First-Year Applicants | Applying To Amherst

Submitted by the Applicant

• Common Application OR Apply Coalition, Powered by Scoir OR QuestBridge Application. Learn more about our application options.
• Amherst College Writing Supplement. Learn more about our options for the writing supplement.
• $75 Application Fee (non-refundable) or Fee Waiver (requested through Common Application, Apply Coalition with Scoir, or Amherst's Quick Pass).
• Optional Standardized Test Results for the SAT or ACT (either self-reported or official scores).
  • Applicants who choose to submit standardized test scores for consideration at the admission stage may submit either self-reported or officially reported test scores. Official score reports will be required only for those students who elect to submit standardized test scores as part of the admission process, are subsequently admitted and then decide to enroll at Amherst. For more information on the submission of self-reported and official test scores, please review our Standardized Testing Policy.
  • Applicants who choose to submit standardized test scores at the admission stage may wish to consider submitting all test results, as we evaluate applications based on the most advantageous combination of scores (superscore) for either the SAT and/or ACT, regardless of test date.
  • The ACT Science section of the enhanced ACT exam is optional for applicants who choose to submit an ACT score.
  • Applicants who choose to submit standardized test scores at the admission stage should arrange to submit their scores (self-reported or official) by the appropriate application deadline (either ED or RD).
  • For official test score reporting, use Amherst's institutional codes: 3003 (SAT) and 1774 (ACT).
• Early Decision Agreement (for ED applicants)
• TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo Results (if needed for International Student Applicants): Applicants may submit either self-reported or officially reported test scores. Official score reports will be required only for those students who are subsequently admitted and decide to enroll at Amherst. Please see our International Students Applicants page for additional information on testing.

Submitted by a School Official

The following materials must be submitted on behalf of the applicant by a guidance counselor, college counselor or other school official. Typically, these forms are submitted through the application platform (Common App, Scoir or QuestBridge) that the applicant chooses.

• School Report
• Secondary School Transcript
  • A high school diploma or its recognized equivalent is required before enrolling at Amherst College.
• Counselor Recommendation (College Counselor / Guidance Counselor)
• Two Teacher Recommendations (English, Math, Science, Social Studies or Foreign Language)
• First marking period grades from senior year (for ED applicants)
• Mid-Year School Report Form (as soon as first trimester/first semester grades are available)
• Mid-Year Transcript (as soon as first trimester/first semester grades are available)

Amherst has partnered with slate.org, through which counselors may upload materials directly for applicants. Official documents can also be submitted by email to [email protected]. We cannot accept official documents that have been emailed to our office by applicants themselves.

Due to processing time, it may take up to a week for submitted documents to reflect on our online system. Please do not submit duplicate documents unless we have notified you that a document is missing.

After you've submitted your application and materials, don't forget to check our Current Applicants page for information and answers to Frequently Asked Questions.