Prospective Transfer Question: What does Amherst think of low-income students?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Amherst College
1

<p>I know that they are a need-blind institution and that this implies they will not reject an applicant on the basis of being needy; that has been made very clear. However, would you go so far as to say this gives a low-income student a competitive edge?</p>

<p>I ask because I’m pretty much unhooked in the traditional way, but I am EFC = 0/full Pell Grant recipient. Would Amherst consider this in the admissions or does need-blind mean just that — they don’t care either way?</p>

<p>Additionally, what do you think being a QuestBridge Finalist means as a transfer to Amherst? Do you think they may give preference to you or that the accolade shouldn’t be mentioned because you’re not applying as a first-year?</p>

<p>Thank you for your feedback in advance.</p>

2

<p>Amherst is need-affirmative, actually, but you need to indicate this in your essays or whatever. Just watch its admission video on Youtube and read about its admission practices. </p>

3

<p>I am inferring that need-affirmative means it is advantageous to come from a “poor” background. Humorously, these elite schools seem to think <$35,000 is quite poor. Then again, elite schools are meant to accommodate elite people.</p>

<p>There are a lot of resources and yet I didn’t even think to look at its videos. Thank you for the feedback.</p>

4

<p>yeah, Amherst gives priority to high- achieving, low income students. </p>

5

<p>@tiredquibbler:

</p>

<p>If you think that’s funny, many elite schools, including Amherst, consiider families making $150k a year potential candidates for FA - that’s need-based, not merit based - financial aid.</p>