Amherst Essay Prompt 2 (2026-2027)
Amherst College's supplemental essay 2 of 6 for the 2026-2027 application: the prompt, the limit, when it is due, and how to answer it. Verified on August 7, 2026.
“If you have engaged in significant research in the natural sciences, mathematics, computer science, social sciences or humanities that was undertaken independently of your high school curriculum, please provide a brief description of the research project.”
Limit: 75 words (optional). Deadlines: Early Decision: November 9, 2026. Regular Decision: January 5, 2027.
What Amherst is really asking
Did you do real research, and can you explain it plainly?
The mistake most applicants make
Overselling a class project as research, or drowning the reader in jargon.
Do this instead
One sentence on the question, one on what you did, one on what you found. If a non-scientist could not follow it, rewrite it.
How to spend 75 words
75 words is one paragraph. One specific moment or detail, then what it shows about you, then the connection to this school or question. No introduction, no summary.
How to start
Jim starts by asking you: “What question did your research ask, in one sentence a friend would understand?” Answer it with Jim, free →
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What is the Amherst essay 2 prompt for 2026-2027?
"If you have engaged in significant research in the natural sciences, mathematics, computer science, social sciences or humanities that was undertaken independently of your high school curriculum, please provide a brief description of the research project." The limit is 75 words and the prompt is optional.
How long should the Amherst essay 2 be?
75 words. 75 words is one paragraph. One specific moment or detail, then what it shows about you, then the connection to this school or question. No introduction, no summary.
When is the Amherst essay due?
With the application: Early Decision: November 9, 2026. Regular Decision: January 5, 2027.
Can Jim help me write the Amherst essay?
Yes. Jim, the AlphaApply.ai counselor, has every Amherst prompt and deadline loaded. He asks the questions that surface your story and gives feedback on each draft. He never writes it for you. Free to start.
The other Amherst prompts
Prompt and limit for 2026-2027, verified on August 7, 2026. Always confirm on Amherst College's official admissions site before submitting.