Founded in 1821, Amherst has built a reputation as one of America’s most prestigious liberal arts colleges. The institution’s academic excellence is reflected in its distinguished alumni, including Emily Dickinson, Calvin Coolidge, and numerous Pulitzer Prize winners.

With Amherst College’s transfer acceptance rate ranging from 6-9%, transfer students are up against serious competition.

Let’s explore what it takes to join the ranks of Amherst’s exceptional student body.

Amherst Transfer Acceptance Rates: 2020-2025

Transfer admission to Amherst College remains extremely competitive, with the college accepting only 6-9% of applicants over the past several cycles.

The college consistently attracts hundreds of qualified transfer candidates drawn to its prestigious Open Curriculum and collaborative academic community.

Amherst’s 2024-2025 Transfer Admission Rate

Out of 638 transfer applicants to Amherst College in 2024-2025, the institution admitted 55 students, resulting in a transfer acceptance rate of 8.62%.

Amherst’s 2023-2024 Transfer Admission Rate

During the 2023-2024 transfer cycle, Amherst College received 576 applications and extended admission offers to 50 students, achieving a transfer acceptance rate of 8.68%.

Amherst’s 2022-2023 Transfer Admission Rate

For the 2022-2023 transfer cycle, Amherst College reviewed 503 applications and admitted 30 transfer students, resulting in a transfer acceptance rate of 5.96%.

Amherst’s 2021-2022 Transfer Admission Rate

In the 2021-2022 admissions cycle, Amherst College evaluated 470 transfer applications and offered admission to 33 students, creating a transfer acceptance rate of 7.02%.

Amherst’s 2020-2021 Transfer Admission Rate

During the 2020-2021 admissions cycle, Amherst College received 470 transfer applications and offered admission to 26 students, resulting in a transfer acceptance rate of 5.53%.

Amherst College Transfer Application Overview & Requirements

Amherst’s transfer application process is comprehensive and highly selective, requiring exceptional academic credentials, thoughtful essays, and careful attention to deadlines.

1. Eligibility Requirements

Before applying, ensure you meet Amherst’s eligibility requirements, which are specific and non-negotiable.

Eligibility Requirement	Details
Minimum College Work	At least 32 transferable semester hours of liberal arts coursework
Academic Standing	A- average or higher recommended (competitive applicants typically have 3.9+ GPA)
Institution Type	Accredited two- or four-year colleges or universities
Previous Degree	Cannot have completed a bachelor’s degree elsewhere
Dual Enrollment	Students with college coursework as part of high school programs must apply as first-year students
Residency Requirement	Must complete at least four semesters at Amherst to graduate
International Students	Eligible for both fall and spring entry

2. Academic Requirements

Amherst employs a holistic review process, but academic performance remains the primary factor in admission decisions.

Component	Requirement	Details
GPA	No official minimum	A- average or higher strongly recommended
Test Scores	Optional	SAT/ACT accepted if submitted; not required
Academic Performance	Strong college coursework	Consistent high performance in rigorous courses
English Proficiency	Required for international students	TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test
Course Transferability	Liberal arts focus only	Business, pre-professional, and remedial courses are not accepted

3. Application Components

Amherst’s transfer application requires multiple components that work together to present a complete picture of your candidacy.

Required Documents:

Common Application or Coalition Application ($75 fee, waivers available)
Official college transcripts from all institutions attended
College Report (Report of Good Standing) from current institution
Two instructor evaluations from college faculty (not advisors)
Mid-term report (if currently enrolled)
Official secondary school transcript
English proficiency test results (international students only)

Transfer Supplement Essays

Amherst’s transfer essays are designed to understand your motivations, experiences, and fit with the college’s unique academic and social environment.

Essay Prompt	Word Limit	Focus
Educational Journey	250-650 words	Reasons for transferring, objectives, why Amherst
Personal Story	250-650 words	Life experiences that shaped you as a student and person

Optional Components

Consider submitting these optional materials only if they highlight exceptional accomplishments or unique aspects of your background that aren’t evident elsewhere in your application.

Analytical essay sample (academic writing)
Arts supplement (for exceptional talent in music, theater, dance, or visual art)
Athletic recruitment information
Additional recommendation letter (maximum one)

Application Deadlines & Timeline

Amherst provides fall and spring transfer admission cycles, each with specific timelines you must follow.

Important Notes:

No Deferral Policy: Accepted transfer candidates may not defer their enrollment due to fluctuations in transfer enrollment
No Advantage to Early Submission: Students are welcome to submit applications before deadlines, but there is no advantage or disadvantage to doing so
Test-Optional Policy: Amherst is test-optional for transfer applicants – standardized test scores are not required but will be considered if submitted
Weekend Deadline Policy: If application deadlines fall on weekends, they are moved to the next business day

Amherst’s Need-Blind Financial Aid Policy

Amherst College is need-blind for ALL students, including international and transfer applicants.

