Amherst College FAQ

How does the QuestBridge National College Match Process work for Amherst?

If you are a Finalist and have chosen to rank Amherst as one of your college choices, QuestBridge will forward your application to Amherst along with the supporting documents.  

The National College Match Program is binding for Amherst. 

Does Amherst waive the application fee for QuestBridge applicants?

Yes. However, Amherst will only waive the application fee for those using their QuestBridge application to apply. Please do not submit the Common Application if you submit the QuestBridge Application.

I am a QuestBridge Finalist and have ranked Amherst as one of my college choices. What application materials do I have to submit to complete my application for the Match? 

We require the materials listed below to complete your application. Most of these materials are included in your QuestBridge application. You should only forward those that are not included with your application by mail or email. If emailing materials, please reference QuestBridge in your email to questbridge@amherst.edu.

  • QuestBridge Application
  • School Report/Counselor Recommendation
  • Official 3-year Transcript (emailed to questbridge@amherst.edu or mailed by your school)
  • First quarter grades (emailed to questbridge@amherst.edu from your school)
  • Amherst College has adopted a test-optional pilot program for SAT/ACT testing for first-year applicants. Applicants may elect to submit test scores (either self-reported or official) from the SAT and/or the ACT. For 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.
  • SAT or ACT scores should be sent directly from College Board/ACT, emailed from a high school counselor, or entered by a student in the student’s online Application Status Portal (available after submission of an application for admission to Amherst).
  • Two Teacher Recommendations
  • International applicants can review additional application requirements on Amherst's website.

If you are not matched and wish to apply to Amherst either Early Decision or Regular Decision please follow the instructions below:

Early Decision: To apply to Amherst College Early Decision students need to submit the signed Early Decision Agreement Form and the Early Decision Supplement to the QuestBridge Application by Tuesday, December 6 by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Regular Decision: To apply to Amherst College Regular Decision, please fill out the QuestBridge Regular Decision Form to indicate your intent to apply to Amherst in Regular Decision. QuestBridge will then forward your QuestBridge application to Amherst College. Please do not send in a Common Application. Additional materials are required. Your materials should be emailed to Amherst at questbridge@amherst.edu. Please reference QuestBridge in your email.

If you are a Finalist who ranked Amherst in the Match, you will automatically be considered for Regular Decision unless you contact Amherst and request to withdraw your application. Please email your request to withdraw to questbridge@amherst.edu. 

Will Amherst accept the QuestBridge Application in place of the Common Application?

Amherst will use your QuestBridge Application in lieu of the Common Application. Please do NOT submit the Common Application.

I am a QuestBridge applicant to Amherst but still want to submit my Common Application, how do I send it to Amherst?

Amherst will use your QuestBridge Application in lieu of the Common Application. Please do NOT submit the Common Application.

I am a Questbridge Finalist who ranked Amherst as one of my Match schools but was not matched to Amherst. May I apply Early Decision? What are the requirements?

Yes, you may apply Early Decision. Amherst requires additional application materials to be sent to complete your application. These should be emailed to questbridge@amherst.edu by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, December 6:

I am a QuestBridge Finalist but did not rank Amherst as one of my Match schools; may I still apply to Amherst? What are my application options?

Yes, you may still apply to Amherst Regular Decision. Amherst will use your QuestBridge Application. Please contact QuestBridge and have them forward your application to us. Please do NOT submit the Common Application. You will need to follow the Regular Decision instructions and deadlines that QuestBridge requires. 

In addition to the QuestBridge Application you will have to submit the following additional materials to complete a Regular Decision application to Amherst:

If I am QuestBridge Non-Finalist but still wish to apply to Amherst, can I use my QuestBridge application? As a QuestBridge Non-Finalist what are my application options for Amherst?

Yes, you may use your QuestBridge application to apply to Amherst. You are able to apply to Amherst either Early or Regular Decision adhering to Amherst's standard deadlines and requirements for applying. Please do not submit multiple applications. Please only submit either the QuestBridge Application or the Common Application. You must notify QuestBridge in order for your QuestBridge application to be forwarded to Amherst. 

I am an international student. May I apply for the National College Match to Amherst?

Yes, with additional application requirements as an international student. Please review additional application requirements for international applicants on Amherst's website.

I am not a U.S. citizen. May I apply to Amherst through the National College Match?

Yes, with additional application requirements, regardless of citizenship or geographic location. We require a demonstration of English proficiency. If English is not one of your first languages or you have not completed the entirety of your secondary school experience in English, Amherst requires proof of English proficiency in the form of the TOEFL or IELTS exam.