The state of Massachusetts is home to some of the finest private and public research universities in America, UMASS Amherst is one of those institutions and we will be discussing its acceptance rate and admission requirements.
UMASS Amherst is one of the earliest universities in North America. The university is the largest and oldest campus in the University of Massachusetts system.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degree programs in different fields of study. With over 32,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students currently enrolled at UMASS Amherst, more applications are received during admission each year.
If you are an intending applicant to UMASS Amherst and you know little or nothing about its acceptance rate and admission process and requirements, then you should read this article.
About the University of Massachusetts Amherst
Established in 1863, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a public research institution in Amherst, Massachusetts.
UMASS Amherst was established as an agricultural college in 1863. The University of Massachusetts Amherst has the largest campus by size in Massachusetts covering 1,463 acres.
The university is also a member of the five-college consortium comprising Amherst College, Mount Holyoke College, Hampshire College and Smith College.
UMASS Amherst offers about 110 undergraduate majors and 127 graduate degree programs. Online programs are also offered at UMASS Amherst.
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Schools and Colleges at the University of Massachusetts Amherst
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is organised into 12 schools and colleges.
They include the College of Education, Engineering, Humanitioes and Fine Arts, Natural Sciences, Robert and Donna Manning College of Information and Computer Science, and Social and Behavioural Sciences.
Isenberg School of Management, Public Health and Health Sciences, Agriculture, Graduate School, Elaine Marieb College of Nursing, and the Common Wealth Honors College. completes the list.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst Ranking
Being one of the top universities in Massachusetts, UMASS Amherst occupies notable positions in recent university rankings.
According to U.S. News and World Report, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is ranked #67 in National Universties, #26 in Top Public Schools, and #133 in Best Value Schools.
UMASS Amherst is also ranked #253 in world university rankings (QS World University Rankings). And #191 according to Times Hgher Education.
Campus Life at the University of Massachusetts Amherst
The University of Massachusetts provides the basics for the best college life experience.
UMASS Amherst provides housing options for undergraduates. From apartments and suites to residential halls, you will find a perfect place to call home on campus.
There are over 400 student organizations and clubs on campus for students interested in socializing. Across campus, you will find dining halls where you can treat yourself to healthy meals.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst prioritizes the safety, health and well-being of everyone on campus. It provides caring and robust services to assist students to cope with the challenges they face academically.
Admissions at the University of Massachusetts Amherst
The University of Massachusetts Amherst uses a holistic review to weigh each application.
The admission officers at the University of Massachusetts are interested in applicants involved in extracurricular activities and those who will contribute positively to the community on campus.
Good grades and high test scores are essential factors for admission to UMASS Amherst. What is also important is your ability to demonstrate how passionate you are about your studies.
To be a worthy candidate for admission at UMASS Amherst, you will need to back up your grades and test scores with something extra.
Ensure you are involved in extracurricular activities. Prepare to write an interesting essay about yourself and also a good recommendation will boost your admission chances at UMASS Amherst.
What Is the GPA Requirement at UMASS Amherst?
Looking at the previous admitted class at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the new students had a middle 50% GPA of 3.8-4.3.
To be considered a strong candidate for admission at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, you will need an average GPA of 3.9. The average GPA requirement at UMASS Amherst demands the best academic performances from intending applicants.
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SAT and ACT Requirements
The latest admitted class at the University of Massachusetts Amherst had a middle 50% SAT score of 1280-1450. The average SAT score composite at this university is 1290 on the 1600 SAT scale.
On the ACT, the newly admitted students at UMASS Amherst had a middle 50% score of 29-33. The University of Massachusetts Amherst’s average ACT score is 29. The ACT score for the 25th percentile is 26 and the 75th percentile score is 32.
The Acceptance rate at UMASS Amherst
Over the last few years, the University of Massachusetts Amherst has admitted more than 50% of its overall applicants.
A year before the last admission at UMASS Amherst, the university received 40,253 applications and admitted 26,828 students. The 26,828 admitted students were 65.3% of the total number of applications received.
During the last fall term, UMASS Amherst admitted 64% of the 45,399 applications received.
Currently, 5,571 students are in first-year class. In-state students make up 65.7% of those students, out-of-state students are 25.5%, and international students are 8.6%.
