Amherst College Admissions Requirements

Amherst College, located in Amherst, Massachusetts, is one of the most prestigious liberal arts colleges in the United States. With a commitment to providing a diverse, intellectually rigorous environment, Amherst seeks students who have demonstrated strong academic ability, leadership potential, and a passion for learning. The admissions process at Amherst is highly selective and holistic, meaning that the college considers multiple aspects of each applicant’s background, including academics, extracurricular activities, personal qualities, and life experiences.

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

General Admission Criteria

Amherst College employs a holistic approach to its admissions process, considering various elements that provide insight into an applicant’s academic and personal achievements. The general criteria include:

• High School Diploma: All applicants must have completed or be in the process of completing a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification such as a GED.
• Academic Excellence: Students are expected to have a strong academic background, typically including a rigorous course load with honors, Advanced Placement (AP), or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses.
• Extracurricular Activities: Amherst values students who are actively involved in extracurricular activities such as athletics, arts, clubs, community service, or leadership roles.
• Completed Application: Applicants must submit a complete application through one of the approved platforms: the Common Application, the Coalition Application, or the QuestBridge Application.
• Personal Essay: A well-written personal essay is required. This essay allows students to share their personal stories, interests, and aspirations.
• Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation from teachers, preferably from junior or senior year, are required. One should be from a humanities or social sciences teacher, and the other from a math or science teacher.
• School Counselor Report: A counselor recommendation and school report, which provide context about the student’s academic performance, are also required.

Standardized Test Scores (Optional)

Amherst College is test-optional, meaning that students can decide whether or not to submit SAT or ACT scores. If applicants believe that their scores will strengthen their application, they are welcome to submit them. Otherwise, standardized test scores are not required for admission.

• SAT: If submitted, the SAT reasoning test is considered. Amherst does not require SAT Subject Tests.
• ACT: Students may also submit ACT scores in lieu of SAT scores.
• Test-Optional Policy: If students choose not to submit standardized test scores, they will not be disadvantaged in the admissions process.

Specific Requirements for First-Year Students

First-year students must submit the following documents and materials as part of their application:

• Official High School Transcript: The transcript must include grades from all years of high school and should reflect a strong academic record.
• Mid-Year and Final Grades: Students are required to submit mid-year grades once available, and final grades are submitted at the conclusion of the senior year.
• Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee of $65 is required, though fee waivers are available for students with demonstrated financial need.
• Additional Recommendations (Optional): Students may submit one additional letter of recommendation from someone who knows them well, such as a coach, mentor, or employer, though this is not required.

Transfer Students

Amherst College welcomes transfer applicants who have completed at least one year of college coursework. Transfer students must meet the following requirements:

• Minimum GPA: While there is no set minimum GPA, successful applicants typically have a strong academic record in their college courses.
• Official College Transcripts: Transfer applicants must submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended.
• High School Transcript: In addition to college transcripts, transfer students must also submit their high school transcript.
• Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation are required from college professors who can speak to the applicant’s academic abilities and potential.
• Personal Statement: A transfer-specific essay must be submitted, explaining the applicant’s reasons for transferring and how Amherst will help them achieve their academic and personal goals.
• Transfer Application Deadlines: Transfer applications for the fall semester must be submitted by March 1. Admission decisions are typically made by mid-May.

International Students

International students bring valuable perspectives to the Amherst community. Applicants from outside the U.S. must meet the following additional requirements:

• English Language Proficiency: Non-native English speakers must demonstrate proficiency in English by submitting TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores. Minimum scores are as follows:
  • TOEFL: 100 or higher (Internet-based test)
  • IELTS: 7.5 or higher
  • Duolingo: 120 or higher
• Financial Documentation: International students must submit documentation to demonstrate their ability to cover tuition and living expenses or apply for financial aid if needed. Amherst meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all students, including international applicants.
• Credential Evaluation (if applicable): If students have attended schools outside of the U.S., they may need to have their academic records evaluated for U.S. equivalency by an approved credential evaluation service.

