Amherst Acceptance Rate: Admissions Statistics

Amherst College’s latest acceptance rate stands at 9%, making it one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country. This means they’re admitting only the top candidates, so if you’re aiming for admission to this “Little Ivy” school, your application needs to stand out.

In this blog, we’ll break down what Amherst College’s acceptance rate really means, how it has changed over time, and what you can do to improve your chances of getting in. Whether you’re applying through Early Decision, Regular Decision, or considering a transfer, understanding Amherst’s admission stats can help you create a more strategic approach.

• What Is Amherst College’s Acceptance Rate?
• Amherst College Acceptance Rate Trends
• Amherst College Regular Decision Acceptance Rate
• Amherst College Early Action Acceptance Rate
• How to Get Accepted into Amherst College
• Amherst College Transfer Acceptance Rate
• Amherst College Waitlist Acceptance Rate
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Is Amherst College’s Acceptance Rate?

Amherst College’s acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 was 9%. Out of 13,743 applicants, only 1,238 secured a spot. This ultra-low rate reflects how challenging it is to get into Amherst, as the college maintains its reputation for rigorous academic standards and a commitment to enrolling top-tier students.

Here’s a deeper dive into the numbers:

If you applied through Regular Decision, the competition was even tougher, with only 7.8% of 13,008 applicants admitted. Early Decision applicants had slightly better chances, with a 29.3% acceptance rate out of 735 applications. But let’s be clear: even those “better” odds are still incredibly competitive.

Amherst College’s yield rate

Amherst College also tracks its yield rate, which measures how many admitted students decide to enroll. The yield rate for the Class of 2028 was 39%, with 480 of the 1,238 admitted students choosing to attend.

This high yield rate speaks to Amherst’s ability to attract highly motivated students, even when there are many other top-tier institutions to choose from. To put it in perspective, the national average yield rate for private colleges is around 33%.

Amherst College Acceptance Rate Trends

Amherst College’s acceptance rate fluctuated over the past decade. Let’s look at the numbers gathered from the school’s Common Data Set:

A few years ago, Amherst’s acceptance rate was at 11.3%, but now, for the Class of 2028, it’s only 9%. The takeaway? It’s becoming increasingly difficult to secure a spot at Amherst College.

The number of applicants has also soared, especially since the college adopted a test-optional policy. This year, applications topped 13,743, fueled in part by students hoping that skipping standardized tests would improve their chances.

However, it’s not just the number of applicants causing the drop in acceptance rates. Amherst has kept its class size small and selective, focusing on admitting well-rounded students who are not only academically stellar but also demonstrate leadership and unique qualities.

Amherst College’s acceptance rate vs. Ivy League schools

To put Amherst College’s acceptance rate in perspective, here’s how it compares to Ivy League schools:

As you can see, Ivy League schools are more competitive than Amherst. One factor that influences these numbers is the size of the applicant pool. For instance, Harvard receives over 50,000 applications, which drives its acceptance rate lower.

Amherst College may have a higher acceptance rate (9%) due to its smaller applicant pool, but don’t be misled—the competition is still intense. Similarly, Amherst’s focus on academic excellence and strong community values ensures that only the most exceptional applicants are admitted.

Amherst College Regular Decision Acceptance Rate

For the Class of 2028, the Regular Decision acceptance rate at Amherst was 7.8%. Out of 13,008 applicants, only 1,022 were admitted. This is a stark contrast to the Early Decision (ED) acceptance rate of 29.3%.

This trend is consistent, as shown here:

Amherst College’s RD acceptance rates have been steadily declining over the past years. The last time it went over 10% is with Class of 2023 at 10.8%. Now, the Class of 2028 has 7.8%, which is still higher than the historic low the year before.

If you’re wondering why ED applicants fare better, it’s because Amherst aims to fill a significant portion of its incoming class through this route. Regular Decision applicants face even tougher competition, as many spots are already taken by those applying early.

Amherst College Regular Decision deadline and notification date

Amherst College’s Regular Decision deadline is typically on January 6th. Applicants must submit all materials by this date to be considered for admission. Notification of Regular Decision results is usually made available in late March.

