Apply to Exploratory Pathways Program
Welcome! We are excited you’ve decided to apply.
The admission process differs depending on your current relationship with UWW and UMass Amherst. We put together the following guide to assist you.
Which Form Do I use?
The first thing is to figure out which application form to use. Are you a:
If you're new to UMass Amherst, use the online Undergraduate Admissions Application.
Are you a non-degree student who has only ever taken individual classes at UMass Amherst? Use the online Undergraduate Admissions Application.
Are you a Former UMass Amherst (on-campus) Student who was enrolled in an on-campus degree program in the past? Welcome back! Use the Undergraduate Admissions Application.
NOTE: If you are a Former UMass Amherst (on-campus) Student returning to complete your original on-campus degree, please review and complete the Application for Re-Enrollment.
Are you a Former UMass Amherst Student who was enrolled in a UWW/CPE program in the past? Welcome back! Please use the Undergraduate Reactivation Form.
The Basics
Admission to the Exploratory Pathways Program is contingent upon the following:
- 3.0 High School cumulative GPA minimum
The successful completion of required high school courses at a level consistent with the university’s admissions standards as shown below. The following minimum subject matter requirements must be met:
- English: 4 units
- Mathematics (Algebra II minimum): 4 units, including math in the senior year of high school
- Natural Science (3 labs): 3 units
- Social Science (one course in US history): 2 units
- Foreign Language: 2 units of same language
- Electives (from areas above, arts and humanities, or computer science): 2 units
While the primary criteria for admission are the high school transcript and SAT/ACT scores, other criteria, including the level of academic challenge, extracurricular activities, work, etc., are also considered.
| Starting Semester | Early Application ($50 Application Fee)* |
Regular Application |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | May 1 | June 1 |
| Spring | October 1 | November 1 |
| Summer | March 1 | March 15 |
*Applications received for admission through Summer 2021 will have the application fee waived. Applications received for Fall 2021 admission and beyond will be charged an Application Fee as noted in the table above.
Admissions are done on a rolling basis. Completed files will be reviewed and decided upon on a first-come, first-serve basis for each term. Decision letters are sent out as decisions are determined.
In order to be considered for admission, please make sure that all of the required application materials are received by the following date:
| Semester | Deadline |
| Fall | July 1 |
| Spring | December 1 |
| Summer | April 1 |
Review the International Applicant Guide prior to submitting your application for admission to one of the UWW Programs.
Required Materials
For those filling out the Undergraduate Admissions Application, make sure to submit all required materials below, some of which will be collected on the application:
- Resume
- Essay: In about 100 words, describe how your past experiences have led you to apply to UWW and, in another 100 words, tell us more about what you're interested in studying and why.
- Official Transcript(s): Submit official college transcripts from all colleges you have previously attended, regardless of whether credit is desired. UMass Amherst accepts electronic transcripts from official third parties (eScrip-Safe, Parchment, etc.) or directly from the Registrar's office of the issuing school. Student-submitted transcripts are not accepted. Transcripts can be sent to the UWW Admissions, UMass Amherst, 350 Campus Center Way, Amherst, MA 01003-2902 or email to @email. Maximum transfer credit is 75 semester credits.
- High School Transcripts or GED Scores (if less than 27 transferable college credits)
- English Language Proficiency Documentation
If English is not your first language, please review our English Language Proficiency Requirements.
- International Transcript(s), if applicable.
If you have attended a post-secondary college or university, official transcripts are required whether or not transfer credit is desired. International Students: Please review our International Applicant's Guide.
For those using the Undergraduate Reactivation form, please refer to the application for required materials.
Additional Steps
Depending on your status when you were last a student, there may some additional steps you have to take. The application instructions will walk you through this and our staff is here to help.