Application Process

How to Apply

Amherst College offers several ways to apply, depending on the applicant’s circumstances. The application process includes the following steps:

• Choose an Application Platform: Students can apply using the Common Application, the Coalition Application, or the QuestBridge Application.
• Submit Required Materials: All required documents, including high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and test scores (if applicable), must be submitted through the chosen application platform.
• Application Deadlines:
  • Early Decision (ED): November 1
  • Regular Decision: January 1
  • Transfer Application Deadline: March 1

Interview (Optional)

While not required, Amherst offers optional interviews with alumni or admissions staff. Interviews are evaluative and provide an opportunity for applicants to showcase their personal qualities, interests, and enthusiasm for attending Amherst.

Application Fee and Fee Waiver

The application fee for Amherst College is $65, which can be paid online through the application platform. Fee waivers are available for students with financial need. Students can request a fee waiver through the Common Application or by contacting the admissions office directly.

Early Decision vs. Regular Decision

• Early Decision (ED): Early Decision is a binding application process. Students who apply ED must commit to attending Amherst if accepted. ED applicants typically receive admissions decisions by mid-December.
• Regular Decision: Regular Decision allows students to apply without the commitment to attend if accepted. Regular Decision applicants receive admissions decisions by late March.

Financial Aid Application

Amherst College is committed to providing need-based financial aid to all admitted students. The college’s financial aid policies ensure that all admitted students, regardless of their financial circumstances, can afford to attend. To apply for financial aid, students must complete the following forms:

• FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required for all U.S. citizens and permanent residents seeking financial aid.
• CSS Profile: The College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile is required for all students, including international applicants, to determine eligibility for institutional aid.
• Tax Returns and Financial Documentation: Students and their families must submit recent tax returns and other financial documentation to support their financial aid application.
• Amherst Financial Aid Deadlines:
  • Early Decision applicants must submit financial aid materials by November 1.
  • Regular Decision applicants must submit financial aid materials by January 1.
  • Transfer applicants must submit financial aid materials by March 1.

Optional Supplements

Amherst allows students to submit optional supplements to their application if they have exceptional talent or achievements in the following areas:

• Arts: Students may submit portfolios or recordings if they have exceptional talent in music, visual arts, theater, or dance.
• Athletics: Student-athletes who are interested in competing at the varsity level may contact Amherst’s athletic coaches to express their interest. Amherst is part of the NCAA Division III and competes in the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC).

Admissions Decisions

Holistic Review Process

Amherst College conducts a thorough, holistic review of each application. This means that the admissions committee looks at each applicant’s full profile, including academic performance, extracurricular involvement, personal essay, recommendations, and any additional materials submitted. The committee considers how each applicant will contribute to the Amherst community both inside and outside the classroom.

Admissions Notifications

• Early Decision: ED applicants will be notified of their admissions decision in mid-December. Accepted students are required to withdraw applications to other schools and commit to attending Amherst.
• Regular Decision: Regular Decision applicants receive their admissions decisions in late March.
• Transfer Applicants: Transfer applicants receive their admissions decisions by mid-May.

Waitlist

Some students may be offered a place on the waitlist. Those on the waitlist will be notified if a spot becomes available, typically by late May or early June.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Amherst College is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students. This ensures that all students can attend regardless of their financial background. The financial aid package may include grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities. Amherst does not offer merit-based scholarships; all financial aid is based on demonstrated need.

Financial Aid Resources

• Grants and Scholarships: All financial aid provided by Amherst is in the form of grants and scholarships, which do not need to be repaid.
• Work-Study Program: Amherst offers work-study opportunities that allow students to earn money to help cover their personal expenses while gaining valuable work experience.
• Student Loans: While Amherst does not include loans in its financial aid packages, students may choose to take out loans to help cover additional costs if needed.

School Contact Information

For more information about the admissions process or to speak with an admissions counselor, prospective students can contact the Amherst College admissions office using the following details:

• Admissions Office Address:
  Amherst College
  Office of Admission
  PO Box 5000
  Amherst, MA 01002-5000
• Phone Number: (413) 542-2328
• Fax: (413) 542-2040
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.amherst.edu/admission
• Office Hours:
  Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  Saturday and Sunday: Closed