Williams College, a private institution in Williamstown, Massachusetts, has three undergraduate academic branches: humanities and the arts, social sciences, and science and mathematics. Classes at Williams are small and some use an Oxford-style teaching method that relies heavily on student participation.

Amherst College, a private school in Amherst, Massachusetts, is known for its rigorous academic climate. Because Amherst is a member of the Five Colleges consortium, students can also take courses at Smith College, Mount Holyoke College, Hampshire College and the University of MassachusettsAmherst.