Amherst College Early Decision Acceptance Rate

Amherst College offers a binding Early Decision (ED) program for applicants who are certain that Amherst is their top choice. For the Class of 2028, the Early Decision acceptance rate was approximately 29.3%. Out of 735 applicants, 216 students were admitted through the ED process. This rate is notably higher than the overall acceptance rate, which typically hovers around 9%.

The ED application process at Amherst is highly competitive, as students applying under this route are expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to attending the college. Since Early Decision is binding, admitted students must attend Amherst if offered admission, which signals to the admissions committee that the applicant is deeply invested in the school.

Here are the most recent numbers:

Acceptance rates have been on a slow decline over the years, from 35.9% for the Class of 2023 to 29.3% in 2028. However, it’s not as low as Class 2025 (25%), so it’s possible that the trend might not persist in the coming years.

Given the higher acceptance rate in the ED round, applicants who are confident about Amherst as their top choice can improve their chances of admission by applying Early Decision.

Amherst College Early Decision deadline and notification date

The Early Decision deadline for Amherst College is on November 8. Amherst College automatically sends the notification of admissions decisions electronically around early to mid December.

How to Get Accepted into Amherst College

Setting your sights on Amherst? If so, consider using the Common or Coalition Application to secure your application.

While academic excellence is important, Amherst’s admissions committee looks for students who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, personal integrity, and a commitment to their community. Here are some key areas that will boost your chances:

Target GPA

Academic performance is one of the most important factors in Amherst College’s admissions process. Unfortunately, Amherst College’s Common Data Set doesn’t disclose the actual GPA numbers. But since 85% of admitted students are in the top 10% of their class, we can expect their GPAs to be around 4.0 or higher. This is the benchmark you should aim for as well.

Amherst highly values students who have completed a challenging curriculum. Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and honors courses all demonstrate an applicant’s willingness to push themselves academically.

A high GPA in these courses is particularly impressive because it shows that you are not only capable of excelling in standard coursework but also taking the initiative to tackle more difficult material.

Target test scores

Amherst College has adopted a test-optional policy for SAT and ACT scores, which means that submitting standardized test scores is not required for admission. However, students who choose to submit their scores must ensure that their scores are competitive. 

Here are the typical test scores of admitted Amherst students:

If your standardized test scores are around a 1540 SAT or 35 ACT or higher, submitting them may strengthen your application, especially if your GPA or other academic achievements are slightly below Amherst’s average. Strong scores can help demonstrate your academic ability and offset other areas that may not be as competitive.

Conversely, if your test scores are lower, you may want to consider taking advantage of the test-optional policy and focus on other aspects of your application that better highlight your strengths.

When you decide to submit your test scores, remember that Amherst College values authenticity and genuine academic achievement over a singular test result. Rather than focusing entirely on standardized tests, applicants should ensure that their academic record and extracurricular pursuits demonstrate their true abilities.

Other requirements

Beyond your GPA and test scores, Amherst College wants to get to know the full picture of who you are. That’s why other aspects of your application—such as extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendation letters—are just as important (if not more so).

• Extracurricular activities. Amherst College values both academics and extracurriculars, seeking passionate students who make a positive impact. They favor activities like intramural sports, art clubs, and debate teams, highlighting intellectual promise. Programs such as Stanford Humanities Institute, Telluride Association Summer Seminar, and the Junior Statesmen of America (JSA) Summer School align well with Amherst’s emphasis on intellectual engagement, leadership, and curiosity beyond the classroom.
• Recommendation letters. Amherst College requires two teacher recommendations and one from your school counselor. These letters play a key role in providing context for your academic achievements and personal character. Strong recommendation letters can make a significant impact on your application by offering insights into your work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and contributions to the classroom environment.
• Essays. Your essays are an integral part of your application to Amherst College. This is where you have the opportunity to give the admissions committee a glimpse of your personality, passions, and the unique perspectives you would bring to the campus community. If you want to ace your Amherst supplemental essays, check out our writing guide.

