Does Amherst College accept a lot of transfer students from community colleges? I'm currently at a community college and thinking about transferring. Are there specific requirements or prerequisites I should be aware of?
Amherst College has made a commitment to making higher education accessible to all, and as a part of this, they do accept transfer students, including those from community colleges. However, the process can be competitive.
Amherst seeks transfer students who have demonstrated strong academic ability in college coursework, and they value the complexity and diversity that transfer students bring to the college community. Just like first-year applicants, the college values transfer students who have excelled within rigorous academic settings.
In terms of prerequisites, candidates are typically expected to have performed well in a richly varied academic curriculum. Coursework in English, social sciences, mathematics, foreign languages, and natural sciences is desirable. A high school diploma (or equivalent), as well as excellent college and high school transcripts, are required.
As far as college work, candidates must have completed at least 32 credits but not more than 64. This is equivalent to one full year of academic study but no more than two full years. It’s also important to note that credits from a college course taken while still enrolled in high school will not count towards the 32-credit minimum.
Amherst has a need-blind admissions policy for all applicants, including transfer students. They meet 100% of the admitted transfer students' demonstrated financial need. Also, Amherst is a member of a group called the Colleges that Change Lives, which is largely dedicated to promoting access to quality education, including for transfer students.
Transferring colleges can be a stressful process, but given Amherst's stated commitment to diversity of experience and its strong financial aid program, it might just end up being a great step for your educational journey. Just be sure you're taking the hardest classes you can handle and keeping your grades up. Good luck!
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