Amherst College SAT & ACT Scores

Amherst first dropped its SAT and ACT requirement for students applying in the 2020-21 cycle, as a one-year response to the pandemic. In June 2023 it made test-optional admission its standing policy, a formalization of the pilot that began in 2020. The policy covers first-year and transfer applicants, domestic and international, and the ACT Science section is optional on the enhanced ACT. If you take a test more than once, Amherst uses your highest score in each section, and it superscores across the legacy and enhanced ACT. Self-reported scores are accepted; students who enroll must send official reports, and a mismatch can lead Amherst to withdraw an offer.

In the fall 2025 entering class, the middle 50% of enrolled first-years who reported the SAT scored 1470–1540. The 25th percentile was 1470, the median was 1510 and the 75th percentile was 1540. Section ranges were 730–770 in Reading and Writing and 730–790 in Math.

40% of enrolled first-years submitted SAT scores. Students choose whether to send scores, so the range describes only the students who chose to share an SAT. Students admitted without scores are not reflected in it.

Use the range to decide whether to send, not as a cutoff. A superscore at or above 1510 sits in the upper half of what enrolled students shared. A score below 1470 sits in the bottom quarter of that group, and sending it is entirely your choice.

Among enrolled first-years who sent the ACT, the middle 50% composite was 33–35, with a median of 34. The English range was 34–36 and the Math range was 31–35. Only 16% of enrolled students submitted the ACT, so this range rests on a small group.

Amherst takes your highest score in each ACT section and will superscore across the legacy and enhanced versions of the test. A composite at or above 35 places you in the top quarter of enrolled ACT submitters, and one below 33 is in the bottom quarter.

Amherst has one binding Early Decision round and a Regular Decision round. There is no Early Action option.

If you plan to send scores to Amherst, aim for an SAT at or above 1540 or an ACT at or above 35, which would put you in the top quarter of enrolled students who reported them. A score near the median can still add to your application. Well below the 25th percentile, applying without scores is a reasonable choice under Amherst's policy.

Amherst says it gives the greatest weight to your academic transcript: the rigor of your courses, the quality of your grades and how consistently you have worked over four years. Recommendations, your writing and your activities help it draw fine distinctions among strong applicants. With an admit rate of 7.7%, test scores are one small part of a very competitive review.