Transferring to Amherst College from a Community College

Has anyone successfully transferred from a community college to Amherst College? I'm currently in my first year at a community college, aiming for this jump after getting my associate degree. What steps should I take to maximize my chances?

Transferring from a community college to Amherst College can certainly be done, though the process will require careful preparation and strong academic performance. Amherst College values transfer students for their unique perspectives and diversity they bring to the campus community.

First, you'll want to focus on maintaining strong academic performance at your community college as your GPA is a critical element in the admission review. Strive for a GPA that's competitive in the context of Amherst's highly selective admission process—ideally well above a 3.5.

Second, you should consider your course selection. Amherst College values challenging coursework. Taking the toughest courses available to you and performing well in these courses can be a good sign that you're ready for the rigors of academic life at Amherst.

Speaking of courses, while Amherst doesn't require certain courses for transfer applicants, it's worth reviewing their list of courses satisfying general requirements to guide your decision on what classes you should take. Remember that Amherst is a liberal arts college, so showing competence and interest in a broad range of subjects, especially if you don't have a clear idea of what you want to major in, can be helpful.

The next area you'll want to prepare for is the essay portion of the application. The essays provide an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to think critically and communicate effectively. Make sure to tailor your essay to Amherst: talk about specific programs, resources or opportunities at Amherst that you're excited to engage with.

Extracurricular activities are important too; more than lists of involvement, schools look for depth of participation and leadership roles. Use your activities to showcase things like leadership skills, commitment, and passion.

Finally, get to know your academic advisors and professors. One usually need two letter of recommendations from professors who can speak to your academic abilities and potential.

While it's good to plan ahead, be aware that Amherst has a holistic review process—this means they take multiple factors into account. How these different factors come together varies from applicant to applicant. Good luck!