Amherst College Admission Requirements
Not sure how to secure a spot at Amherst College? Study the admission requirements for the institution, which are summarized as follows:
- High School GPA requirements
- SAT or ACT requirements
- Application requirements
About Amherst College
Established in 1821, Amherst College is among the most premier liberal arts schools in the US. Situated in the picturesque town of Amherst, Massachusetts, the institution is particularly known for its small classes and rigorous academic programs taught by dedicated faculty. The presence of five other universities in the city, including the University of Massachusetts and Hampshire College, further create a collegiate feel for students and residents.
To cater to students’ passions and interests, Amherst College offers over 140 registered organizations and clubs. According to the university, its athletics program happens to be the oldest, while its football field is the third oldest, making the institution rich in history. Notable alumni include Calvin Coolidge (Former US President), David Foster Wallace (Renowned author), Harlan Fiske Stone (former Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court), and Prince Albert of Monaco.
Known for its rigorous academic climate, Amherst College offers degrees in 40 different majors. When it comes to admissions, it only accepts 12% of the applicants. Let’s take a look at its admission requirements:
Amherst College GPA Requirements
To secure a place at Amherst College, you should be asking: “what GPA do I need to get in?” Well, the average of 3.91 for admitted students indicates that you need exceptionally good grades to secure a place. This means you’ll primarily need an A- grade to have any chances of admission. But securing a 3.91 GPA won’t be enough. Since it’s a selective school, you’ll also need to achieve a competitive SAT or ACT score to stand out from the rest of the applicants.
Amherst College SAT Requirements
The average SAT score for admitted students at Amherst College is 1480, while the 25th and 75th percentile scores include 1420 and 1530, respectively. With a score of 1500 and above, your chances of getting accepted remain the highest. To target this benchmark, consider taking SAT tutoring.
Amherst College ACT Requirements
Based on past admissions data for Amherst College, it typically accepts students with an ACT score of 30 and above. In some instances, the school will accept minimum composite scores around 28. However, avoid taking any chances. With an ACT of 32 and above, your chances of admission remain the highest. Since over 54% of the applicants submit ACT scores, we strongly recommend taking ACT tutoring, so that you can accomplish a competitive ACT score.
How to Apply to Amherst College
If you wish to get into Amherst College, you’ll need to be aware of the deadlines. For an early decision, apply by November 15, while the regular admission deadline is January 1. The application requirements include:
- Completion of Common Application
- Application fee of $85
- Official transcripts for all completed college coursework
- Official high school transcript for grades 9 to 11
- SAT or ACT score (Optional but highly recommended)
- Letter of Recommendation
Wrapping Up
To sum it up, securing a place at Amherst College is not easy. To make it among the 12% of successful applicants means you’ll need to demonstrate both an excellent academic performance and an impressive SAT or ACT score.
Since your overall profile will be considered, one exceptional aspect in your application can make up for a deficiency in another area. If you have a low GPA, a remarkable SAT or ACT score can compensate for it. If you’ve already taken a standardized test but the score isn’t very good, we strongly recommend a retake. In fact, many students build their score by giving the test multiple times. Clubz Tutoring Services can prepare you for your SAT or ACT test. For high quality tutoring, contact us today!