UMASS Amherst Early Action Acceptance Rate
The University of Massachusetts Amherst offers an Early Action program. Early Action programs are nonbinding, and you can apply to other college or university early admission programs.
The deadline for Early Action at UMASS Amherst is November 5. Now let us look at the acceptance rate for Early Action applicants at UMASS Amherst.
In 2020, UMASS Amherst admitted 14,832 students out of 20,980 Early Action applicants. The acceptance rate for Early Action admission in that particular year was 70.7%.
UMASS Amherst currently has an Early Action acceptance rate of 74.4%. This was after the university admitted 15,740 students out of 21,168 applicants who applied in Early Action.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst First-Year Application Process
UMASS Amherst has a large undergraduate student enrolment and will accept more students who meet its admission requirements.
All first-year applicants to the University of Massachusetts Amherst must have graduated from high school and earned a diploma or equivalent.
Before you apply to UMASS Amherst, you must meet its high school unit requirements. Admission at UMASS Amherst is selective and you must be academically prepared to compete with other applicants.
UMASS Amherst Unit Requirements
- English: 4
- Mathematics (algebra II): 4
- Natural science (three labs) 3
- Social sciences (a course in U.S history): 2
- Foreign language: 2
- Elective: 2
If you are applying to the College of Engineering, Isenberg School of Management or the computer science major, you must have four math units (including pre-calculus, calculus or trigonometry).
How to Apply to UMASS Amherst as a First-Year Applicant
The University of Massachusetts will accept the Common Application.
Application Option
Apply through the Common Application. On the Common Application, you will provide your legal name and social security number.
Select a specific major from over 90+ options.
Submit Essay
Next on the application is an essay. Through the essay section on the Common Application, you are allowed to tell a story about yourself. Write a unique essay that defines who you are, other than what is already on your school transcripts.
Teacher/Counsellor Recommendation
Your school counsellor or teacher should submit a recommendation. Teacher recommendations should come from academic core subject teachers.
Official High School Transcripts
Ask your high school to submit or transmit the Common Application School Report. Your official school transcript should also be submitted directly to Undergraduate Admissions. Transcripts for 9th and 11th grade must be sent via the Common Application by school officials.
Transcripts can also be sent through email to mail@admissions.umass.edu, or sent mailed to the address;
- UMass Amherst Undergraduate Admissions Office, Mather Building, 37 Mather Drive, Amherst, MA 01003
SAT or ACT Scores
The University of Massachusetts is test-optional through the fall term of 2023. However, you can submit test scores if you choose to. UMASS Amherst will only accept test scores sent directly from the testing agency.
UMASS Amherst School code
- SAT code: 3917
- ACT score: 1924
Application Fee
You are required to pay the non-refundable application fee of $85. The fee should be paid online via the Common Application.
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Transfer Application Process and Admissions
The University of Massachusetts Amherst receives thousands of transfer applications each year, with over 1,500 students admitted into different majors. Many of the transfer students applying to UMASS Amherst hail from community colleges across Massachusetts.
Who is eligible for transfer admission at the University of Massachusetts Amherst?
You are eligible for transfer admission at UMASS Amherst if you have previously graduated from high school and enrolled in a degree seeking-program at any college or university.
What are the academic requirements for transfer students at UMASS Amherst?
As a transfer applicant, you must have at least a minimum GPA of 2.7 or above. This is the average GPA to apply for transfer admission. There are selective majors at UMASS Amherst, with specific GPAs and prerequisite course requirements.
If you are applying to UMASS Amherst during your first semester of college, your high school grades will be considered as part of the decision.
How Can I Apply to UMASS Amherst as a Transfer Student?
Transfer applicants to the University of Massachusetts will apply through the Common Application. Complete the essay section of the Common Application.
Submit official college transcripts. Have your official transcripts sent from each college or university attended to Undergraduate Admissions. UMASS Amherst will not accept student copies, photocopies, or emailed electronic college transcripts.
The University of Massachusetts is test-optional through the spring term of 2023. Submitting test scores is optional for transfer students.
Lastly, submit your application. Immediately after your application is received by UMASS Amherst, they will send you an email with your login details.
