Overview of Amherst College
As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, Amherst College is a private liberal arts college located in Amherst, Massachusetts. Please note that there may have been changes or developments since then.
Amherst College: A Distinctive Liberal Arts Experience
Amherst College, founded in 1821, is renowned for its commitment to providing a rigorous and transformative liberal arts education. With a picturesque campus in western Massachusetts, the college has established itself as a small, yet influential, institution dedicated to intellectual exploration, critical thinking, and fostering a close-knit community of scholars.
Academic Excellence:
Amherst College is committed to academic excellence and intellectual inquiry. The college follows a liberal arts curriculum, emphasizing a broad-based education that encourages students to explore a range of disciplines. The faculty-to-student ratio is low, facilitating close interactions between professors and students. This personal approach to education allows for mentorship and individualized guidance, contributing to a rich learning experience.
Open Curriculum:
One distinctive feature of Amherst College is its open curriculum, which provides students with the flexibility to design their own course of study. While there are certain distribution requirements, students have significant freedom in choosing classes across different disciplines. This approach encourages interdisciplinary exploration and allows students to tailor their education to their individual interests and goals.
Diverse and Inclusive Community:
Amherst College is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The college actively seeks to create an environment where students from different backgrounds and perspectives come together to learn and engage with one another. This commitment to diversity is reflected in both the student body and the curriculum, contributing to a vibrant and intellectually stimulating campus atmosphere.
Residential Life:
Amherst College places a strong emphasis on the residential experience. Students are required to live on campus for all four years, contributing to a sense of community and creating opportunities for informal intellectual exchange. The residential life program is designed to support students’ personal and academic development outside the classroom, and it plays a crucial role in creating a cohesive campus community.
Extracurricular Activities:
The college offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including student organizations, clubs, and athletic programs. Amherst is a member of the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC), and its sports teams, known as the Lord Jeffs, compete in a range of intercollegiate sports.
Strong Focus on Research:
Amherst College places a strong emphasis on undergraduate research. Students have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty members on research projects, contributing to the creation of new knowledge and fostering critical inquiry. The college’s commitment to research extends to various disciplines, providing students with a hands-on learning experience.
Global Perspective:
Amherst encourages students to embrace a global perspective. Many students participate in study abroad programs, gaining exposure to different cultures and expanding their worldview. The college also hosts international students, contributing to a diverse and globally aware community.
Alumni Impact:
Amherst College boasts an impressive list of alumni who have made significant contributions to various fields, including literature, science, politics, and business. Alumni are often engaged with the college, providing mentorship and networking opportunities for current students.
Conclusion:
Amherst College stands as a beacon of liberal arts education, emphasizing academic excellence, a diverse and inclusive community, and a commitment to intellectual exploration. Its open curriculum, personalized approach to learning, and emphasis on research contribute to a transformative educational experience. With its picturesque campus and dedicated faculty, Amherst College continues to prepare students to navigate the complexities of the world with critical thinking skills, a global perspective, and a passion for lifelong learning.
PO Box 5000 Amherst, MA 01002-5000
Phone: (413) 542-2328
Email: admission@amherst.edu
Web site: http://www.amherst.edu
Rankings: Amherst College
Located in Amherst, MA, Amherst College is one of the best universities in the state of Massachusetts. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for Amherst College in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is Amherst College.
Amherst College is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, Amherst College was ranked 2nd among all national liberal arts colleges, behind only Williams College. Additionally, Amherst was also ranked 6th among all National Universities, a ranking that includes both private and public universities. The college has also been recognized for its commitment to providing an outstanding educational experience for its students and faculty, earning a spot on the Princeton Review’s list of best colleges in America for 15 consecutive years. The college has also earned several awards from organizations such as Forbes Magazine and Fiske Guide to Colleges for its academic excellence, student life experience and career preparation opportunities. Finally, Amherst College is included in the top 10 of Money Magazine’s Best Colleges list each year since 2012. With its commitment to providing an outstanding liberal arts education and a vibrant campus life, it is no surprise that Amherst College is consistently ranked so highly by various organizations.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Overall Ranking: | 2 |
| Score: | 96 |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 4.6 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | 1 |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 97.2% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 95.0% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | 92% |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | 3 |
| Faculty resources ranking: | 4 |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | 70.1% |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | 3.2% |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | 8:1 |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | 96.7% |
| Student selectivity ranking: | 9 |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | 1320-1520 |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | 79% |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | 95% |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | 14.8% |
| Financial resources rank: | 9 |
| Alumni giving rank: | 2 |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 60.1% |
Essential Facts: Amherst College
- Amherst is also taking great strides to become more sustainable, and it protects 500 acres of open land and water in its wildlife sanctuary.
- Amherst is need-blind for both domestic and international applicants. Amherst meets the full demonstrated need of every admitted student.
- Amherst College is a private institution that was founded in 1821. Amherst College’s ranking in the 2021 edition of Best Colleges is National Liberal Arts Colleges, #2.
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | 97% |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | 0% |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | 0% |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | 95% |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | No |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | 35% |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | Yes |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance policies set by individual instructors, hazing prohibited, other |
| Collegiate athletic association: | NCAA III |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Student activities: | campus ministries, choral groups, concert band, dance, drama/theater, jazz band, literary magazine, music ensembles, musical theater, opera, pep band, radio station, student government, student newspaper, student film society, symphony orchestra, yearbook |