Amherst College

Personal statement required (250-650 words), plus one supplement, chosen from four options:

1. Required (choose 1) · 350 words

   Option A, Prompt 1. "Hope and curiosity: these are qualities that are the foundation of what Amherst College means, of everything that we do here. Curiosity is at the core of a liberal arts education, a spirit of inquiry that shapes not only what our students do in the classroom, but also how they learn from and about each other." (Michael A. Elliott, 20th President of Amherst College, address at Amherst College's 203rd Commencement) What does curiosity mean to you? How do you experience curiosity in your own life?

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2. Required (choose 1) · 350 words

   Option A, Prompt 2. "We seek an Amherst made stronger because it includes those whose experiences can enhance our understanding of our nation and our world. We do so in the faith that our humanity is an identity forged from diversity, and that our different perspectives enrich our inquiry, deepen our knowledge, strengthen our community, and prepare students to engage with an ever-changing world." (Trustee Statement on Diversity and Community) In what ways could your unique experiences enhance our understanding of our nation and our world?

   This is also the Access to Amherst (A2A) writing supplement prompt. A2A applicants may submit an updated version of that essay here.

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3. Required (choose 1) · 350 words

   Option A, Prompt 3. "We are working together to build a community that makes room for both true disagreement and true connection, one that practices the kind of recognition and robust negotiation that the everyday life of democracy requires, and one that explicitly prepares our students to work for the greater good in their professional and personal endeavors." (Presidential Priorities: Serving the Greater Good) Tell us about a time that you engaged with a viewpoint different from your own. How did you enter that engagement, and what did you learn about yourself from it?

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4. Required (choose 1)

   Option B. Submit a graded paper from your junior or senior year that best represents your writing skills and analytical abilities. Amherst is looking for a tightly reasoned, persuasive argument that calls upon literary, sociological or historical evidence. Not a laboratory report, journal entry, creative writing sample or in-class essay.

   An alternative to Option A, not an essay we review. We read application essays, not graded coursework.