I have interest in (trying to) transfer to Amherst College for my sophomore year of college, so Fall 2018.
I have been reading many articles, posts, etc. and it seems that 1) Amherst admits mostly Community College student transfers and 2) simply, Amherst is a difficult place to try and transfer into. I currently attend a ranked LAC, but I am afraid to risk applying, receiving a negative answer back, and then feeling unwelcome at my current school.
However, I believe I would be a competitive applicant. In high school, I had a 4.2 weighted, 3.95 UW. I was heavily involved.
In college, I am in good standing with my professors and expecting high marks A’s and A-’s for my first semester. I am involved with various activities around campus as well.
Is the attempt to transfer worth it? One of the reasons I want to transfer is that I am unhappy with the location of my college. Also, my current college does not offer a major I am interested in (Amherst does).
Thanks for your thoughts!
Yes, If you can afford the transfer (Possibly pay full price) and feel like you have a chance why not? No one will look down on you for trying to reach and achieve your own goals
I would say transfer chances to Amherst from another LAC, let alone a ranked LAC, are nil. Also, as you said it, it is not an easy adjustment, even from another LAC.
@fivesages Why would they be nil? Wondering because I’m thinking of transferring so myself to schools not as prestigious as Amherst but relatively close
@LookAtMe A couple of reasons: (1) The transfer numbers are very small in general; (2) The top colleges tend to take a little different approach to transfers than regular freshmen admissions…a little more altruistic, mission-driven…making it available to non-typical candidates. There is also a third reason in case of @eljo1266 and you…more than anything, LAC is an environment/experience, and both of you are already at one.
As an example: here is some info on transfers this year at Stanford:
https://news.stanford.edu/2017/11/01/small-mighty-cohort-transfer-students-joins-stanford-community/
The transfer accept rate at Amherst this past year was like 6%.
This was class of 2020, so data is a year old already but I doubt it’s changed much.
https://www.amherst.edu/system/files/media/Amherst%2520College%2520SSR%2520Class%2520of%25202020.pdf
The college does favor CC transfers because it sees them as having potential that would otherwise not be realized. If you are at a top school already, they will be less interested absent an amazing hook.
Military vets have a great hook, for instance, as first years but are often CC transfers: https://www.amherst.edu/admission/apply/veterans
IMO it’s a huge reach. That doesn’t mean don’t apply, just adjust expectations.
Hi guys. What do you think the prospects are for an international transfer student? I have very strong reasons for my transfer and they are backed up by a solid academic record, but my high-school record isn’t very good.
@OHMomof2 no worries, I am going to Cornell, accepted yesterday 
Sorry it didn’t work out at Amherst. But you did get into Cornell which is nearly as good. Congrats and good luck!