What steps should I follow to apply to Amherst College?
I'm a junior starting to think about where I want to apply, and Amherst College is high on my list. I’m a little confused about the whole application process for Amherst since I know some schools have unique requirements or recommendations. Do you just apply through the Common App or is there something specific for Amherst?
If anyone has already gone through it, can you break down the steps for me? Stuff like when I should start, how to handle their supplements, and anything else that's important for Amherst’s application would be super helpful.
I'm also wondering if there's anything in particular Amherst is looking for, like how important extracurriculars or essays are in their decision. My school counselor doesn’t have much experience with selective liberal arts colleges, so I’d really appreciate advice from people who know!
If anyone has already gone through it, can you break down the steps for me? Stuff like when I should start, how to handle their supplements, and anything else that's important for Amherst’s application would be super helpful.
I'm also wondering if there's anything in particular Amherst is looking for, like how important extracurriculars or essays are in their decision. My school counselor doesn’t have much experience with selective liberal arts colleges, so I’d really appreciate advice from people who know!
4 months ago
•
49 views
Lily Fang
• 4 months ago
Advisor
Hey there! I'm a 2018 grad from Amherst and here are the steps for applying:
1. Decide which application platform you’ll use. Most applicants use the Common App, which opens in August 1 of your senior year. Start creating your profile and filling in basic info as soon as it opens.
2. Make a timeline. Amherst has both Early Decision (due early November) and Regular Decision (due early January) options. Plan backwards from your preferred deadline – building in extra time for essay writing, recommendations, and form submissions.
3. Gather your materials. Amherst will need:
- High school transcript
- Two teacher recommendations
- School counselor recommendation and school report
- SAT or ACT (try to take the test this fall/spring and have it out of the way by your senior year so you can focus on apps)
- Midyear report
4. Focus on their supplemental essay. Amherst only requires one supplement, but they give you a choice between writing one of their prompts or submitting a graded paper from class. I encourage you to write the specific essay unless your main essay is already highly-creative and you want to show your analytical writing.
5. Extracurriculars matter, but Amherst isn’t only looking for breadth, they're interested in depth and impact. It’s better to show leadership, initiative, or real commitment in a few areas than list a ton of activities.
6. Throughout, pay attention to demonstrating a fit with Amherst’s values – things like a love of learning, open-mindedness, and contributing to community. Their open curriculum is a big deal, so if you’re excited by academic exploration, make that come through in your application.
Hope this helps, and best of luck with the school year!
1. Decide which application platform you’ll use. Most applicants use the Common App, which opens in August 1 of your senior year. Start creating your profile and filling in basic info as soon as it opens.
2. Make a timeline. Amherst has both Early Decision (due early November) and Regular Decision (due early January) options. Plan backwards from your preferred deadline – building in extra time for essay writing, recommendations, and form submissions.
3. Gather your materials. Amherst will need:
- High school transcript
- Two teacher recommendations
- School counselor recommendation and school report
- SAT or ACT (try to take the test this fall/spring and have it out of the way by your senior year so you can focus on apps)
- Midyear report
4. Focus on their supplemental essay. Amherst only requires one supplement, but they give you a choice between writing one of their prompts or submitting a graded paper from class. I encourage you to write the specific essay unless your main essay is already highly-creative and you want to show your analytical writing.
5. Extracurriculars matter, but Amherst isn’t only looking for breadth, they're interested in depth and impact. It’s better to show leadership, initiative, or real commitment in a few areas than list a ton of activities.
6. Throughout, pay attention to demonstrating a fit with Amherst’s values – things like a love of learning, open-mindedness, and contributing to community. Their open curriculum is a big deal, so if you’re excited by academic exploration, make that come through in your application.
Hope this helps, and best of luck with the school year!