What This Means:

Your financial situation has NO impact on admission decisions
Amherst admits students based solely on merit and promise
This policy applies to domestic, international, and undocumented students

Financial Aid Benefits:

100% Need Met: Amherst meets full demonstrated financial need for all admitted students
No Student Loans: Initial aid packages contain no loans – only grants and work-study
Same Treatment: Transfer students receive identical need-blind consideration as first-year applicants
International Inclusion: One of the very few U.S. colleges offering need-blind aid to international students

Critical Financial Aid Rules:

Must apply for aid with initial application – no second chances later
Financial aid applications are due with admission applications
All aid is need-based only – no merit scholarships available

Who’s Not Eligible to Transfer?

Amherst restricts certain applicants from transfer admission. You are not eligible if you:

Hold a Bachelor’s Degree: Amherst does not accept transfer applicants who have already completed a bachelor’s degree at another institution
Attend a Non-Accredited Institution: All coursework must be completed at regionally accredited colleges/universities
Are Dual-Enrolled in High School: Students with college coursework as part of high school programs must apply as first-year applicants
Have Insufficient College Work: Must have completed at least 32 transferable semester hours in liberal arts
Exceed Residency Requirements: Students with more than 64 transferable credits must complete four full semesters at Amherst

Why Choose Amherst

With approximately 1,900 students and a 7:1 faculty ratio, you’ll experience personalized attention at one of America’s top liberal arts colleges.

✔️Complete Academic Freedom

Amherst’s open curriculum means no distribution requirements or core classes outside your major. Transfer students can design their entire academic path around their interests and career goals across 43 available majors.

✔️Access to 6,000+ Courses

Through the Five College Consortium, you can take courses at Smith, Mount Holyoke, Hampshire, and UMass Amherst at no additional cost. This gives you resources comparable to a major university while maintaining Amherst’s intimate environment.

✔️Elite Alumni Network

80% of Amherst graduates attend graduate or professional school, creating powerful networking opportunities. The college’s alumni are known for actively mentoring current students and providing career support.

✔️Dedicated Transfer Support

Amherst offers transfer-specific resources, including the Class & Access Resource Center, Transfer Pre-Orientation program, and Transfer Student Association for peer support. You’ll have faculty advisors and specialized programming designed for your unique needs as a transfer student.

Maximize Your Amherst Transfer Chances

Getting into Amherst as a transfer requires more than stellar grades. With 6-9% acceptance rates and 50 annual spots, every element of your application must showcase your fit.

Transfer Goat‘s proven methodology helps you build a compelling transfer profile:

Extracurricular Enhancement: Identify and develop meaningful activities that showcase your intellectual curiosity and commitment to community – qualities Amherst values in transfer students.
Unlimited Essay Revisions: Refine your essays to clearly communicate your academic journey and demonstrate your fit with Amherst’s collaborative environment.
Personalized Strategy Sessions: Get expert guidance on what Amherst looks for and how to best highlight your unique strengths and experiences.
Comprehensive Application Support: Optimize every aspect of your application, from course planning to securing strong faculty recommendations that support your candidacy.

Book a Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Amherst accept transfer students?

Yes, Amherst accepts transfer students who have completed at least 32 transferable semester hours of liberal arts coursework and can demonstrate strong academic performance at the college level.

What is the Amherst transfer admission rate?

Transfer acceptance rates fluctuate between 6-9% of applicants each year, making the admissions process highly competitive, with typically 30-50 students admitted annually.

What application platform does Amherst use for transfers?

Amherst accepts transfer applications through two platforms: the Common Application and Coalition Application.

When are Amherst’s transfer application deadlines?

Spring entry deadline is November 3rd, and fall entry deadline is March 2nd. If deadlines fall on weekends, they move to the next business day.

When do Amherst transfer decisions come out?

Transfer applicants receive their admission decisions by mid-December for spring entry and by mid-April for fall entry.

How many essays are required for Amherst transfers?

Amherst requires two main essays: Educational Journey (250-650 words) covering transfer reasons and objectives, and Personal Story (250-650 words) about life experiences that shaped you.

How many letters of recommendation does Amherst require?

Transfer applicants need two instructor evaluations, specifically from college faculty who have taught you in classes. Academic advisors who haven’t taught you are not acceptable.

Does Amherst require standardized test scores for transfer students?

Standardized tests are optional for transfer applicants. You may choose to submit SAT or ACT scores for consideration, but they are not mandatory for the application process.

Is Amherst need-blind for transfer students?

Yes, Amherst is need-blind for all transfer students, both domestic and international. Your financial situation has no impact on admission decisions, and the college meets 100% of demonstrated financial need.

Will my credits transfer to Amherst?

Amherst accepts liberal arts courses from accredited institutions. Business, pre-professional, remedial, and certain math courses typically don’t transfer. You’ll receive a detailed credit evaluation with your admission letter.

Do transfer students get guaranteed housing at Amherst?

Yes, all Amherst students, including transfers, are guaranteed on-campus housing. New transfer students are typically placed in Seligman Hall near other transfers to build community.