In June 2023, we formalized our four-year test-optional pilot program as our policy for all applicants. Read more about what this means for applicants on our Standardized Testing Information page.
Standardized testing (either SAT or ACT) is an optional part of our admission application for both first-year applicants and transfer applicants and constitutes only one element of our comprehensive and holistic application review process. Recognizing that standardized test scores cannot fully capture the many facets of our diverse applicants, we carefully consider all components of an application in an effort to derive the most accurate and contextual depiction of an applicant as a student and a person.
SAT or ACT Testing: In addition to the required elements of a first-year application or a transfer application, applicants may elect to submit test scores (either self-reported or official) from the SAT and/or the ACT. For both first-year and transfer applicants - domestic and international - the submission of SAT or ACT scores is optional. SAT Subject Tests will not be considered in the evaluation of any applicant.
Multiple Test Results: For applicants who have taken the SAT and/or the ACT more than once, we will consider the highest score achieved in each section. For official score reporting, applicants are free to use the SAT Score Choice option and the ACT option.
English Proficiency Testing: International applicants may be required to submit results for English language proficiency testing. Amherst does not superscore results for English proficiency tests. We accept self-reported test scores and official score reports for English proficiency tests from applicants. Students who are admitted and subsequently decide to enroll at Amherst will be required to submit official score reports when enrolling. Additional information on our English proficiency testing policy and the tests accepted by Amherst is available on our International Applicants page.
Testing Deadlines: Applicants who elect to submit standardized test scores for consideration during the admission process should be sure that test scores reach us by the appropriate application deadline (either ED or RD).
Applicants who choose to have their standardized test scores considered in the evaluation of their application may submit either self-reported or officially reported SAT and/or ACT scores at the application review and admission decision stages of the admission process.
We recognize that the added expense of official score reporting fees can pose a financial barrier for many students, constraining the ability to apply to their schools of interest and, in turn, limiting college options and opportunities for higher education. Consistent with Amherst's long-standing commitment to access and affordability, we accept self-reported SAT and ACT test scores from applicants. Only those applicants who choose to have their scores considered under our test-optional admission policy and who are subsequently admitted and decide to attend Amherst will be required to submit official score reports for self-reported scores previously submitted at the application stage.
Self-reported test scores may be submitted (and updated) in any of the following ways:
Official test scores may be submitted in any of the following ways:
Students who elect to submit self-reported scores for consideration under our test-optional admission policy and who are subsequently admitted and decide to matriculate as first-year students at Amherst will be required to submit official test scores (through any of the methods listed above) soon after confirming an intent to enroll at Amherst. Using the official scores, we will verify the accuracy of any self-reported scores used during the admission process. Any discrepancy between official and self-reported scores may result in the withdrawal of our offer of admission.
Please don't hesitate to get in touch with us by email at admission@amherst.edu or by phone at 413-542-2328, if you have any questions or concerns about any aspect of the application and admission process at Amherst.