT Preparation: Kaplan
This course is organized and taught by Kaplan, Inc. It concentrates on verbal and mathematical skills, as well as the test-taking techniques you need to perform at a high level on the PSAT and SAT-I exams.  The course consists of daily classes and two full-length SAT practice tests; extensive reference and practice materials are also provided.  Receive an individualized study plan, based on your diagnostic testing and information about your study style and goals. As part of the class, you may continue to study with Kaplan beyond your summer program. There is a $550 supplemental fee for this course.
 Scriptwriting: Writing for Stage and Screen
Today’s plays, movies, and television shows incorporate the work of a wide-ranging team of actors, directors, producers, and technicians – but the script is the engine that drives a quality production and provides its foundation. Using a workshop format, develop you own script for a play, television series, or short film. Learn the craft by watching plays and films by Alfred Hitchcock, David Mamet, Martin Scorsese, and others, paying special attention to the way they are written. This seminar is open to any student regardless of writing experience. Students watch some films that are “R” rated.
Social Justice and Ethics
For as long as people have been living in community with each other, questions of “how to act” and “what to do” have provided the infrastructure for civil society. And yet, after studying the central questions of ethics for thousands of years, there are still very few “right” answers. Explore the ethical dimensions of modern controversies in the fields of business, medicine, the media, and the environment. What is “fair” about fair trade? Should CEOs make 400 times the salary as their lowest-paid employee? Debate these questions and others as you delve into the unwritten the rules that guide our government and shape our personal lives.
 World Dance
Dance explores the expressive potential of the human body in movement and conveys cultural traditions from around the world. This class explores the range of dance, from Flamenco to African dance to Tango and Swing, just to name a few. The limited class size allows for individualized and small-group instruction that responds to participants’ experience and interests in developing performance, improvisation, and composition skills. Students also enjoy African drumming workshops, professional dance performances, and a trip to the famous Berkshire dance center, Jacob’s Pillow. The workshop culminates in a dance recital, choreographed and performed by the students and presented to the entire Excel community. Dance experience is helpful, but not required.
 
