Amherst College

Apply for first-year Apply for transfer

Amherst College

Apply for first-year Apply for transfer

Amherst College searches for exceptional students from across the country and around the world, including places and populations that are historically underrepresented in higher education. And we offer one of the most comprehensive, ambitious financial aid programs in the country. The liberal arts experience at Amherst is rooted in the flexibility and freedom of our open curriculum, a curriculum that very few other institutions offer. With no distribution or general education requirements, Amherst allows you to choose the courses that define the shape of your education.

Virtual Tour

Academic Programs

Research
Science
Liberal Arts
Music
Art & Design
Economics
Government/Political Science
Performing Arts
Social Science
Visual Arts

Student experience

Athletics
Co-op/Internship Opportunities
Disability Services
Intramural/Club Sports
LGBTQIA Services
Military/Veteran Services
On-Campus Housing
Study Abroad
Undergraduate Research
Veteran Fee Waiver

Application information

Find out about requirements, fees, and deadlines

First-year

First-year students may submit applications for admission under either the Early Decision or Regular Decision options. Students who have completed college coursework as part of any program of early graduation from secondary school or other accelerated completion of secondary school are considered first-year applicants. Applicants otherwise eligible for transfer status (see below) may instead elect to apply for first-year admission.

Transfer

A student may apply for transfer admission to Amherst after completing the equivalent of 32 semester hours of transferable liberal arts coursework at another college or university. (Courses in progress at the time of application are included in determining transferable credit.) We do not accept applications from individuals who have already earned a bachelor's degree. Nor do we accept transfer applications from students whose only college coursework was completed as part of any program of early graduation from secondary school.

Additional Information

We’re committed to making an Amherst education affordable to every admitted student. We follow a need-blind admission policy for all applicants, domestic or international, so your family’s financial circumstances will never affect your admission. Nearly 60% of our students receive financial aid, we awarded more than $56 million in Amherst scholarships last year, and our average financial aid award was more than $55,000. With our generous, no-loan financial aid packages, the majority of our students pay less—often far less—than the cost of attendance.

Students leave Amherst with an extraordinary education, a long list of exceptional accomplishments, and the freedom to build their future without the burden of student loan debt. This approach makes us distinctive. We are proud to say it also makes us a leader.

Visit us

We encourage you to visit Amherst to see the campus for yourself and meet our students, staff and professors! Each of our scheduled visits starts with a one-hour information session (presented by an admission dean) followed immediately by a one-hour campus tour (led by a student tour guide), a sequence that is designed to maximize the value of your time with us. You can also explore campus on your own, using our interactive campus map, follow our online virtual tour or download our self-guided tour booklet and print campus map.

Intellectual life at Amherst is broad and deep; it is enlivening, as are the opportunities for a wide range of extra-curricular activities that engage students’ many talents and interests. It is a friendly and creative place, combining a strong sense of community with openness—to people, ideas, and differences.
Biddy Martin, President