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Application Procedures

The following students may NOT use the application options below:

Joint Admissions or MassTransfer Students
Applications are available online at www.umass.edu/umccc.

Second Bachelor's Degree Students
Applications are obtained by calling the Undergraduate Admissions Office at 413-545-0222.

Online Degree Program Students
Applications for the University Without Walls, RN to BS in Nursing, Second Bachelor's Degree in Nursing, Online BBA, and Online Hospitality and Tourism Management programs are available online via Continuing & Professional Education.

Re-entering Student
Students who were previously enrolled as bachelor's degree students must apply for readmission via the Registrar's Office using an Application for Readmission.

Graduate Student
Graduate students must apply for admission via the Graduate School.

Two Ways to Apply

1. Apply online through the Common Application (recommended)

Be sure to submit both the Common Application and the UMass Amherst Supplement along with the application fee. Your application will be complete only when both documents and the fee (or fee waiver) have been submitted. Please check your “My Colleges” page to confirm that all three portions have been submitted (each portion will have its own green triangle – see sample here).

2. Submit a printed version of the Common Application.

Print Common Application and UMass Amherst Supplement

Please Note: To print applications you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. To download a free version, click here.

Completing your Application

Name. Use your full legal name on all documents. Use this same full legal name on all of your application materials (including test scores).  For U.S. citizens, this should be the name listed on your Social Security card.

Social Security Number. If you intend to apply for financial aid, please enter your Social Security number accurately on your application.  An omission or error will delay processing of your financial aid award.

Accurate mail and email addresses. Confirm that your mail address is correct and provide an email address that you will check frequently. Don’t forget to notify us if your mail or email address changes. Please add mail@admissions.umass.edu to your address book so that important emails from us do not go to your spam folder.

Ethnicity. Providing this optional information on your ethnic background will assist the university in complying with state and federal laws and reporting requirements.

Selecting a major. Browse our list of majors. You have the option of selecting both a first- and second-choice major.  Should space limitations or your academic background preclude admission to your choice of major(s), you will be considered as an undeclared major. You can also apply as “undeclared” if you are undecided about a major. NOTE: All transfer students entering as juniors are also required to declare a major and then be admissible to that major in order to be accepted to UMass Amherst.

Essay / Personal Statement. This is a required part of the application. Take your time writing your essay. Get feedback from your parents, a favorite teacher, or your guidance counselor. Proofread it carefully. We want to know something about you. You must also submit a brief written statement with your application. This is an ideal opportunity to provide further information not apparent in your transcripts and other materials.

Application Fee. Pay the nonrefundable $70 application fee online or send a check payable to UMass Amherst (make sure your name and date of birth are on the check). If you are eligible for a waiver of the application fee, ask your guidance counselor to complete and submit the relevant waiver form.

Transcripts

  • Freshman: Request that your high school send or transmit the Common Application School Report or an official transcript directly to Undergraduate Admissions. Transcripts for grades 9-11 must be issued from the high school in which you completed junior year and must include a listing of all high school courses and grades.
  • Transfer: Request that all the colleges/universities you have attended send an official transcript directly to Undergraduate Admissions (whether or not credit is desired). Photocopies and student copies are not acceptable. If you apply with fewer than 27 completed credits or from colleges with non-standard grading systems, you must also submit official high school transcripts.

Test Scores: Test scores must be sent to us electronically by the testing agency. Rush reports are not accepted and student score reports are not considered official. The UMass Amherst codes are 3917 for SAT and 1924 for ACT.

  • Freshman: Standardized test scores (SAT I and/or ACT) are required for admission Achievement and subject tests are optional.
  • Transfer: Standardized test scores (SAT I and/or ACT) are required only for transfer applicants who have fewer than 27 completed college credits and those who are coming from colleges that use non-standard grading methods.

International: Applicants who are not native speakers of English are required to demonstrate their English language proficiency. Transfer applicants must also submit the bank statement and sponsor statement to be considered for admission.

Letter(s) of Recommendation: We require at least one academic letter of recommendation. Transfer applicants must submit the Common Application College Officials Form.

Avoid submitting unnecessary materials: Please do not send non-required supporting documents or items such as photographs, recordings, writing samples, awards or commendations, etc., unless requested. If you would like us to know about a relevant activity, talent or award, please include that information in your personal statement.

Architecture, Art, Dance, and Music Majors

Architecture, art, dance, and music majors should file an admission application with the Admissions Office early to facilitate the audition or portfolio review process. See Important Notes for Selected Majors for more information.

Submit your Application

Once you have submitted your application, please allow 7-10 days for it to be received and processed (note that it may take longer than 7-10 days if your application is submitted close to our busiest deadlines or if you submit a paper application).

Check Your Application Status

Shortly after your application is processed you will receive an email with a NetID and password. This will allow you to confirm the status of your application (for example, confirmation that we have received your transcript(s) and test scores).

We cannot review an application until the file is complete, so it is important to check your status and take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that your application is complete.

Failure to submit a completed application by the stated deadlines may result in the withdrawal of the application without review.