Amherst College – All You Need to Know : Ranking, Courses, Fees, Admission

Academic Transcript

Your secondary school transcript holds significant weight in the admission process at Amherst. The rigor of your coursework, the quality of your grades, and your consistency over the four years of high school provide a clear indication of how well you may perform at the university.

While there are no specific requirements for the classes you should take, successful applicants typically have pursued a strong program of study, including four years of English, math, science, social studies, and foreign language. Achieving high levels of academic performance in these subjects is highly valued.

Recommendations and Writing

In addition to your academic transcript, recommendations from teachers and counselors play a crucial role in the evaluation process. These recommendations provide insights into your character, work ethic, and potential contributions to the Amherst community. The quality of your writing, as demonstrated in your essays, writing supplement, and recommendations, also helps the admission committee differentiate among highly talented applicants.

Extracurricular Involvements and Talents

Amherst College values students who are engaged in extracurricular activities, showcase their talents, and demonstrate leadership skills. The admission committee pays close attention to your involvement in clubs, sports, community service, and other activities outside of the classroom. Your ability to balance academic commitments with meaningful contributions to your community is highly regarded.

Standardized Test Results

Amherst College offers an optional policy for submitting standardized test results. If you choose to submit your scores, they will be considered as part of your application evaluation. However, the admission committee takes a holistic approach and considers other aspects of your application as well. Your standardized test results are not the sole determining factor for admission.

IB, AP, and College Courses

If you have taken International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP), or college courses during high school, it is viewed as evidence of your academic ambition, accomplishment, and preparation. While Amherst does not accept these courses for credit or advanced standing, some academic departments may allow you to waive introductory-level courses in areas where you have already completed rigorous work.

Amherst College courses offered

Accounting

Acting

Animation Applied Mathematics

Art History

Art Administration

Biochemistry

Biology

Business Administration

Childhood Education

Childhood Inclusive Education

Dance

Dance Studio Administration

Creative Writing

Cooperative Engineering

Earth Science

Drawing

Data Science

Economics

English

Environmental Science

Amherst College Famous courses

Doctor of Occupational Therapy

Doctorate in Behavior Analysis

Engineering Data Analytics Certificate

Engineering Supply Chain Certificate

Cooperative Engineering

Earth Science

Drawing

Data Science

Economics

English

Environmental Science

Deferred Enrollment and Gap Years

Amherst College understands that students may wish to take a gap year or defer their enrollment for personal or academic reasons. If you are admitted to Amherst, you may request permission from the Dean of Admission to defer your matriculation for one year without having to reapply.

To do so, you must confirm your intent to enroll by submitting the Admission Response Form, along with the online Enrollment Deferral Request Form and a written statement outlining your plans for the gap year. However, during the gap year, you are not allowed to apply to or enroll as a matriculated degree candidate at another institution. It’s important to note that any academic work completed during the gap period will not be eligible for credit toward your Amherst degree, unless you reapply as a transfer student.

Amherst College Student life

Amherst College student society

Alpha Psi Lambda

Alpha Psi Omega

American Cancer Society

Black Student Union

Blue Ice Step Team

Delta Chi

Delta Phi Epsilon

EnFusion

Amherst College food & drink

Amherst Coffee

Antonio’s Pizza

Arigato Sushi

Bistro

The Black Sheep Deli & Bakery

Bruno’s

Bueno Y Sano

Amherst College short-term getaways

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art

Emily Dickinson Museum

Mead Art Museum

Mount Holyoke Range State Park

Mount Holyoke College Art Museum

Beneski Museum of Natural History

Puffers Pound

Skinner State Park

Norwottuck Rail Trail

In conclusion, the university admission process at Amherst College is comprehensive and holistic. The admission committee carefully reviews each application, considering academic performance, recommendations, writing skills, extracurricular involvement, and standardized test results.

The rigor of your high school coursework and the quality of your grades are given the greatest weight in determining your suitability for admission. Taking IB, AP, or college courses can demonstrate your academic ambition and preparation. If admitted, you have the option to defer your enrollment for a year, but any academic work completed during that time will not count towards your degree.