As part of our long-standing commitment to decreasing barriers to college access and affordability, Amherst has broadened the eligibility options for our Quick Pass application fee waiver and accepts self-reported test scores.
Fill out our fast-and-easy Quick Pass fee waiver form.
Learn more about our standardized testing policy.
Amherst seeks, above all, to enroll exceptional students of strong and vibrant intellectual promise who have the demonstrated qualities of mind and character that will enable them to thrive in our dynamic academic and social environment and to take full advantage of the remarkable resources our community offers. A successful Amherst student is someone who will embrace the academic freedom provided by our open curriculum, engage with our talented and accomplished professors, and contribute significantly to a student population whose diversity of both background and perspective fosters a process of mutual education within and beyond the classroom curriculum. Our admission policies are guided by the principles expressed in our Mission Statement.
See ADMISSION STATISTICS for the current first-year class and new transfer students.
Prospective students may apply to Amherst as either first-year students or transfer students. First-year students submit their applications for the Early Decision or Regular Decision deadline and transfer students may apply for entry in fall or spring semester. To learn more about the requirements and criteria used to evaluate applications and select applicants, please follow the link below that corresponds to your applicant status. In addition, international students, homeschooled students, U.S. veterans and community college transfer students should review the special supplementary information concerning their applications to Amherst. Please note that Amherst does not accept applications from individuals who have already earned a bachelor's degree.
Are you a QuestBridge candidate, a first-generation student, or a student from a family with very limited income? Take our quiz to see if you qualify for a Quick Pass waiver of the application fee.
Are you an international student? First-year or transfer student applicants who are not U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents should read our International Applicant information page in addition to the relevant pages above.
Are you an undocumented or DACA-designated student? Please read our Undocumented and DACA Student information page in addition to the relevant pages above. Additional resources: Educational, legal, on-campus and regional resources for undocumented students.
Are you a U.S. veteran? First-year or transfer student applicants who are U.S. armed forces veterans should read our U.S. Veteran information page (in addition to the relevant pages above) and also obtain an application fee waiver through submission of our Quick Pass online form.
Are you a homeschooled student? Please read our Homeschooled Applicant information page in addition to the relevant pages above.
Amherst College does not discriminate in admission, employment, or administration of its programs and activities on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender expression, and gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, military service, or any other characteristic or class protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Amherst College complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, Title IX, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Equal Pay Act and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Inquiries should be addressed to the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Amherst College, P.O. Box 5000, Amherst, MA 01002-5000.
In accordance with the federal requirements of the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, Amherst College annually reports information about campus crimes and campus security. An online copy of the report is available at the website of the Amherst College Campus Police; a paper copy may be obtained by contacting Campus Police at (413) 542-2291.
