Amherst College campus

Amherst College SAT Requirements and Admissions Guide 2025

Navigating one of America's most selective institutions with expert insights, preparation strategies, and admission tips for Amherst College.

Amherst College SAT Requirements and Admissions Guide 2025 2025

Complete guide to SAT scores and admissions for Amherst College, including requirements, score breakdown, and preparation tips.

SAT Requirements

Amherst College requires SAT scores for most applicants. The official SAT score range is 1480-1550, with a 1350-1400 average for admitted students.

The SAT is a critical component of the admission process at Amherst College. A score of 1500 or higher is considered competitive, while the average score for admitted students falls between 1350 and 1400. This reflects the college's emphasis on academic rigor and the importance of demonstrating college readiness through standardized test performance.

Score Requirements

Official Minimum: 1480

Competitive Score: 1500

Average Score: 1350

Test Policy

Amherst College requires the SAT or ACT for admission. The SAT is recommended for most applicants, with 93% of students submitting SAT scores in 2024.

  • Test-optional for students who apply through the Coalition Application or Common Application.
  • SAT scores are considered for merit scholarships and admission decisions.
  • Amherst College offers merit scholarships based on SAT performance.

SAT Score Breakdown

Test Optional Policy

This institution is test-optional. While SAT scores are not required for admission, a combined score around the score requirements is considered competitive for this school.

Math

Target Score:Not Required

Reading & Writing

Target Score:Not Required

* These scores represent recommended targets. Actual admission decisions consider multiple factors beyond test scores.

Comparative Analysis

Understanding the score breakdown helps applicants gauge their competitiveness.

MetricValuePeer AverageDifference
Score Range1480-1550145050 points higher
Median Score1350130050 points higher

Admission Predictor

1200
4001600

Estimated Chance of Admission to

Amherst College

1%

How We Calculate Your Chances

Our prediction model considers multiple factors to estimate your admission chances:

  • Your SAT score relative to Amherst College's middle 50% range
  • Historical acceptance rate data from Amherst College
  • Statistical distribution of admitted students' scores
  • Holistic admission factors and institutional priorities

Note: This is an estimate based on available data. Actual admission decisions consider many additional factors including GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and other qualifications not reflected in this prediction.

How to Prepare for the SAT

Preparation Timeline

Initial Assessment (2-3 months)

Activities:
  • Take a practice test
  • Identify weak areas
Tips:
  • Analyze your mistakes and focus on improving them.

Targeted Practice (6-12 months)

Activities:
  • Focus on weak subjects
  • Practice old problems
Tips:
  • Use flashcards and mnemonics to memorize key concepts.

Study Resources

Practice Tests

  • Official SAT Practice Test
    Available on the College Board website.
  • Kaplan SAT Practice Test
    Detailed explanations and strategies.

Guides

  • The Official SAT Study Guide
    Written by College Board.
  • Kaplan SAT 2025 Guide
    Comprehensive preparation material.

Test-Taking Strategies

Time Management

  • Work on multiple questions at once.
  • Manage your time effectively.

Reading Comprehension

  • Preview questions before reading passages.
  • Use the process of elimination to answer questions.

Visualize Your Path to Amherst College

Set your goals and get a personalized study plan

ANGLE
1000
/1600
Current SAT Score
ANGLE
1370
/1600
Target Score (1370-1550 recommended)

Study Timeline

370
Points to Gain
31
Points per Week
12
Weeks to Prepare

Weekly Study Plan

Practice Tests
2-3 full tests per week
Study Sessions
4 focused sessions
Review Time
1 comprehensive review

Alumni Insights

Amherst College alumni are highly successful, with many working at top companies.

Top Employers

  • Amherst College724 alumni
  • Google92 alumni
  • Bain & Company57 alumni
  • Goldman Sachs55 alumni
  • Harvard University38 alumni

Where Alumni Live

  • United States19,705 alumni
  • New York City Metropolitan Area4,556 alumni
  • Massachusetts, United States3,657 alumni

Popular Career Fields

Business Development4,116 alumni
Education3,011 alumni

Top Skills

Research Skills5,541 alumni
Public Speaking4,533 alumni

Popular Fields of Study

Economics2,834 alumni
English Language and Literature/Letters2,139 alumni

Frequently Asked Questions About SAT and Admissions

What SAT score is required for Amherst College?

Amherst College requires an official SAT score of 1480-1550. The average SAT score for admitted students is 1350-1400.

Is the SAT required for all applicants?

Most applicants must submit SAT scores, though test-optional policies apply to certain applications.

What SAT score is considered competitive?

A score of 1500 or higher is considered competitive, with a strong academic record.

Can I apply without taking the SAT?

Yes, but rarely admitted even with excellent academic records.

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