Amherst College
Test-OptionalLGBTQ+ Affirming
Select Program
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
No Interview
University App Required
Program Highlights
CURRICULUM & TRAINING
•Integrated theater and dance major emphasizing collaboration across disciplines
•Areas of study include acting, directing, choreography, playwriting, design, performance art, and video
•Faculty, staff, and majors form the production team for the college's Theater and Dance season
•Advanced students carry specific production assignments
FIVE COLLEGE CONSORTIUM
•Cross-register at UMass Amherst, Smith College, Mount Holyoke College, and Hampshire College
•Access to Five College Dance program and courses across all five campuses
SENIOR PROJECT
•Every major undertakes a capstone Senior Project
•Options include public performance (as author, director, choreographer, designer, or performer), critical essay, design portfolio, production book, or original playscript
•Proposals developed junior year and approved by faculty
LIBERAL ARTS ADVANTAGE
•Open curriculum with no general education requirements — students choose all their own courses
•7:1 student-to-faculty ratio
•Departmental Honors program available based on Senior Project quality and production record
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atCoalition App
Apply atQuestBridge
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Early DecisionNov 7, 2025
Regular DecisionJan 5, 2026
Fee
$75Waiver
Submission Requirements
OPTIONAL ARTS SUPPLEMENT
RESUME (required for supplement)
•Summarize theater experience
•Include a short statement about your interest in theater
RECOMMENDATION (required for supplement)
•From a teacher familiar with your work in theater
ESSAY (required for supplement)
•If you completed Amherst Writing Supplement Option A, upload that essay
•If you completed Option B, upload your personal essay from Common App, Coalition, or QuestBridge
VIDEO (optional)
•Up to 3 minutes of acting or directing work
•If you do not appear as the sole performer, include a title indicating your role or that you directed
•Students interested in theatrical design may submit original artwork (drawings as images) instead — no production photos
Good to Know
ARTS SUPPLEMENT
•Submission is completely optional
•Not required for enrollment in arts courses, extracurricular participation, or choosing a theater major
•Any student may participate in theater and dance regardless of supplement submission
•Submit via Application Status Portal (ASP) after filing your application
SUPPLEMENT DEADLINES
•Early Decision: November 7 (grace period through November 14)
•Regular Decision: January 5 (grace period through January 12)
•No additional fee for arts supplement submission
ELIGIBILITY
•Fall enrollment only
•Amherst does not accept applicants who have already earned a bachelor's degree
What's The Process
ADMISSION PROCESS
•No audition or interview required for admission
•Admission is through the standard university application (Common App, Coalition, or QuestBridge)
•Students may optionally submit an arts supplement for faculty review
ARTS SUPPLEMENT REVIEW
•Supplements are reviewed by Theater & Dance faculty, not the Admission Office
•A strong evaluation can be a positive factor in holistic review
•A less-than-strong evaluation will NOT hurt your application
Program info updated Today
Academic School Information
4.18
Avg GPA (W)
10%
Admit Rate
93%
Grad Rate
1,907
Enrollment
$77,644
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$67,280
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$18,246
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Annual Cost by Family Income
Family Income $0 - $30k$1,888
Family Income $30k - $48k$1,868
Family Income $48k - $75k$6,112
Family Income $75k - $110k$20,179
Family Income $110k+$50,358