Afternoon Seminars (click on seminar to read full description)
A Capella: No Strings Attached
Are you a fan of college groups like the Brown Derbies or Yale’s Whiffenpoofs?  The human voice is the most versatile musical instrument on earth. Instruments were invented to imitate all that voices can do; a capella uses voice to imitate instruments. In this dynamic course, work on vocal part positioning and choreography, hone your musical ear, and learn beatbox, scat, and doo wop. Work on song choice and arrangement using software like Sibelius. At the end of the course, you have the opportunity to compose and arrange an original piece to be performed at the final coffee shop.
Acting and Directing: The Show Must Go On
Become part of a working theatre ensemble as you create and perform in a show attended by the entire Excel community. Group work, improvisation, master classes, and outside professional productions help feed your creativity en route to developing material and a style all your own.  Workshops and rehearsals are held each afternoon, and during the second half of the program the rehearsal schedule extends into late afternoons and evenings. This course is ideal for all experience levels – come join us if you are excited about theatre and ready to challenge yourself in a supportive and energizing environment.
 Darkroom Photography: Building a Portfolio
Get into the darkroom and explore your storytelling potential as you prepare an independent photo series project. Seminar time is dedicated to critiques, instruction in the use of flash and tripod, and camera and darkroom techniques. Due to the nature of darkroom processing, you will need to commit extra time outside of class to finish projects. You must provide your own SLR 35mm camera and know how to use it. All photography supplies are provided. There is a supplemental fee of $150 for this seminar.
 Environmental Studies
Environmental issues like climate change and rising energy costs have taken dramatic center stage in global politics. What are our responsibilities to each other and future generations?  To what degree can we rely on technology and market forces to lessen our collective impact on the earth? Debate and discuss these trends and get outside the classroom to visit organic vegetable farmers, meet environmental and community activists, and learn from local experts about state of the art developments in sustainable and renewable energy sources. Reflect on the history of humankind’s relationship to our natural surroundings, and work as a group to brainstorm solutions for the future.
 Fashion Design: Inspiration to Runway
In this introductory course, learn the basic skills of clothing design. Begin by hitting the drawing board to communicate your design concepts with style and expression, and consider the social and cultural implications of fashion. Move on to make your designs a reality through a series of sequenced projects which you present to the whole Excel community in a culminating fashion show. Be prepared to commit extra time outside of class to finishing your projects. Supplies for this course are provided for a mandatory fee of $100.
Fiction & Poetry: Creating Worlds
Whether you want to write your first novel before you turn twenty or simply to create a poem that captures a particular feeling, this dynamic workshop-style course is a step toward realizing your goals. Led by published authors, you develop skills in the creative writing genre of your choice, while writing exercises focus on important craft issues such as dialogue, imagery, narrative structure, word choice, theme, and storytelling technique. Hold a program-wide reading at the end of the program to present your best pieces for the Excel community.
Game Design and Theory
Dutch cultural theorist Johan Huizinga claimed that an essential quality of humanity is that we are Homo Ludens, or “The Game-Playing Man,” and indeed, social game play permeates not only our culture, but cultures around the world.  Discuss the history of games, from sports to card games, board games to game shows.  Learn how modern game design has borrowed from Game Theory, a mathematical model used to describe and predict “real life” decisions.  What makes a successful game and how do games both reflect and help us to express our essential selves?  Using what you’ve learned, design and test your own sophisticated game and present it to the whole Excel community. 
Investment Strategies: Buy Low Sell High
Whether you’re mystified by the market or a full-blown stock-ticker-reading investment junkie, here’s your chance to put your (fake) money where your mouth is. In this exciting, hands-on business course, get to know the basics of stock market investing, beginning with such topics as economic indicators, interest rates, and price-earnings ratios. Learn to read the market indices and make informed decisions about bond and equity allocations. Then jump into the mix with your own fictional portfolio. Invest wisely, and you may get rich quick. Make mistakes, and you may find yourself in the poorhouse.
Journalism in the Internet Age
Read and analyze contemporary magazines and on-line news sources in this exciting, up-to-the-minute course.  Then hit the streets to research and prepare your own stories, using interviews, observation, and opinion to explore issues of contemporary life, culture, science, and/or politics. Led by a published writer/journalist, this workshop-style writing course allows everyone in your impromptu “newsroom” to learn from each other, as you refine your reporting and storytelling techniques. At the end of the course, create an on-line blog or news magazine.
 Music Composition and Performance
Expand your musical talents and abilities, as you perform, improvise, jam, and collaborate with others, discovering new ways to express yourself in this global language. Small composition exercises are gradually expanded and elaborated; these compositions later combine to provide a basis for group performance and a point of departure for improvisation. The course culminates in a recording session and a concert to be performed for the entire Excel community. No composition experience is needed. The ability to read music is helpful, but not required. Those who sing or play a musical instrument at any skill level are encouraged to enroll.
Psychology of Choice
F. Scott Fitzgerald famously said “Action is character,” meaning what you do is who you are. But how do we decide what to do? In a world where the range of choice (careers, classes to take, fashion styles, products to buy) seems to be expanding exponentially, our brains and willpower often struggle to keep up. How are outside forces, like advertising, politicians, and even our friends and family able to exploit the hardwiring of the brain to influence our choices? Answer these questions and discover, in turn, how we also influence the choices of others. Through brief readings, discussions, case studies, and personal experience, learn to understand the mechanisms and tradeoffs of decision-making as you develop your own criteria and approaches to the many choices in life.
Psychology of the Criminal Mind
What makes someone commit a crime? How effective are the psychological profiling techniques used by crime investigators? Is there such a thing as the Criminal Mind? In this course, examine the criminal mind through case studies and historical data. Look at evidence that both supports and rejects modern theories and discuss criminal profiling as it is portrayed on today’s cinematic crime dramas. Examine traits that connect serial killers throughout history and discover what makes modern-day white-collar criminals tick. Present a final collaborative project on criminal minds to the entire Excel community.
 SAT Preparation: Kaplan
This course is organized and taught by Kaplan, Inc. It concentrates on verbal and mathematical skills, as well as the test-taking techniques you need to perform at a high level on the PSAT and SAT-I exams.  The course consists of daily classes and two full-length SAT practice tests; extensive reference and practice materials are also provided.  Receive an individualized study plan, based on your diagnostic testing and information about your study style and goals. As part of the class, you may continue to study with Kaplan beyond your summer program. There is a $550 supplemental fee for this course.
 Structured Writing
This course is designed for students who have difficulty organizing their ideas and creating logically constructed, coherent, and effective writing. Using innovative, hands-on, active methods for constructing written work, learn specific strategies to help you organize your ideas, structure your presentations, edit your writing, and produce more effective work.  Constant interaction with the instructor and feedback on short writings completed during class are key to tracking your progress. There is a $300 supplemental fee for this specialized course. 
 Video Production
Get a hands-on introduction to video in this production-oriented workshop. Practice storyboarding, camera operation, sound recording, lighting, direction, and non-linear editing as you collaborate on a series of video projects. Explore the hidden language of cinema by looking at a variety of films, from documentaries to experimental shorts. As a final project, produce a series of short videos to present at a campus-wide film screening. You should plan on putting in extra hours for editing, and will watch some films that are “R” rated. There is a supplemental fee of $250 for this course.
 