What Is the Acceptance Rate for Transfer Students at UMASS Amherst?
In the last admission year, UMASS Amherst admitted 2,115 transfer students out of 3,132 who applied for transfer admission. UMASS Amherst had an acceptance rate of 67.5% for transfer students in that admission year.
Currently, the acceptance rate for transfer students at UMASS Amherst is 69.2%. This was after the university admitted 2,132 transfer students from an applicant pool of 3,082.
About 1,185 transfer students enrolled at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The newly admitted transfer students had a middle 50% GPA of 31-3.8.
Application Process for International Students and Admissions
The University of Massachusetts Amherst shares a diverse community with over 70 countries represented on campus. At UMASS Amherst, first-year applicants are treated equally regardless of nationality, race, religion, or language.
All international applicants to UMASS Amherst must have graduated from high school and earned a certificate appropriate for university admission in their home country.
How to Apply to UMASS Amherst as an International Student
As an international applicant, you will have to complete the Common Application.
Pay the application fee of $85. International applicants are not eligible for application fee waivers.
Request that your secondary/high school submit your official transcripts.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst requires a copy of official examination results for exams you completed before applying to the university.
Examination results required by UMASS Amherst
- IGCSE
- GCSE
- level
- AS and/or A Level
- CBSE or ICSE Class X marks statement
- CBSE or ICSE Class XII marks statement
- CAPE
- WASSCE (scratch card is required for online verification)
If you are from a country where English is not an official language, you must demonstrate English language proficiency.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst will accept results from these English proficiency tests.
- TOEFL iBT Home Edition: minimum score of 80 or higher
- IELTS: Minimum score of 6.5 or higher
- Duolingo: minimum score of 105 or higher
The requirement for English proficiency can be waived if your entire secondary school education was at a school where English is the language of instruction.
Your application is incomplete without a teacher’s recommendation. Ask your school teacher to submit a recommendation on your behalf.
Lastly, your school counsellor or principal should submit the School Report or the Counsellor’s Recommendation on the Common Application.
What Is the Acceptance Rate for International Students at UMASS Amherst?
In fall 2021, statistics show that over 27% of graduate students at the University of Massachusetts Amherst were international students. The students represent more than 100 countries and they are enrolled in different majors at the graduate level.
UMASS Amherst has no specific acceptance rate for international students. However, the incoming class at UMASS Amherst comprises 390 international students.
Also Read: Georgia Institute of Technology Acceptance Rate, Admission, Tuition, SAT/ACT, Ranking
The University of Massachusetts Amherst Tuition and Fees
Here is the estimated cost of attendance at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
| Tuition & Fees | Room & Board | Total | |
| In-State | $16,952 | $14,776 | $31,728 |
| Out-of-State | $38,172 | $14,776 | $52,948 |
| International | $38,582 | $14,776 | $53,358 |
UMASS Amherst Contact Address
- School Address: Amherst, MA 01003, United States
- Phone: +1 413-545-0111
Visit the official website of the University of Massachusetts Amherst for the latest news on research, academics, and upcoming events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the frequently asked questions about the acceptance rate at UMASS Amherst.
What is the average GPA to get into UMASS Amherst?
The University of Massachusetts Amherst requires an average high school GPA of 3.9. To meet this standard, you will need to be in the top 10% of your graduating class.
Is it difficult to get into UMASS Amherst?
UMASS Amherst is a bit selective with an acceptance rate of 66%. The University of Massachusetts Amherst admitted 27,808 students out of 42,446 that applied.
However, you can apply to UMASS Amherst Early Action. The deadline is November 5 and the acceptance rate is approximately 73%.
Is UMASS Amherst a prestigious school?
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is one of the top public universities in the New England Region of the United States. UMASS Amherst is ranked 68th among national universities and 26th in top public schools.
Conclusion
UMASS Amherst is a bit selective when admitting students. The university searches for applicants who have something more than impressive academic records.
If you intend to be among the next freshman at UMASS Amherst, then your application profile should be more promising.
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References
- UMASS: ADMISSIONS STATISTICS
- U.S. News & World Report: University of Massachusetts–Amherst
- Top Universities: University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Times Higher Education: University of Massachusetts
