Amherst College

Amherst College is widely considered to be one of the most selective liberal arts schools in the country, accepting approximately 1,270 or 10% of 13,000 applicants. 500 will enroll in the following fall, resulting in a 39% yield.

All applications must be turned in through the Common Application, Coalition Application, or QuestBridge Application. For Early Decision students, these are due by November 15th, with decisions coming within a month. Regular Decision students should have theirs in by January 1st and expect to hear back by April 1^st. Response forms are due by May 1^st. All applications should include none, but none should also be added. Some majors may require more materials.

Amherst looks for students to have high academic standing and a motivation that will embrace the open curriculum system, engaging with professors and contributing to the school. They request that applicants have taken four years of English, math, science, social studies, and foreign language, though this is not required. SAT Combined scores should be in the 1,380 - 1,550 and ACT Composite scores in 30 - 35.

Every application is reviewed by at least two admission deans who evaluate for grades, rigor of studies, recommendations, quality of writing, extracurricular activities, accomplishments, and leadership.