Sports Clinics
Tennis
Led by college-level players and coaches, this clinic helps you learn the game or maintain your skills during the summer.  Participants are assessed by the coaching staff and grouped by ability in order to assure the best training strategy for your needs. There is a $260 supplemental fee for this clinic.
 Soccer
Taught by college-level coaches and players, the soccer clinic focuses on ball control, passing skills, and offensive and defensive team strategies.  Drills complemented by extensive scrimmaging allow you to get a jump on your preparation for the fall season. There is a $190 supplemental fee for this clinic.

As part of the late afternoon activity program, we offer optional instructional clinics in tennis and soccer where you can polish your techniques and maintain your level of skill over the summer.  Clinics meet three times a week throughout the program, allowing time for you to get involved in other campus activities. Space is limited to ensure individualized attention, and clinics fill up quickly.  Participation is determined on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a supplemental fee for sports clinics.

For more information contact maggie@goputney.com

Apply Online

Itinerary

Click here to read last year’s program blog.

This program begins and ends at Amherst College.

Arrival • Join your group as we begin the campus experience at Amherst College, one of New England’s most picturesque and preeminent liberal art schools. You and your family are welcome to arrive directly at Amherst College, or our staff is happy to arrange pick ups from the Amherst bus or train station, or nearby Bradley International Airport in Hartford, CT.

Campus Life • As an Excel student at Amherst College, your day is much like that of any college undergraduate, but with a structure that is appropriate and will keep you busy and engaged throughout your summer. Participate actively in stimulating, seminar-style courses and spend time with like-minded individuals who quickly become good friends. Get involved in a host of fun and fascinating activities, from pick-up sports games to college visits to unique course-generated projects.

College Visits • Several afternoons during the program, you can choose a school to visit from a full spectrum of New England colleges. In past summers, students have visited Middlebury, Dartmouth, Smith, Williams, and Trinity Colleges, as well as Harvard, Tufts, Brown, Wesleyan, and Yale Universities. Visits are generally led by our faculty who are alumni of these colleges.

“The staff was so passionate about the seminars they taught but also had other hidden passions that presented themselves when they led afternoon and evening activities, like flash-mob practice or jam sessions. It was such a joy to be part of Excel at Amherst. There was a strong sense of community and were always activities going on so that every moment was a blast!”

- Rebecca Ganellen, New Trier High School, Wilmette, IL

Excursion Weekend • Our first excursion weekend showcases some of the best of what the Northeast has to offer. Choose from the following trips to the White Mountains, Cape Cod, and Montréal.

The White Mountains: Explore some of the best-preserved wilderness in the East with two days in the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire. As a group, we hike in the magnificent Presidential Range, take in spectacular views from the top of Mount Washington, and canoe, kayak, or swim in some of the region’s many lakes. If you choose this excursion, get excited about hiking, canoeing, and staying in a rustic hiker’s lodge! The cost of this excursion is included in the Excel at Amherst College tuition.

Cape Cod: Historic Cape Cod is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the Northeast. On this excursion we stroll the lively streets of Provincetown, swim on one of the Cape’s pristine beaches, and toast s’mores over a bonfire under the stars. Whale watching trips, beach volleyball, and Frisbee round out a wide array activities. There is a supplemental fee of $390 for this program.

Montréal: The cultural vitality and hospitality of French Canada are enticing reasons to visit Montréal. From our base at McGill University, we explore the cobblestone streets of the Old City and soak in the Parisian atmosphere of Rue St. Denis. Activities include jet-boating on the St. Lawrence River, shopping for a picnic lunch at the sprawling Marché Atwater, and catching an outdoor concert at the International Jazz Festival. There is a supplemental fee of $390 for this excursion.

The Cape Cod National Seashore is one of Massachusetts' gems, and a great option for our excursion weekend.

