A straight answer: 75.3% acceptance rate.
This means for every 100 applicants, only 75 actually get in. No guessing. Hampshire College is a 4YEAR institution located in Amherst, MA — competition varies by program, but this is the official average.
Who Actually Gets In? (Men vs Women)
Quick breakdown so you get the real picture:
Men
Women
If you think one gender has an edge — the data tells what’s up.
Applications vs Admits: The Funnel That Matters
This is where the reality hits:
Yield Rate: N/A
This shows how many admitted students choose Hampshire College. High yield = high confidence. Low yield = students had better options.
What Scores Do You Need?
If you're applying without knowing what scores to aim for… that’s how rejection letters happen.
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Aim for the 75th percentile if you want peace of mind.
Breaking Down the Acceptance Rate at Hampshire College
The acceptance rate at Hampshire College is often one of the first numbers students notice when researching admissions. While it provides a snapshot of selectivity, it’s not designed to answer personal questions about chances or outcomes.
An acceptance rate of 75.3% reflects how many applicants were admitted overall—not how competitive individual programs are or how different applicant profiles perform. Understanding that distinction helps students avoid common misconceptions.
Why Acceptance Rates Don’t Tell the Whole Story
Acceptance rates are shaped by who applies. Universities that attract a large number of applicants with varying levels of preparation often report higher acceptance rates without necessarily being easier to succeed at academically.
At Hampshire College, certain programs may receive significantly more applications than others, creating uneven competition across majors. That means the effective acceptance rate can differ depending on what and how a student applies.
Using Acceptance Rate Data More Strategically
Rather than focusing on the acceptance rate alone, applicants should use it as one data point among many. Academic fit, intended major, and course rigor often have a greater impact on admissions decisions than the headline number.
For students researching the Hampshire College acceptance rate, the most productive approach is to combine that information with a realistic assessment of their own academic profile. Doing so turns a simple statistic into a useful planning tool.
Admissions Insight
Holistic Admissions? Or Score-Centric?
Some colleges love essays and activities. Some love high numbers.
Your Chances of Getting Into Hampshire College
Let’s keep it real:
- ✅ Great scores + strong extracurriculars → Solid chance
- 🔶 Good scores + average profile → Toss-up
- ❌ Below 25th percentile → You’re relying on miracles
If you’re international, competition goes up a notch. If you're applying to CS, Business, or Engineering → multiply difficulty by 2.
What's my real shot?
Acceptance Odds Estimator
Estimate your admission probability at Hampshire College based on your unique profile.
Pro Tip: Many more factors influence admission. For a deeper analysis that includes major, essays, and personal context — use Orbit's values-based matching.
Try Right Fit MatcherDeciding Whether Hampshire College Is the Right Fit for You
Admissions research often starts with curiosity but ends with uncertainty. After reviewing acceptance data, many students are left wondering what to do next. Should they apply? Adjust expectations? Rebalance their list?
The answer depends on context. For applicants whose academic preparation aligns well with typical admitted students, Hampshire College may represent a realistic and strategic choice. For others, it may require stronger positioning or serve as a more ambitious option.
How Strong Applicants Approach This Decision
Strong applicants don’t rely on a single metric. They consider how their coursework, interests, and goals match the university’s offerings. They also recognize that admissions decisions are influenced by demand patterns, not just qualifications.
Seen this way, admissions data becomes a guide for strategy. It helps students decide where to invest time, how to present their strengths, and how to build a balanced application list that reflects both ambition and realism.
Should You Apply to Hampshire College?
If 75.3% feels scary — that’s the point. High stakes → high payoff.
- Will I be a standout here?
- Do I like the vibe?
- Can I afford it? (Check scholarship opportunities)
- Is this my best-fit major here?
Explore Hampshire College
Jump to related stats for this same university.
FAQs About Hampshire College Acceptance Rate
What is Hampshire's Divisional system like?
Hampshire uses a Divisional system that allows students to explore their interests fully in three stages: Division I focuses on exploration, Division II centers on concentration, and Division III culminates in an independent project.
How does the no-grades evaluation work?
Instead of traditional grades, Hampshire employs written evaluations that provide narrative feedback on student performance. This system encourages reflective learning and personal growth rather than competition.
Can I design my own major at Hampshire?
Yes, at Hampshire, students have the freedom to design their own majors, allowing for personalized education that aligns with their interests and academic goals.
What are the Five College Consortium benefits?
Hampshire students can access various additional courses and programs through the Five College Consortium, which includes nearby institutions, enhancing interdisciplinary learning and networking opportunities.
How does advising work at Hampshire?
Advising at Hampshire is centered on student-led conversations, focusing on personal academic goals and development. Students work closely with faculty to guide their educational journey.
Final Verdict: Don’t Play It Casual
Hampshire College isn’t a lottery — but it sure feels like one if you apply blind.
Know where you stand. Play strengths. Show why you belong.
Unlock Your Best Shot with Orbit
Everything you need to maximize your college application success