Amherst College Admission Requirements, Scores & GPAs

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If you’re considering applying to Amherst College, it’s essential to understand the admission requirements, scores, and GPAs necessary for acceptance. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of everything you need to know about Amherst College and its admissions requirements.

CollegeRanker is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

All About Amherst College

Amherst College is a private liberal arts college located in Amherst, Massachusetts. Founded in 1821, it is one of the oldest liberal arts colleges in the United States. The campus is situated on 1,000 acres of land and is home to over 1,800 undergraduate students.

Amherst College Location

Amherst College is located in Amherst, Massachusetts, a small town in the western part of the state. The college is situated in the Pioneer Valley, a region known for its natural beauty and cultural attractions. The nearest major cities are Boston, which is approximately two hours away, and New York City, which is about three hours away.

Is Amherst College a Good School?

Amherst College is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. According to U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 Best Colleges rankings, Amherst College is ranked #2 in National Liberal Arts Colleges. It is also highly selective, with an acceptance rate of just 12%.

What is Amherst College Known For?

Amherst College is known for its rigorous academic programs and its commitment to providing its students with a broad-based liberal arts education. The college has an open curriculum, which allows students to design their own course of study. Additionally, Amherst College is distinguished by its strong sense of community and its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Is Amherst College a Good Safety School?

Amherst College is not typically considered a safety school, as it is highly selective and has a low acceptance rate. However, if you have a strong academic record and meet the college’s admissions requirements, you may have a good chance of being accepted.

Amherst College GPA Requirements

Amherst College does not have a minimum GPA requirement for admission. However, the college does look for students who have excelled academically and have taken a challenging course load. The average GPA of admitted students is 3.9 on a 4.0 scale.

Amherst College ACT Requirements

Amherst College does not require students to submit ACT scores. However, if you choose to submit your scores, the average composite ACT score for admitted students is 34.

Amherst College SAT Requirements

Amherst College is test-optional, which means that you are not required to submit SAT scores. However, if you choose to submit your scores, the average SAT score for admitted students is 1510.

Amherst College Acceptance Rate

Amherst College has a highly competitive acceptance rate of just 12%. In the 2020-2021 admissions cycle, the college received 10,569 applications and admitted 1,292 students.

Some of the most popular majors at Amherst College include Economics, Political Science and Government, Mathematics, Biology, and Psychology. However, the college offers over 40 majors and has an open curriculum, so students have the flexibility to design their own course of study.

Notable Alumni From Amherst College

Amherst College has a distinguished list of alumni, including former U.S. President Calvin Coolidge, writer and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson, and civil rights leader James Weldon Johnson.

Average Tuition Cost at Amherst College

The annual tuition and fees for Amherst College in the 2021-2022 school year are $60,890. However, the college is committed to meeting the full demonstrated need of admitted students, and over half of enrolled students receive financial aid.

How To Get Into Amherst College

To get into Amherst College, you will need to have a strong academic record and meet the college’s admissions requirements. This includes taking a challenging course load, participating in extracurricular activities, and submitting a compelling application that demonstrates your intellectual curiosity and potential for success at the college.

Amherst College Alternatives & Comparisons

If you’re considering Amherst College, you may also want to explore other highly ranked liberal arts colleges, such as Williams College, Swarthmore College, and Pomona College. Each of these colleges offers a rigorous academic program and a strong sense of community.

Final Thoughts On Amherst College Admissions Requirements

Amherst College is a highly selective liberal arts college known for its rigorous academic programs and strong sense of community. To gain admission, you will need to have a strong academic record and meet the college’s admissions requirements. However, if you are admitted, you will have the opportunity to receive a broad-based liberal arts education and join a community of talented and motivated students.