Amherst admitted 7.7% of applicants for fall 2025 (1,222 of 15,819, Common Data Set 2025-26). Amherst admitted 22% of early decision applicants (216 of 971). Of the 740 students who took a spot on the wait list, 44 were admitted (5.9%). Amherst is test-optional for fall 2027. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1470–1540.
The numbers
Applied
15,819
fall 2025
ACT, middle 50%
33–35
enrolled first-years
Accept their offer
39%
of admitted students enroll
Application fee
$65
waivers exist
See your odds and what families like yours paid. It stays on your device.Add my SAT and income
Can I get into Amherst?
7.7% of applicants get in
Almost everyone who applies is turned down, including many students with perfect grades. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent scores had 1470–1540 on the SAT.
Likely: even the low end of our estimate is 60% or more, and the college admits at least 25% of applicants. Target: our estimate is 30% or more. Reach: our estimate is under 30%, or the college admits under 15%. Long shot: our estimate is under 12%, or the college admits under 12%. Estimates use the college's admit rate and score range plus your grades and scores. They are not a promise.
15,819 applied, 1,222 admitted, fall 2025 (Common Data Set).
Does Amherst need the SAT or ACT?Optional
No.
Test-optional for fall 2027. 39% of enrolled first-years sent the SAT. Send your SAT if it's 1510 or higher, the middle of what enrolled first-years scored.
For fall 2025, 216 of 971 early decision applicants got in (22%), against 7.7% overall. Early decision is binding: if you get in, you go.
Today
Early decisionBinding
Due Monday, Nov 9, 2026
57days
Regular decision
Due Tuesday, Jan 5, 2027
Early-round numbers: Common Data Set, fall 2025.
The wait list
1,294 students were offered a wait-list spot and 740 took one. 44 of them got in (5.9%).
Common Data Set, fall 2025.
What Amherst looks at
Counts most
How hard your classes were, GPA, SAT or ACT scores, essay, recommendations, activities, talent or ability.
Counts a lot
Class rank, character, first in your family to go to college, volunteering, work experience.
Also considered
Where you live.
As Amherst rates each factor in its Common Data Set, fall 2025.
Questions people ask
What is Amherst College's acceptance rate?
Amherst admitted 7.7% of applicants for fall 2025 (1,222 of 15,819, Common Data Set 2025-26).
What SAT score do you need for Amherst College?
The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1470–1540. A quarter of them scored higher and a quarter lower, so it's a typical range, not a cutoff (Common Data Set, fall 2025).
Is it easier to get into Amherst College early decision?
For fall 2025, 216 of 971 early decision applicants got in (22%), against 7.7% overall. Early decision is binding: if you get in, you go. Early applicants often include recruited athletes and legacies, so the gap overstates the advantage for most students.
Does Amherst College take students off the wait list?
1,294 students were offered a wait-list spot and 740 took one. 44 of them got in (5.9%).
Where these numbers come from
Admit rate and applicants: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
GPA, early rounds and wait list: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
Cost, pay and debt: College Scorecard, 2024-25 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
Deadlines: amherst.edu, 2026-27 (checked Nov 5, 2026)
Test rule: amherst.edu, fall 2027 (checked Nov 2, 2026)