For a detailed breakdown of each section, check out our guide on getting into Amherst, which walks you through every requirement step by step. It will help you put together an application that gives you the best chance of standing out and securing an acceptance to Amherst College.

Amherst College Transfer Acceptance Rate

Amherst College’s latest transfer acceptance rate is about 8.6%, with only 55 out of 638 applicants getting in while only 31 ended up enrolling.

While the exact number of transfer students admitted varies each year, the process is competitive due to limited available spots. Transfers must demonstrate strong academic performance at their current institution and provide a compelling reason for wanting to transfer to Amherst.

Amherst College transfer requirements

Amherst College welcomes transfer students, but the process is competitive and requires a strong academic record. Applicants must have completed at least one full semester of college coursework by the time they apply.

The application includes the Common Application for Transfer, official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, a College Report, and two academic recommendation letters. Additionally, transfer applicants are required to submit a personal statement explaining their reasons for transferring and how Amherst aligns with their academic and personal goals.

Amherst College is test-optional for transfer applicants, meaning standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) are not required unless the applicant feels they will enhance their application. The deadline for transfer applications is typically in March for fall enrollment and November for spring enrollment.

As part of the review process, Amherst seeks students who will thrive in its intellectually rigorous environment and contribute to its diverse campus community.

Amherst College Waitlist Acceptance Rate

Amherst’s latest waitlist acceptance rate is at an all-time low. For the Class of 2028, only 8 out of 623 applicants got admitted. This translates to 1.3%. Being waitlisted means that while your application was strong, there wasn’t space for you at the time. It’s a good idea to stay proactive, and if allowed, submit additional materials to show continued interest.

What to do if you’re waitlisted

If you find yourself on the waitlist at Amherst College, there are a few steps you can take to improve your chances, even though the process is unpredictable.

• Confirm your spot. Immediately accept your spot on the waitlist. Follow Amherst College’s instructions to make sure you’re compliant. If you skip this step, you might end up dropping out of the waitlist.
• Write a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI). Send a short and sincere note to the Amherst admissions office. Confirm how excited you are about becoming part of the college and share any new achievements after your application.

• Keep your grades up. Staying at the very top of your academic performance is important. Keep joining extracurricular activities as stated above. Amherst prefers consistent and committed students even after the applications.

• Be realistic. The waiting process can be unpredictable. Focus on the school where you get admitted while hoping for the good news. This ensures you have a more solid start to your college endeavor.

In the end, being on Amherst College’s waitlist can be a tricky position. Staying proactive can make a difference, but it’s also important to keep your options open and manage your expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Amherst’s latest overall acceptance rate?

For the Class of 2028, Amherst College had an overall acceptance rate of 9%. Out of 13,743 applicants, only 1,238 passed and became Amherst college students.

2. What is Amherst’s Early Decision acceptance rate?

For the Class of 2028, Amherst’s Early Decision acceptance rate is 29.3%. Only 216 applicants were admitted out of the 735.

3. What is Amherst’s Regular Decision acceptance rate?

Amherst’s Regular Decision acceptance rate is 7.8%. Out of the 13,008 applicants, only 1,022 students passed and became part of the Class of 2028.

4. What is Amherst’s transfer acceptance rate?

Amherst College’s transfer acceptance rate for the 2023-2024 academic year was 8.6%, admitting 55 out of 638 applicants.

5. What is Amherst’s waitlist acceptance rate?

Amherst’s College current waitlist acceptance rate is at a staggering low of 1.3%. Out of the 623 students who accepted a place on the waiting list, only 8 got admissions.

Takeaways

To boost your chances at Amherst College, keep these key points in mind:

• Amherst’s overall acceptance rate is 9%, which makes it one of the most selective liberal arts colleges in the U.S.
• Applying Early Decision gives you an advantage, with a 29.3% acceptance rate compared to just 7.8% for Regular Decision.
• Strong GPA (4.0+) and competitive test scores (SAT 1540, ACT 35) will help your chances.
• Essays, extracurriculars, and recommendation letters play a major role in the decision process.
• Working with a college admissions consultant will give your Amherst College application a boost and let you stand out.