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Prospective Students
Some of you may already be immersed in the college search process; others may be starting now. We're delighted that you are interested in exploring the opportunities available at Amherst College!
Your first step should be to review our Applying to Amherst information to learn about our standard application and admission processes. We hope this additional information will add some clarity for you as you continue to explore all that Amherst College has to offer.
Test-Optional Pilot Program Amherst has adopted a test-optional pilot program for SAT/ACT testing for first-year applicants to the Classes of 2025, 2026, 2027 and 2028 (entering Amherst in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024). This test-optional policy applies to all applicants, domestic and international. Testing for transfer applicants has always been and continues to be optional. At their own discretion, applicants may elect to submit SAT and/or ACT scores for consideration and will be required to indicate on their application if they would like their SAT and/or ACT scores to be considered as part of the application review process. SAT Subject Tests will not be considered as part of the evaluation of any applicant's academic record. Please see our full Standardized Testing Policy for more information.
Expanded TOEFL & IELTS Options In addition to TOEFL and IELTS tests, Amherst will also accept the TOEFL Special Home Edition, the TOEFL ITP for China, and the IELTS Indicator during the 2022-23 admission cycle for any international applicants who are required to submit English language proficiency testing results. These additional tests will be weighed equally with the regular, in-person TOEFL and IELTS tests.
Expanded Application Fee Waivers We don't want application fees to be a financial barrier to applicants. Complete our short-and-simple Quick Pass form to see if you qualify for an Amherst fee waiver. (Of course, we also accept the general fee waivers issued by the Common and QuestBridge Applications, but our Quick Pass has even broader criteria for fee waiver eligibility.)
Flexibility for Changes in Academic Programs We realize that your early high school education may have undergone substantial disruption. Your school may have ended the school year abruptly, moved to remote learning, switched to pass-fail grading or introduced other changes related to public health. Similarly, there may have been significant changes to the administration of AP, IB and other exams. As a college that is committed to holistic review and considering each applicant within the context of their school environment, Amherst will be understanding of these situations. Please be assured that the consideration of your application will not be negatively affected by academic developments that are clearly beyond your control.
Sustained Commitment to Financial Aid Amherst's commitment to expanding access to higher education remains unabated. We will steadfastly continue to follow a policy of need-blind admission for all applicants, domestic and international, and to provide aid awards that meet 100% of the demonstrated financial need of all admitted students through grants/scholarships and student employment with no packaged student loans. (Student loans are still available to those students who wish to borrow to replace the student income contribution, replace the work component of the aid package, purchase a computer, or as a family financial option.)
Campus Visits We're delighted to welcome visitors to our beautiful campus! The current schedule and registration for in-person campus visits is available at Visiting Amherst, along with a link to the campus tour video. We'd love to have you join us!
On that same page, you'll find our Admission Conversations video featuring five summer admission interns sharing their Amherst experience. There's also a series of student-faculty panels that provide interesting and informative insights into what it's like to teach and learn at Amherst. And there's even more about student life at Amherst to be discovered by reading our student blogs and the bios of our tour guides and diversity outreach interns.
Getting in Touch We are responding to emails and phone messages regularly, so please don't hesitate to contact us at admission@amherst.edu or (413) 542-2328. We want to stay in touch!