DUN DUN DUN: you got the dreaded Amherst College waitlist letter, and now you’re looking to get accepted off of it. Don’t worry. We’ve helped many students like you get accepted off the waitlist.

Below we’ve provided a step-by-step guide on what to do next.

This guide is separated into 4 parts: some waitlist stats, accepting the waitlist, how to set up a contingency plan, and writing the Amherst College waitlist update letter.

Alright, ready? Breathe in, breathe out. It’s going to be hard. But, you got this!

Let’s get to it!

Table of Contents

1. Amherst College Waitlist Stats Year-By-Year. (And Why It’s Insane)
2. Accepting the Waitlist.
3. Setting Up a College Waitlist Contingency Plan.
4. Writing the Amherst College Waitlist Update Letter.

Amherst College Waitlist Stats Year-By-Year.

Before you jump off the waitlist boat, let’s discuss a few important details. Particularly, you need to know Amherst College’s waitlist stats to gauge what your chances are of getting off the waitlist.

Below we’ve visualized and written Amherst College’s waitlist stats year-by-year.

Amherst College waitlist stats year-by-year

1. 2023:
   • Waitlisted: 924
   • Accepted a Spot on the Waitlist: 599
   • Accepted off the Waitlist: 47
   • Waitlist Acceptance Rate: 7.84%
2. 2022
   • Waitlisted: 1419
   • Accepted a Spot on the Waitlist: 902
   • Accepted off the Waitlist: 36
   • Waitlist Acceptance Rate: 3.99%
3. 2021
   • Waitlisted: 1285
   • Accepted a Spot on the Waitlist: 788
   • Accepted off the Waitlist: 0
   • Waitlist Acceptance Rate: 0%
4. 2020
   • Waitlisted: 1640
   • Accepted a Spot on the Waitlist: 1081
   • Accepted off the Waitlist: 7
   • Waitlist Acceptance Rate: 0.647%
5. 2019
   • Waitlisted: 1447
   • Accepted a Spot on the Waitlist: 762
   • Accepted off the Waitlist: 48
   • Waitlist Acceptance Rate: 6.29%
6. 2018
   • Waitlisted: 1482
   • Accepted a Spot on the Waitlist: 836
   • Accepted off the Waitlist: 0
   • Waitlist Acceptance Rate: 0%

This is insanity.

As you can see, if Amherst College decides they don’t feel any waitlisted applicants are viable, they’ll just accept 0.

Nada. Nothing. None.

Now, why is this important?

Understanding Amherst College’s daunting waitlist acceptance rate lets you plan accordingly. You’ll know which colleges to dedicate more or less time to writing a solid waitlist letter. Due to Amherst College’s brutal rates, we recommend dedicating more time to the waitlist letter. Take your time crafting a solid update letter to truly stand out from the waitlist pool.

Accepting the Waitlist.

Not much else to say here, but you know the drill.

Amherst College should have given you a letter —by mail or email— the option to accept your position on the waitlist. Say yes. You’ll receive instructions on how to write a waitlist letter to Amherst College and when to submit it.

Got it? Easy peasy!

Now, for a few “What ifs.”

1. Sometimes colleges will give you an admissions portal to submit your waitlist letter. However, there are other times when you’ll be asked to submit via email to an admissions officer. If it’s the latter, an admissions officer will be assigned to you and you should contact them via email.
2. If you receive neither a portal nor an assigned admissions officer, you should look back at your waitlist email and scroll to the bottom. Typically, an assigned admissions officer responsible for handling your admissions decision will have their name and email signed at the bottom. Contact the person you see at the bottom of the email.
3. If, no assigned admissions officer is in the email, contact Amherst College’s Undergraduate Office of Admissions and request instructions on how to to submit a waitlist letter.
   • For your convenience, here’s their email and phone number.
     • Email: admission@amherst.edu
     • Phone: (413) 542-2328

Setting Up a College Waitlist Contingency Plan.

Because Amherst College’s waitlist acceptance rates have proven to be, well, unpredictable over the years, it’s wise to set up a contingency plan.

A college contingency plan is just a fancy way of saying a “Plan B.” That is, set up a plan for what you should do on the off chance you’re not accepted off the Amherst College waitlist.

This contingency plan should include but not be limited to the following:

1. Colleges you should send update letters/waitlist letters/LOCI letters to other than Amherst.
2. Community colleges you should sign up for in case all else fails.
3. Finances. Who will pay for your education? How much? Will anyone need to take loans, refinance the home, etc? (depending on where you attend)
4. Establishing social circles. (depending on where you attend)
5. Reorienting your major or career path.

Typically, most if not all students who were waitlisted will benefit greatly from setting up a Plan B with a college admissions consultant.

Writing the Amherst College Waitlist Update Letter.

In Amherst College’s waitlist update letter/LOCI, provide updates and explain why you still wish to attend. Also, avoid creative prose or imagery. Keep it professional and formal.

Start with something like “Dear Amherst College,” “Dear Amherst College Undergraduate Office of Admissions,” and “Dear Admissions Committee.” If you can, use your respective admissions officer’s name in the introduction. For example, if your chosen admissions officer’s name is Joseph, write “Dear Joseph,” as your introduction. Often, your respective admissions officer’s name is at the bottom of your application decision letter.

Next, update Amherst on significant events to shed new light on your application. These often include competitions, projects, or leadership positions you’ve taken. They can also be updates on your academic performance and how you’ve done better. Or, they can even be personal projects you’ve conducted outside of school.

Note: these updates can also shed light on previous negative attributes of your initial application.

For instance, students recently diagnosed with learning conditions such as ADHD or Dyslexia can provide context behind blemishes in their test scores, GPA, etc.

Also, if you’re providing personal updates, be very careful that it answers the prompt. Personal updates can easily turn away from the main point.

While word limits vary, most span between 250-650. If you’re not given a portal, make your letter one page, single space, Times New Roman, 12 pt font.

And, that’s it!

Expect submission deadlines anywhere between April 1-15.

If you’re still unsure of how to approach the Amherst College waitlist process, don’t worry. We’re here to help. We’ve helped students craft powerful essays that got them accepted off waitlists for T20 schools like Berkeley and USC. Schedule a free consultation with us, and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours!