Scholarships for Entering Students - Fall 2009
General Scholarship Information
The University of Massachusetts Amherst awards both academic and non-academic scholarships. Academic scholarships are awarded based solely on a student’s academic record--SAT scores, GPA, class rank (if available), major-related coursework, and/or audition or portfolio results. Most academic scholarships are not need-based.
In general, entering students do not need to participate in a separate scholarship application process to be considered for the following UMass Amherst scholarships. When they file their application for admission by the stated application deadline, they are also automatically considered for these scholarships. In many cases, scholarship notification accompanies the acceptance letter.
Scholarships Terms and Conditions
Scholarships are renewable for up to a maximum of eight consecutive full-time semesters, or until completion of the degree program, whichever comes first. Full-time study consists of enrollment in 12 or more credits per semester.
Automatic renewal of the scholarships is done annually, in June, with the review of the student’s cumulative grade point average (GPA). The minimum GPA varies by scholarship (see specific scholarship listings below).
To receive a UMass Amherst scholarship, the student must enroll in a degree program at UMass Amherst during the fall 2009 semester. Exceptions may be made if the student is not able to attend and has been granted a deferral of their enrollment by the Undergraduate Admissions Office. A deferral is for one or two semesters only.
If a student receives both merit scholarships and need-based aid, the total of all awards (including tuition waivers, grants, scholarships, subsidized loans, and estimated family contribution) cannot exceed the university’s estimated cost of attendance.
Students who meet the criteria for more than one of the following UMass Amherst merit scholarships may receive only one scholarship, and will be awarded the one with the highest dollar value.
Scholarships for Entering Students
Academic Honors Scholarship
This $5,000 scholarship is awarded to the first-place winner of the Massachusetts Science Fair. This scholarship may be combined with a tuition waiver.
Scholarship application: Documentation of first place award must be submitted
Notification: Admissions Office notification after acceptance and upon submission of documentation
UMass Amherst GPA requirement: 2.5 or higher
Academic Honors Engineering Scholarship
UMass Amherst offers a limited number of $5,000 scholarships to students based on academic achievement, special talents, and financial need. Preference is given to students who are underrepresented in the engineering program and/or to transfer students. These scholarships may be combined with tuition waivers.
Scholarship application: None required
Notification: College of Engineering notification occurs after acceptance
UMass Amherst GPA requirement: 2.5 or higher
Chancellor’s Talent Award
UMass Amherst offers tuition waivers to admitted freshmen who present especially strong art portfolios or who present strong performances in music or dance auditions. These scholarships may not be combined with tuition waivers.
Scholarship application: None required
Notification: Academic department notification occurs after audition or portfolio review
UMass Amherst GPA requirement: 2.5 or higher
Community Scholarships
The Community Scholarships are awarded to students who are low income and/or who are first generation college attendees. The scholarship committee takes into consideration a student’s academic record and level of academic challenge; however, the review also includes factors such as school activities, community service, and work experience. These scholarships may be combined with tuition waivers.
Scholarship application: None required
Notification: Admissions Office notification at the time of acceptance
UMass Amherst GPA requirement: 2.5 or higher
Dean's Scholarships
UMass Amherst offers scholarships to admitted freshmen whose SAT and GPA profile are especially strong. Other factors are also considered. Please note that UMass Amherst does not use the GPA provided by the high school but instead recalculates a GPA for every applicant, using the same weighting for honors, AP, and college coursework. This recalculation is done in accordance with the standards outlined by the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education. These scholarships may be combined with tuition waivers.
Scholarship application: None required
Notification: Admissions Office notification at the time of acceptance
UMass Amherst GPA requirement: 3.2 or higher
Engineers Incentive Scholarships
A limited number of $5,000 scholarships are awarded to high-achieving admitted freshmen who are engineering majors.
Scholarship application: None required
Notification: College of Engineering notification after acceptance
UMass Amherst GPA requirement: 3.0 or higher
National Merit Scholarships
These scholarships cover the full cost of tuition, fees, and standard room and board. A limited number of scholarships are offered per entering class, based on a competitive review of the freshman National Merit Scholars who have applied to the university. These scholarships may not be combined with tuition waivers, since the scholarship already covers the full cost of tuition, fees, and standard room and board.
Scholarship application: None required
Notification: Admissions Office notification after acceptance
UMass Amherst GPA requirement:
3.0 or higher freshman year, 3.2 or higher subsequent years
Other Massachusetts Department of Secondary Education Programs
The John and Abigail Adams Scholarship
This program is administered by the Massachusetts Board of Education for students who are graduating from Massachusetts high schools in 2009. In order to receive this scholarship and apply it to the cost of attending UMass Amherst, students must submit a copy of their scholarship letter to the UMass Amherst Financial Aid Office and must also have filed a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form.
Scholarship awards are based on the grade 10 English and Mathematics MCAS results:
• score in the Advanced category in either the Mathematics or the English language arts section of the grade 10 MCAS test;
• score in the Proficient or Advanced category on the second subject (Mathematics or English language arts); and
• have a combined score on these assessments that ranks in the top 25% in their school district.
This scholarship is a tuition waiver. It does not cover fees, room, or board expenses. Students may not use more than one tuition waiver toward their cost of attendance. The tuition waiver will be extended for a total of eight consecutive semesters, as long as the student is enrolled in 12 or more semester credits and maintains a 3.0 or higher overall GPA.
www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/adams.html
For additional information call 781-338-3678 or send an e-mail to mcas@doe.mass.edu.
The Stanley Z. Koplik Certificate of Mastery Award
This program is administered by the Massachusetts Board of Education. In order to receive this award and apply it to the cost of attending UMass Amherst, students must complete an application form, which is available from high school guidance counselors. They must also submit a copy of their award certificate to the UMass Amherst Financial Aid Office and must also have filed a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form.
Consideration for the Koplik Certificate of Mastery is based on the grade 10 English and Mathematics MCAS results. To be considered, students must have received an Advanced score in either the Mathematics or the English language arts section, and a score of Proficient or Advanced on the second subject (Mathematics or English language arts). To receive the certificate, the student must also fulfill additional requirements via the AP or SAT-II exams. For more specific information, see:
www.osfa.mass.edu/default.asp?page=koplikWaiver
This award is a tuition waiver. It does not cover fees, room, or board expenses. Students may not use more than one tuition waiver towards their cost of attendance. The tuition waiver will be extended for a total of eight consecutive semesters, as long as the student is enrolled in 12 or more semester credits and maintains a 3.3 or higher GPA each semester.
www.doe.mass.edu/FamComm/f_scholarships.html
For additional information call 781-338-6252 or send an e-mail to rsalus@doe.mass.edu.
