Application Process FAQ
- What academic credentials do I need to get accepted to UMass Amherst?
- If I am accepted by another UMass campus, can I attend UMass Amherst?
- When are the deadlines?
- What do I do with my AP scores and can I receive any credit?
- What do I do with my SAT II scores and can I receive any credit?
- How do I apply for financial aid?
- Is there a deadline to apply for financial aid at UMass Amherst?
- Are there services for Veterans on campus? Where can I get information on the GI bill?
- What is the New Students Orientation Program and what do they do?
What academic credentials do I need to get accepted to UMass Amherst?
For a complete application, freshmen need:
• Completed application form
• High school transcript (official copy including first term senior year grades)
• SAT-I or ACT scores
• Essay
• Letters of recommendation
• Application fee
• Verification of english language proficiency (for non-native speakers of english)
More in requirements section
• Achievement tests are optional
Transfer students and international students have some different requirements. Visit the Transfer Student or International Student sections for those details.
Music, Art and Dance applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow sufficient time for portfolio reviews or auditions. Applicants planning the Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree (BFA) are required to submit a portfolio of their work to the Art Department. The Art Department website will give you the details you need on how to prepare your portfolio, and when and where to send it.
Music and Dance applicants must contact the department directly to arrange for an audition. Audition requirements and/or audition request forms may be requested by phone (Dance: 413-545-2413, Music: 413-545-6048), or on the Music and Dance Department website. Music and Dance auditions must be requested at least three weeks prior to the desired audition date. Students must have their admission application on file in the Undergraduate Admissions Office before scheduled auditions will be allowed to occur.
All of the application process details
If I am accepted by another UMass campus, can I attend UMass Amherst?
Each campus maintains its own admission process. After matriculating at a UMass campus, a student may interchange to another campus.
More information on interchange under Transfer Student
When are the deadlines?
Admissions application deadlines are November 1 for freshman Early Action admission, January 15 for freshman Regular Decision fall admission, March 1 for Stockbridge fall admission and April 15 for transfer fall admission. The application deadline for spring admission for freshman, transfer, and Stockbridge students is October 1.
Financial Aid Priority Deadline: We recommend that you complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after January 1, but before February 15 in order to meet the March 1 deadline.
More on deadlines
What do I do with my AP scores and can I receive any credit?
UMass Amherst grants advanced standing and/or credit for the College Board AP exams, but these credits will vary depending upon scores and subject matter.
Download AP score/credit interpretations (PDF, 75K)
Official copies of your AP scores should be sent to:
Elaine Kostek, New Students Program
37 Mather Drive
University of Massachusetts
Amherst, MA 01003
What do I do with my SAT II scores and can I receive any credit?
You may be able to receive credit for your SAT II Foreign Language scores only.
Download SAT-II Subject Test score/credit interpretations (PDF, 44K)
Official copies of your SAT II scores should be sent to:
Elaine Kostek, New Students Program
37 Mather Drive
University of Massachusetts
Amherst, MA 01003
How do I apply for financial aid?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) serves as the single application for financial aid at UMass Amherst. Students who complete the application are considered for federal, state and UMass Amherst student financial aid programs.
More on applying for financial aid
Is there a deadline to apply for financial aid at UMass Amherst?
Yes, you should apply for financial aid by February 15 to ensure that your application arrives at the Central Processor by our March 1 Priority deadline.
Details on financial aid
Are there services for Veterans on campus? Where can I get information on the GI bill?
The Veterans Affairs staff is located in the Dean of Students Office. The staff is prepared to assist you with all matters concerning GI benefits.
More for Veterans
What is the New Students Orientation Program and what do they do?
The New Students Orientation Program is a small department at the UMass Amherst that primarily focuses on incoming new freshmen, transfer, and Stockbridge students. They coordinate the various orientation programs for students and orientation for parents, the Fall Open House for prospective students, the Minuteman Round-up Phone-a-Thon, and the Office of Parent Services.
New Students Orientation Website
