Are scholarships available for transfer students at Amherst College?

I'm planning to apply to Amherst College as a transfer student and need to know if there are scholarships available for transfers. How competitive are they, and how can I improve my chances of getting one?

Yes, Amherst College does have scholarships available for transfer students. When you apply to Amherst as a transfer student, you're automatically considered for need-based financial aid, which could include scholarships.

Financial aid at Amherst is need-based, which means it's determined by your family's financial circumstances. The college meets 100% of the demonstrated financial need of every student, including transfer students. The college's financial aid packages do not include loans and are made up of grants and work-study opportunities.

To be considered for need-based financial aid, you'll have to submit your FAFSA and CSS profile along with your application. The college uses these forms to calculate your family's expected contribution and your financial aid package. There aren't separate scholarship applications for incoming transfer students.

As far as improving your chances, remember that need-based aid depends on your family's financial situation, not on your academic performance. However, a stronger academic record can make you a more competitive candidate for admission to Amherst, which in turn influences your chance of receiving financial aid. So, maintain good grades, stay involved in your community, and put together a strong application package.

Remember that Amherst's financial aid is pretty comprehensive—besides tuition, it also takes into account costs like room and board, books, and personal expenses. It's worth pointing out that even though Amherst meets 100% of demonstrated need, it's possible that their package may not cover everything you're hoping for, as schools' calculations of what your family can afford to contribute may be higher than what your family feels they can contribute.

Ultimately, it's a good idea to connect with Student Financial Services at Amherst for personalized advice and information on the financial aid process for transfer students.