Hi folks–does anyone know if the optional essay component of the SAT is required to apply at Amherst? I’ve searched the school’s website, and it is silent about this. Thanks!
It seems to be gone, so no longer needed. It must have been removed recently. A few months ago, the essay was “recommended” by Amherst.
Amherst also allows self-reporting in the Common App.
It depends on the school. Some schools require it while others don’t. You’d have to check whether the school you want to go to requires you to take the SAT essay. From my experience, most colleges don’t require you to take it. However, some recommend you take it.
Thanks. A third-party web site claims that the essay is “recommended” by Amherst, but Amherst’s own site doesn’t mention it at all. It’s odd. There seems to be very few schools that require it, and my daughter prefers not to–just an additional cause of stress that could potentially be avoided completely.
Third-party websites are almost always out-of-date when it comes to standardized test requirements. You are right to trust Amherst’s own website on this.
In Section C8B of Amherst’s Common Data Set from 2018, they highly recommend taking the SAT with Essay. Given that it is a liberal arts school that emphasizes proficiency in writing, makes sense to me. https://www.amherst.edu/amherst-story/facts/common_data_sets/2018. Unless things have changed, of course.
Thanks. It seems like their policy has changed, though–that’s why we were confused.
Got this in an email from the Admissions Office:
“The essay portion of the SAT is not required for admission at Amherst. So, if the student chooses not to take the essay portion, there will be no impact to their application.”
Thanks! It’s always great to have confirmation–I appreciate the reply. I actually had an anxiety dream about this last week. Not that my daughter is planning to apply ED or anything . . . :-\
My daughter’s a junior at Amherst, and she loves it. So many great opportunities. My son’s considering applying. @RayManta, good luck to your daughter!