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Colleges / University of Massachusetts Amherst

University of Massachusetts Amherst

Amherst, MA 4-Year Public
Acceptance Rate64%

UMass Amherst Admissions

University of Massachusetts Amherst is moderately difficult to get into. Around 64% of applicants get into University of Massachusetts Amherst each year. Out of 45,451 applications received in 2023, 28,871 students were offered admission.

If you are thinking about applying to University of Massachusetts Amherst, the regular decision application deadline is January 15 and the fee for the application is $85.

University of Massachusetts Amherst Admissions Stats at a Glance

Here's an overiew of some of University of Massachusetts Amherst's admissions stats.

University of Massachusetts Amherst 2023 Admissions Statistics
Mean Unweighted GPA 4.0
Admitted Students in Top 10% of Graduating Class 28.8%
Mean SAT Score 1358
Admissions Test Policy Test Optional
Applicants Who Submit SATs 29.6%
Applicants Who Submit ACTs 5.3%
Waitlist Yes

University of Massachusetts Amherst Application Deadlines

These are the application deadlines for University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Application Type Offered Application Deadline Notification Deadline
Early Decision I No
Early Decision II
Early Action Yes November 5
Regular Decision Yes 1 15

Applying Early to University of Massachusetts Amherst?


University of Massachusetts Amherst does not offer early decision but does offer early action.

🗓️ The Early Action deadline is November 5.

University of Massachusetts Amherst accepts roughly 7% of early action applicants and 64% all applicants for all deadlines. In 2022, University of Massachusetts Amherst admitted 16,787 of the 24,2 who applied early action.

Some students apply to college early because they hope it will increase their chances of being offering admission. When you apply early, your application is considered before all the regular decision applicants apply. Applying early may increase your chance of acceptance, since it demonstrates that you are very interested in a school.

➡️ Find a list of some top colleges that accept significantly more applicants during early decision or early action than during regular admission.


More on University of Massachusetts Amherst Admissions


Transferring to University of Massachusetts Amherst

Transfer student admissions is moderately difficult.

For Students Waitlisted to University of Massachusetts Amherst

University of Massachusetts Amherst has not reported data for waitlisted and admitted students.

What's Most Important for Getting Into University of Massachusetts Amherst?

Colleges consider a range of factors when deciding who to admit for their next incoming class. Each college determines which factors are are most important in the admissions process. When creating your list of schools to apply to, you may want to consider your strengths and any possible weaknesses in your application, and apply to colleges that put the most emphasis on the areas where you're strong.

Admissions Factors at University of Massachusetts Amherst

What does University of Massachusetts Amherst consider during the admissions process? Take a look at the list below to see which factors are most important during the admissions process.

Admissions Factor Level
Academic GPA Very Important
Rigor of Secondary School Record Very Important
Character/Personal Qualities Important
Class Rank Important
Application Essay Important
Extracurricular Activities Important
Recommendation(s) Important
Talent/Ability Important
Work Experience Important
First Generation Important
Racial/Ethnic Status Considered
Standardized Test Scores Considered
State Residency Considered
Volunteer Work Considered
Level of Applicant's Interest Considered

Make sure to check with University of Massachusetts Amherst for more information on admission factors.

University of Massachusetts Amherst 2022-2023 Application Requirements

To apply to University of Massachusetts Amherst, all applicants must submit the following items. Check with University of Massachusetts Amherst's admissions department to confirm all application materials and requirements.

Area Required Recommended Required for Some Details (If Any)
Letter(s) of Recommendation 1
Written Essay or Personal Statement
Transcript of High School Record

GPA and Testing


What GPA Do I Need To Get Into University of Massachusetts Amherst?

Students admitted to University of Massachusetts Amherst have an average unweighted GPA of 4.0. University of Massachusetts Amherst considers weighted GPA scores from incomging students.

Out of all students that were admitted, 30.6% submitted a class rank. At University of Massachusetts Amherst 28.8% of students ranked in the top 10% of their graduating class in high school, 65.5% were in the top 25% and 94% were in the top 50%.

GPAs of Admitted Students

At University of Massachusetts Amherst, student GPAs fall in the following ranges.

GPA Percent of Students
4.0 GPA 54.5%
3.75 and 3.99 22.9%
3.50 and 3.74 14.5%
3.25 and 3.49 6.6%
3.00 and 3.24 1%
2.50 and 2.9 0.5%
2.00 and 2.49

This chart depicts the percentage of all enrolled, degree-seeking, first-time, first year (freshmen) students who had high school grade point average within the given ranges.

Note: Some schools choose not release this information. If you have any questions regarding missing numbers, be sure to reach out to University of Massachusetts Amherst directly.

About GPAs

Your high school grade point average (GPA) is a number that highlights your high school academic performance. A weighted GPA or an unweighted GPA are the two possible GPA scores considered by colleges.

An unweighted GPA is an average of your scores from each class on a four-point scale. Unweighted GPAs range from 4.0 to under 1.0. A weighted GPA considers your average grade and the difficulty of your classes. A weighted GPA boosts your average by adding extra points for honors or Advanced Placement courses.

Standardized Test Scores

University of Massachusetts Amherst has a test optional admissions policy. Test optional schools allow students to choose if they want to submit ACT or SAT scores with their applications or not.

