r/amherstcollege

Is it possible that Amherst overenrolled this year?

Because in previous years, the waitlist started moving as early as May 3rd, but for this cycle, we haven't heard anything yet.

I want to ask previous applicants or students. Is the Amherst waitlist usually this long? Also, has anyone called them yet to ask about updates?

Class of 2030 here, I was accepted into Amherst College RD and committed there before May 1st, but I just got off the RISD waitlist, and now I’m not sure where to go.

I’m pretty serious about visual art, so RISD would train me better and probably network for career opportunities better, but I also like other humanities stuff like History and English, or culture and linguistics. In that sense Amherst would definitely be more well rounded, and probably let me explore more.

My main conflict is that I’m not sure if that would narrow my path too early. I can’t really imagine what other career I would do, but maybe I just haven’t experimented with enough other stuff, so it might be too early to decide. But then if I go to Amherst I might regret passing up all the art opportunities.

I really do like both schools but depending on where I go it could really change my trajectory. Thoughts?

Question for current students: the admission email says: “You will also be asked to submit several online forms; most forms will be due on or before July 1. Please be certain that you have access to the Internet over the summer and regularly check your email.” What forms and materials are required, if you still recall? I’ll be traveling in June so wanted to get an idea in advance.

Thank you very much!

I answered yes on the form to go to Amherst. I'm very excited! But I haven't got ANYTHING from the college, not even a celebration email. Has anybody else gotten emails or anything?

Hii! I am a enrolled student for Class of 2030. I am from California and I was wondering where I should get winter clothes from? I’m not really used to the cold and I won’t be going home to grab anything so I want to buy some kind of warm jacket but I’m not sure where people buy them from. Also if you have thermals, how many do you have and what brand? Thank you!

Hello everyone,

I’m excited to be part of the co 30. What would my math path be if I have taken the calc sequence already? I’m interested in pursuing grad school after. Is it hard to obtain research positions here/ is it competitive?

There is a current initiative to purchase Hampshire College's land to retain the land for alternative, creative, community-based purposes (not a college). The Board votes May 16 on selling the campus to satisfy Hampshire's bonds. We have two weeks to put $10M+ in pledges on the table — enough to prove the viability of a real, community-led alternative. Please consider pledging (donation not required at this time) to preserve this land and support community-based options. If you can share this post to other community boards, please do. More information: https://hampshirenext.org/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRgZSJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF2bFJYZE15Rk81d1BVNG5hc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHsBMimHN-qZBfr0LMzu-TcDEdmVCyqio9ygIZYLn-kz1un_C7x6jN4Vi-9Od_aem_74GovWAETznCnkGBY5ZcwQ

Hi, recently committed student! I had some questions specific to dorming:

- What are some dorm essentials y'all would recommend SPECIFIC to Amherst?

- What type of furniture is already given? Should I bother buying extra shelving or a desk, etc? If so, any local recs to buy from would be great!
- Second part, what amenities are given, like would I have to buy a vacuum/cleaning supplies myself, or are there shared items for the buildings?

- Sorry if this sounds odd, but what is the natural sunlight like, and are the windows nice?
- Are any of these items allowed: rice cooker, air fryer, mini fridge, humidifier/purifier, heater? And if so, would y'all recommend getting them or not? Second part: What is heating/AC like in the dorms or in the buildings themselves?

Also, I had a question about the bathroom/shower situation. I don't mind that it's communal, but I read somewhere on this subreddit that it's co-ed. 😳 Can someone confirm if this is true, haha?

Thanks :)

Hi, recently admitted student! Very excited to join the community. I had some questions:
- What is the dorming situation like, specifically the bathroom/showers? If any female students could speak to this.
- What is public transportation like? Or is having a car necessary? I'm from NYC and plan to commute a lot, so if any other NYkers could share their experience.
- What are job opportunities like both on and off campus?
- More about the town itself, I don't really know much about it, so if there's anything I should be aware of beforehand, I would love to know. Or any specific things/rules/traditions I should know about the college?
- I understand that Amherst is a PWI, which I'm fine with, but if any students of color could speak about their HONEST experience, I'd really appreciate it.

- For academics, I know Amherst has an open curriculum - if anyone could explain a bit more what it means and entails, that would be very helpful! I'm looking to go in as a Bio major on a pre-med track, potentially with a double major. Second part to that, how difficult is double-majoring?

Thanks :)