Undergraduate Admissions

First-Year Students

Your Journey to UMass Starts Here

If you're finishing high school or have attempted fewer than 12 credits of college coursework after graduation, you're in the right place.

Here you'll find everything you need to apply—from admissions requirements and deadlines to application instructions, financial aid, and support along the way. Whether you're just beginning your college search or getting ready to submit your application, we're here to help you navigate every step of the first-year admissions process.

First-Year Admissions Other Admissions Pathways

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Application Checklist

Admissions Requirements

Application Instructions

Transfer Students

International Students

Online Students

Graduate Students

We Look Beyond Grades

What makes a strong application? Your academic record is important, but it's only one part of your story. We take a holistic approach to reviewing applications, considering your achievements, interests, experiences, and potential to contribute to the UMass community.

Learn about our review process

A CNS class being taught in a renovated classroom in 2019

Academic Preparation

Challenge yourself through strong coursework that prepares you for college-level learning.

Students conduct an experiment in a lab at UMass Amherst.

Curiosity & Initiative

Show us how you've pursued your interests both inside and outside the classroom.

Leadership & Impact

Share the ways you've contributed to your school, community, workplace, or family.

A UMass Amherst student plays cymbals next to traditional Chinese New Year dancing dragons.

Your Story

Your application is an opportunity to tell us what matters to you and what you'll bring to UMass.

Why UMass?

Choosing a college is about finding a place where you'll be challenged, supported, and inspired. At UMass Amherst, you'll have the freedom to discover ideas, blaze your own trail, explore your interests, and gain the experiences that prepare you to make an impact after graduation.

Why UMass

100+ Majors. Endless Possibilities.

You'll be asked to choose a major on your application. With more than 100 majors across 12 schools and colleges, there are boundless opportunities to pursue your passions, explore new interests, or combine disciplines to create your own path.

Explore our programs

Undecided about what to study? Exploratory track programs offer the chance to sample different majors before you declare.

Exploratory Tracks