In 2022, 29.6% of University of Massachusetts Amherst's first-year students submitted their SAT scores with their application. 5.3% of admitted applicants sent ACT scores.

What is a Good SAT Score for University of Massachusetts Amherst?

To be competitive with other University of Massachusetts Amherst applicants, you should aim to earn between 1280 and 1450 (or higher!) on the SAT. At University of Massachusetts Amherst 25% of admitted students scored higher than 1450 and 25% of scored lower than 1280, but the majority of students scored somewhere in between these two numbers.The mean composite SAT score for a University of Massachusetts Amherst student is 1358.

On the SAT Math Section, 25% of University of Massachusetts Amherst students scored 760 or higher and 75% of students scored 630 or higher. On the SAT Critical Reading section (formerly called the Verbal section), 25% of University of Massachusetts Amherst students scored 720 or higher, and 75% scored a 630 or higher.

To be most competitive at University of Massachusetts Amherst, you should strive to earn between 29 and 33 on the ACT.

An ACT score of 33 means you fall in the 75th percentile for University of Massachusetts Amherst's admitted students. One out of every four students scored above a 33, and three out of four students scored lower than 33 on the ACT.

A 29 on the ACT is the 25th percentile for University of Massachusetts Amherst students. Only one out of every four students scored below 29.

More Information on Transferring to University of Massachusetts Amherst

For transfer students, it is moderately difficult to get admitted to University of Massachusetts Amherst.

For transfer students wishing to start in the fall, the deadline to apply is April 15.

Transfer students can enroll in University of Massachusetts Amherst during the following terms:

• Fall Term

• Winter Term

• Spring Term

• Winter Term

• Summer Term


University of Massachusetts Amherst Admissions FAQs


Can I defer my acceptance to University of Massachusetts Amherst?

✅ Yes, admitted students can defer their admission to University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Does University of Massachusetts Amherst accept transfer credits?

✅ University of Massachusetts Amherst accepts eligible transfer credits from accredited institutions. University of Massachusetts Amherst accepts:

• CLEP subject tests • DSST/DANTES

Does University of Massachusetts Amherst accept Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) credits?

✅ University of Massachusetts Amherst accepts International Baccalaureate credits (IB) credits.

Do I have to submit test scores to University of Massachusetts Amherst?

❌ No, University of Massachusetts Amherst is test optional, so it's up to you if you want to submit test scores or not. If you have higher than average scores, you may want to send them. If your scores are average or below average, you may want not want to include them in your application.

What is University of Massachusetts Amherst's acceptance rate?

✅ University of Massachusetts Amherst has an acceptance rate of 64%.

What is the early decision acceptance rate at University of Massachusetts Amherst?

❌ University of Massachusetts Amherst does not offer early decision.

What is the early action acceptance rate at University of Massachusetts Amherst?

✅ The early action acceptance rate at University of Massachusetts Amherst was 7% in 2021.

Want To Learn More About University of Massachusetts Amherst?

Click below to find out more about the admissions requirements and deadlines, student life, academics, majors and more.

Overview

Student Life

Academics

Tuition & Aid

Visit the College Confidential forums to join the conversation about University of Massachusetts Amherst

Explore other colleges in Massachusetts or use the college admissions predictor to calculate your chances of getting into some of the top colleges and universities in the U.S.

UMass Amherst Admissions Requirements

Admission Difficulty

Somewhat Selective

64%

How hard is it to get into UMass Amherst? UMass Amherst is a somewhat selective institution. The UMass Amherst acceptance rate is 64%. This means that the institution accepts 63 out of every 100 applicants.

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UMass Amherst Application Deadline

First-Year Applications are Due

Jan 15

Transfer Applications are Due

Apr 15

The deadline for Fall first-year applications to UMass Amherst is Jan 15.

The deadline for Fall transfer applications to UMass Amherst is Apr 15.

Check the school website for more information about deadlines for specific programs or special admissions programs

UMass Amherst SAT Scores

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Composite SAT Range

1280 - 1450

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Math SAT Range

630 - 760

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Reading SAT Range

630 - 720

Estimated Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score

SAT Score

Estimated Chance

1450 and Above

Good

1280 to 1450

Avg

1280 and Less

Low

SAT Scores Needed to Get Accepted

The median SAT score for UMass Amherst students is 1358. Applicants with SAT scores of 1450 and above have a good chance of being admitted to UMass Amherst, while applicants with SAT scores between 1280 to 1450 have an average chance of admittance, and prospective students with an SAT score below 1280 have a low chance of being offered a spot at UMass Amherst.

UMass Amherst GPA

Avg. High School GPA (non-weighted)

4.0

GPA Needed to Get Accepted

At UMass Amherst, the average unweighted high-school GPA for admitted students is 4.0. This is the average, which means that some applicants submit GPAs lower than this and some applicants submit GPAs above this level. If your GPA falls below the average, strong test scores or other qualifications may help you make you a more competitive applicant.

Data Source: IPEDs and Peterson's Databases © 2022 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved

Quick Facts

Total Enrollment

32,229

Campus Setting

Small Town

Acceptance Rate

64%

Tuition and Fees

In State

$18,123

Out-of-State

$40,059

Fall Freshmen
Application Deadline

Jan 15
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