At the College of Natural Resources and the Environment we are excited by the opportunity to work with guidance counselors from across the Commonwealth and more broadly around the region. We hope you will take some time to explore the breadth of our website and familiarize yourself with our college. We also hope you will feel free to contact us and maybe even arrange a visit. We have learned a great deal from our interactions with guidance counselors over the years and would love to meet you. You can contact:

Martha Baker
Assistant Dean
College of Natural Resources and the Environment
110 Stockbridge Hall
mbaker@nre.umass.edu
413 545-1969

What are the general admissions requirements for the University?

As a Massachusetts public university, the University determines freshman admission eligibility in accordance with the published minimum standards established by the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education (MBHE). Meeting these guidelines is no guarantee of admission to the University.

MBHE: Massachusetts High School Unit Requirements:

English 4 Units
Mathematics 3 Units
Natural science (2 labs) 3 units
Social science 2 units
Foreign language 2 units
Electives 2 units

Website: http://www.umass.edu/admissions/online_application/printable_app/2004_app.pdf

To enroll at the University students must have a high school diploma or a GED.

How does a student get admitted to the College of Natural Resources and the Environment?

Acceptance to the College of Natural Resources and the Environment is similar to admissions to the University of Massachusetts Amherst. For freshman, the primary factor for admission is high school performance, including the quality and level of courses, grades, grade point average, class rank, and grade trends. SATs or ACTs are required. An applicant can submit an essay describing any personal circumstances or academic experiences - whether positive or negative - that are important to the admissions decision. This personal statement is not required but can strengthen an application. Achievement tests, and letters of recommendation are not required but can also strengthen an application. Extracurricular activities and work experience are considered in the evaluation of the application.

Applicants to the University have the option of selecting a first and second choice major. Should space limitations or academic background preclude admission to both choices, an applicant will automatically be considered as an undeclared major with either the Pre-Major Advising Services or NRE (if appropriate).

Can a student minor in a CNRE program?

Yes. Minors are available in many majors in the College of Natural Resources and the Environment. A list of all departments, majors and minors is provided.

What are the application deadlines?

All application deadlines can be found at: http://www.umass.edu/admissions/quick_facts.html

What if a student is interested in several areas but is not yet ready to declare their major?

A student who is interested in the majors offered by the College, but not a specific program, can choose to be undeclared within the College of Natural Resources and the Environment (NRE undeclared). NRE undeclared allows students the flexibility to explore a variety of opportunities while being advised by one of our academic deans until a major is declared.

What is the definition of an in-state resident?

In general, if a student is a dependent and at least one parent or guardian has resided in Massachusetts for one year or longer, they will qualify for in-state tuition. Vacation homes may not be used to qualify for Massachusetts residency. More detailed information.

How does a student get into the honors program?

The general application to the University of Massachusetts Amherst also serves as an application to Commonwealth College, the University’s honors program. High school seniors who fulfill the following criteria are usually invited to join the Commonwealth College when they are accepted into the University:

1. Approximately a 1300 combined SAT score
2. Top 10% of their graduating class
3. Cumulative high school GPA of 3.5 or higher

Invitations to join the program/College are made to high school seniors by the Admissions Office after screening the student’s admission file. There is some flexibility for individual cases, but this often depends on the year and the size of the pool and is ultimately subject to the discretion of the Commonwealth College Dean. High school seniors who are invited to join the program must come to an honors admission session held during summer orientation, in order to matriculate into the program.

Students can also apply for admissions into the Commonwealth College once they have completed at least one semester at UMass Amherst and have a cumulative GPA of 3.20 or better. The Commonwealth College allows academically talented students the opportunity to enroll in honors courses and colloquia, participate in honors housing, and provides other enrichment experiences. Commonwealth College students are expected to designate a major in the college of their choice and fulfill its requirements along with those of the Commonwealth College. It is important to note that all students at the university can take honors courses whether or not they are members of the Commonwealth College

How can a student get credit for Advanced Placement courses they took in high school?

The University of Massachusetts Amherst grants advanced standing and/or credit for the College Board AP exams. Credits vary depending upon scores and subject matter. Call the Admissions Office at 413-545-0222 for more information.

Are students in NRE required to take a foreign language while a University student?

While two years of a foreign language in high school is a requirement for acceptance to the University, NRE does not have a specific foreign language requirement for enrolled students. Students with aptitude and interest in a foreign language are encouraged to pursue those interests. Students with interests in business or global aspects of the environment and natural resources may especially benefit from a working knowledge of a foreign language.

Are freshman allowed to have cars on campus?

Yes, provided they register with Campus Parking Services. Keep in mind it is not necessary to have a car to get around. There is free bus service, the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority, to a wide portion of the Pioneer Valley. In addition, Peter Pan buses stops on campus and link Amherst with Boston and other cities.

Is drinking alcohol allowed on campus?

The University is not a dry campus. However, it actively enforces state laws regarding alcohol consumption. No one under 21 years of age is allowed to drink on campus. Students 21 years of age or older are allowed to drink limited quantities in their residence hall room and in designated areas. The University takes violations of the alcohol policy seriously. Violations can lead to housing relocation or removal. The University also provides Alcohol Education Workshops for people who violate alcohol policy.