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Amherst College Admissions Information

Amherst College
Amherst, MA (map)

 

Founded in 1821, Amherst College has established itself as one of the nation’s premier liberal arts schools. Located in the picturesque town of Amherst, Massachusetts, the College is consistently recognized for its rigorous academic programs and small classes taught by committed faculty. Academically, the school is renowned; it was ranked #2 for national liberal arts colleges by U.S. News and World Report. The city of Amherst hosts two additional universities–Hampshire College and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst–which further fosters a collegiate feel for students and residents alike. A member of Five College Consortium, Amherst provides its students with the unique opportunity of cross-enrolling in classes at Mount Holyoke, Hampshire, Smith, and the University of Massachusetts.

Amherst College’s students represent a wide variety of interests and passions; the school offers more than 140 registered clubs and organizations. Distinguished alumni include author David Foster Wallace, Prince Albert of Monaco, and President Calvin Coolidge.  Rich in history in many aspects, the school claims to have the oldest athletics program, and third oldest football field, in the country. Amherst also features many a cappella groups which can regularly be found performing around campus–this, it can be assumed, has warranted the school’s unofficial nickname of “the singing college.”

 

 

Basic Info

Main Address: PO Box 5000
Amherst, MA 01002-5000
 
Phone Number: (413) 542-2000  
Website: www.amherst.edu  

Characteristics

Type of school: Private, Liberal Arts  
Type of school: Coed  
Setting: Suburban  
Athletics: Division III, Club, Intramural Sports  
Degrees offered: Bachelor's  
Size of undergraduate student body: 1,744  
Percent out-of-state: 90%  
Percent international: 8%  
Female to Male ratio: 50:50  

Academic Life

Student to Professor ratio: 8:1  
Most popular majors: Economics
Political Science and Government
Psychology
 
Special study programs: Cross-Registration
Double Major
Honors Program
Independent Study
Internships
ROTC (Air Force)
Student-Designed Major
Study Abroad
Teacher Certification
Visiting/Exchange Student Program
 

Campus Life

Housing options:
Coed housing
Wellness housing (alcohol/drug/smoke-free)
Cooperative housing
Activities:
Choral Groups
Drama
International Students
Literary Magazine
Music Ensembles
Opera
Student Government
Symphony Orchestra
Dance
Film Society
Jazz Band
Model U.N.
Musical Theater
Radio Station
Student Newspaper
Yearbook

Fun Facts

  • Voted #10 "School Runs Like Butter"
  • Best Northeastern Colleges
  • Top 10 Best Value Private Colleges
 

Admissions Information

With an acceptance rate of 15%, Amherst is undoubtedly one of the most competitive liberal arts colleges in the country. As such, applicants can be sure that admissions officers are seeking more than high standardized test scores in their prospective students. Applicants should present themselves as well-rounded, albeit academically successful, candidates for admission.

According to admissions officials, the most important considerations in the decision process are a student's secondary school record, academic GPA, standardized test scores, character, application essay, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendations, illustrated talent, and whether he or she is a first generation college student. While not as important, factors such as alumni relation, class rank, volunteer and work experience, geographical residence, and racial status are also considered.

Admissions address: PO Box 5000
Amherst, MA 01002-5000
 
Phone number: (413) 542-2328  
Fax number: (413) 542-2040  
Admissions Website: www.amherst.edu  
Email: admission@amherst.edu  
Contact Person: Katharine Fretwell  
Number of first-year applications received: 7,679  
Percent of applicants admitted: 15%  

Application Information

Regular application deadline: January 1  
Early decision/action deadline: November 15 (Early Decision)  
Accepts the Common Application? Yes  
Admission requirements: Essay(s)
Standardized test scores
2 academic teacher evaluations
School report
Mid-year report
Final report
Interview (optional)
 

Application Information

Standardized test scores required? Yes: SAT Reasoning Test and SAT Subject Tests, or ACT  
Policy regarding SAT score-use: Highest section scores across test dates  
 
Middle 50% Scores

Low


Average


High
% Who Submitted Scores
SAT Critical Reading
660
710
760
73%
SAT Math
650
715
780
73%
SAT Writing
670
715
760
73%
ACT Composite
30
32
34
27%

 
College Board code: 3003  
ACT code: 1774  
Learn more about other Large New England schools:
University of Connecticut   UMass Amherst   Northeastern  

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