Hello there , I am an international student interested in applying to Amherst college during the 2020-2021 admission cycle . On their official website it is saying theta current situations , they are going to be test-optional . I was wondering that applies to internationals as well ?? just wanted to be extra sure . Thanks
The best way to be extra sure is to email Amherst directly.
I believe it has always been test optional? Just send a quick email… However… Hasn’t the deadline passed? Admission decisions are suppose to be by Friday, unless international have different deadlines.
We got an email from them today saying they were suspending the SAT/ACT requirement for the upcoming 2020-21 admission cycle. So it’s not for this year, but next year (current juniors).
Neither the email nor a link it included specified anything about domestic/international being treated differently.
No, it is not normally test optional. Maybe you are thinking of Bowdoin, which has been for a long time.
Maybe it’s just for transfer students?
I think most colleges will go test optional for students in the 2021 high school class. Meaning it won’t require a test score to be submitted due to the current pandemic. However, I do think it will be advantageous for students who can submit a good test score to do so.
They just announced online information sessions that you can sign up for. I imagine at these you will have a chance to ask a question or submit one ahead of time.
I think the point that Amherst and other schools for that matter, are trying to make is that they understand with so many testing cancellations and no guarantee that they will be rescheduled, they absolutely want qualified applicants to apply. Amherst has shown with their need blind to International students that they fully value and are willing to invest in them, just as much as domestic applicants. My guess would be that if testing is problematic here, it will be problematic internationally.
@candycane1 I just read that transfer and first years are asked not to submit Subject tests, but the other tests are optional for the 2020-21 admissions cycle.