Boston Weekend • Our second weekend begins with a group day-trip to Boston to explore locations like Harvard Square, the Boston Science Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Freedom Trail, or Salem. On Sunday you can visit a locally famous flea market in Hadley, MA, visit Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (Mass MoCA) in the afternoon, or enjoy biking, rollerblading, or hiking in the hills surrounding campus.

Final Night • Invite family and friends to attend the culminating Final Night Show. You and your fellow students make presentations on what you’ve learned in class, give concerts, explain projects, display artwork, and say goodbye to your instructors and new friends from across the country and around the world.

Departure • Staff escort students from the Amherst College campus to the Amherst bus or train station, or Bradley International Airport. Families can also arrange pick up directly from campus.

This itinerary represents our best projection of the group’s schedule. However, we may implement changes designed to improve the quality of the program.

For more information contact maggie@goputney.com

Apply Online

Destination

Background • Located in Massachusetts’ Pioneer Valley, Amherst College has been committed to the pursuit of academic excellence since its founding in 1821. The town of Amherst bustles with interesting shops and cafés and is surrounded by rolling hills and rivers, ideal for hiking, canoeing, and biking. The Mead Art Museum, Emily Dickinson Homestead, and the Robert Frost Library stand out among the rich cultural resources of the area. During the summer artists, writers, and musicians make the Amherst area a lively and exciting place to be.

Dorms look out over a tree-lined quad, perfect for seminar workshops, jam sessions, or frisbee.

Population • Amherst College is situated within the town of Amherst, a community of about 35,000 people. The College quad is a short walk from Amherst’s single main street. This cozy size allows for a safe, small-town feel while providing great shops, restaurants, and a burgeoning art scene for students to explore.

Climate • Summers in the Pioneer Valley are pleasant, with moderately warm afternoons and the occasional rainy day or short heat wave. Temperatures can be quite cool in the morning, with overnight lows in the 50s but generally warm into the 80s during the day.

Day and weekend trips let us explore beautiful New England.

Cuisine • Students take most meals the Amherst College cafeteria, which provides a wide range of hot and cold entrees, salads, healthy desserts, and vegetarian selections. Cook-outs, picnics, and restaurant meals in-town provide an occasional change of pace.

Currency • The town of Amherst has numerous ATMs available for students if they would like additional spending money during their stay. Coin-operated laundry facilities equipped with change machines are available in the dorms.

“After doing Excel, I felt very excited for my future. I made friends from all over the world, I watched movies I never would have seen, I listened to music I never would have heard, and I feel like I gained an overall sense of achievement because I had found a program that was not only preparing me for college, but was also a lot of fun!” 

- Shelby Crants, Ensworth School, Nashville, TN

For more information contact maggie@goputney.com

Apply Online

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The Excel at Amherst College program is directed by Maggie Strassman. If you have questions, are interested in receiving more detailed information, or would like to talk further about the program, please get in touch!

Maggie Strassman

Maggie Strassman: University of Wisconsin, B.S., Geography, International Studies.  A former National Geographic intern, Maggie has lived in Austria and the Czech Republic and has traveled throughout Europe and beyond. She has led programs in Dominica and at Amherst College. Maggie now coordinates Putney programs in North America and Turkey, and is also part of the Admissions Team.  She enjoys trivia, riding her bike, and playing frisbee.

For more information contact maggie@goputney.com

Apply Online

How To Apply

Step 1: Log On.

If you are new to Putney Student Travel, visit our Online Application. 
If you are a Putney Student Travel alumni family, use your existing account information to Log In.

Step 2: Hold A Space In The Program.

You can hold a space in a program by completing the Online Application Form and providing the $700 Application Deposit by Mastercard, Visa, or Discover Card through our secure online system or by sending a check to our office. Our admissions staff is also available to take credit card information over the phone.  We will hold a space in a program for a reasonable time, pending completion of the full application process. See Step 3.

After March 15, to hold a space in a program an application must be accompanied by full payment made by check or wire transfer and the signed Agreement Form.

Step 3: Complete the Application Process.

Before we can make a final admissions decision, an application must be complete.  In addition to the Application Form and Application Deposit described above, a complete application includes:

  • Applicant Statement
  • Two Teacher References
  • Signed Agreement Form

These documents are available as part of our Online Application.  We review a completed application within a few days, and notify families of our admissions decision by e-mail.

For a full description of eligibility, admissions policies, and terms of payment, please visit our Terms & Conditions.

 

For more information contact maggie@goputney.com

Apply Online