FAFSA Submission Update

FAFSA Submission Update: by July 1 for all first time enrolling students

While many students and families have been able to successfully complete the 2024-2025 FAFSA, others have not, due to known FAFSA completion challenges. Out of awareness and concern for these students and families, Amherst College is delaying our submission requirement for the FAFSA to July 1 for all first time enrolling students.

All aid applicants should: 

Considering College

Amherst College students share some thoughts on what they wish they had known in high school about the college search process.

Amherst seeks to enroll exceptional students of strong and vibrant intellectual promise. We look for students with qualities of mind and character that will enable them to thrive in our dynamic academic and social environment and take advantage of Amherst’s remarkable resources. A successful Amherst student is someone who will embrace the academic freedom provided by our open curriculum, engage with our talented and accomplished professors, and contribute significantly to a student population whose diversity of both background and perspective fosters a process of mutual education within and beyond the classroom curriculum. Our admission policies are guided by the principles expressed in the mission of Amherst College.

Image of Keefe fire pit at dusk

Amherst College will continue its test-optional policy for all applicants.

In June 2023, we formalized our four-year test-optional pilot program as our policy for all applicants. Read more about what this means for applicants on our Standardized Testing Information page.

First-Year and Transfer Applications

Prospective students may apply to Amherst as either first-year students or transfer students:

First-year students submit their applications for the Early Decision or Regular Decision deadline.

Transfer students may apply for entry in fall or spring semester.

Are You...?

Please note that Amherst does not accept applications from individuals who have already earned a bachelor’s degree.

Questions?

If you have questions that are not answered on our website, please contact:

Office of Admission 
admission@amherst.edu
(413) 542-2328

Please do not contact other individuals at the College, as they will not be able to assist you with admission-related questions.


Statement of Nondiscrimination

Amherst College does not discriminate in admission, employment, or administration of its programs and activities on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender expression and gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, military service, or any other characteristic or class protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Amherst College complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, Title IX, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Equal Pay Act and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Inquiries should be addressed to the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Amherst College, P.O. Box 5000, Amherst, MA 01002-5000. The College’s Title IX Coordinator is Laurie Frankl, 105 E Converse Hall, Amherst College, Amherst, MA 01002, 413-542-5707, Amherst.edu/offices/title-ix.


Please note that the above contact information is for the College's Title IX Coordinator; it is not the contact information for the Office of Admission. Inquiries about admission to Amherst College should be directed to:
Office of Admission
admission@amherst.edu
(413) 542-2328

Clery Act Disclosure Report

In accordance with the federal requirements of the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, Amherst College annually reports information about campus crimes and campus security.  An online copy of the report is available at the website of the Amherst College Campus Police. A paper copy may be requested by contacting the Amherst College Police by email (acpd-police@amherst.edu), telephone (413) 542-2291, letter, or in person at 6 East Drive, Amherst College, Amherst, MA 01002.