Amherst University admissions advice?

Hey guys! I'm thinking of applying to Amherst. What do they typically look for in applicants when it comes to things like GPA, extracurriculars, and essays? Would really appreciate any tips from those who've gone through the process!

Amherst College is a highly selective liberal arts college, so it's important to have a strong academic profile. For context, the average GPA of admitted students is usually around 4.0 (unweighted) or higher, and most students have taken challenging courses such as APs or IBs. That said, Amherst practices a holistic review, so your GPA is just one factor in the admissions process.

In terms of extracurriculars, Amherst values depth and leadership over simply participating in many activities. Rather than having a long list of clubs and hobbies, focus on 8-10 activities in which you've made substantial contributions or have had leadership positions. Aim for a mix of Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 activities, as defined in the 4 Tiers of Extracurriculars. For more information about the extracurricular tiers, and which ones your own activities fall into, check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/breaking-down-the-4-tiers-of-extracurricular-activities

For your essays, it's crucial to exhibit your unique personality, values, and experiences. Being genuine and introspective is key, as admissions officers are interested in getting to know the real you. For Amherst-specific prompts, research the college's values and culture to tailor your responses better and emphasize why Amherst is a good fit for you. You can find detailed guidance on how to tackle their school-specific questions on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-amherst-college-essays

When choosing teachers for your recommendation letters, select those who know you well, as a person not just a student, and can write about not only your strengths, but also your growth and resilience throughout high school.

If you are offered an interview, usually with an Amherst alum, you should take this opportunity to showcase your enthusiasm for the college and give the admissions office a better sense of your personality and fit with the school. If you aren't offered one, however, don't stress - the interview is optional, as Amherst does not have the capacity to interview every single applicant. In the event you do interview with Amherst, and want tips on how to prepare for common college interview questions, check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/15-major-college-interview-questions-to-prepare-for

Lastly, Amherst has a need-blind admissions policy, which means your financial need will not be considered when reviewing your application. That can relieve stress for many students.

In summary, aim for strong academics, demonstrate deep involvement in extracurriculars, write introspective and unique essays, and participate in the optional interview, if offered one, to show your fit for Amherst and round out your application. Best of luck with your application!