If you’re reading this, you’re likely wondering whether or not your child has a shot at getting into the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. While there’s no copy-and-paste format for a successful application to UMass Amherst (or to any school, for that matter), we’re going to dive into some of the features that unite the students who gain admission to the University of Massachusetts. But first, let’s look at what sets UMass Amherst apart from other schools. 

About UMass 

The University of Massachusetts’s flagship campus is in Amherst, a small town in the picturesque Connecticut River Valley, not far from the Berkshires. UMass Amherst is notable among state schools because it’s part of the Five College Consortium, meaning students can cross-register in courses at nearby Amherst College (a Little Ivy), Smith College, Mount Holyoke College, and Hampshire College. 

UMass Amherst has an undergraduate population of 23,000 students. It’s known for having some of the best campus dining of any school in the United States, with chefs sourced from the Ritz-Carlton and most produce sourced from local farms. 

The University of Massachusetts’s acceptance rate hovers around 60%. That means it’s what we at Ivy Coach would consider a great choice for students looking for a less competitive place to apply, but who still want ample resources, great professors, and a happy campus. 

University of Massachusetts Admissions Requirements

Obviously, GPA, standardized testing scores, and extracurricular achievements are the key components of a successful application to UMass Amherst and to any school. That being said, what do these components actually look like for UMass admits? Without further ado, let’s dive in!

What Kind of GPA Is Necessary To Get Into the University of Massachusetts? 

The following is the GPA breakdown of the members of the University of Massachusetts Class of 2029, the most recently available data: 

GPA	Percentage of University of Massachusetts Class of 2029
4.0	67%
3.75-3.99	17%
3.5-3.74	10%
3.25-3.49	4%
3.0-3.24	1%
2.5-2.99	0%
2.0-2.49	0%
1.0-1.99	0%

If you’re not a charts person, let’s talk through what these numbers mean. Last year, for the Class of 2029, 67% of the enrolled first-year students at the University of Massachusetts Amherst had perfect GPAs in high school. An additional 17% had a GPA between 3.75 and 3.99. Only 5% of the incoming class had a GPA below 3.75.

What Kind of SAT or ACT Scores Are Needed To Get Into UMass?  

The average SAT score for the UMass Amherst Class of 2029 was a 1410, and the average ACT score was a 32. These are pretty high scores for a school with an acceptance rate above 50%. This, however, is because UMass Amherst is test-optional and only 22.3% of applicants submitted scores. Even with that information, we at Ivy Coach believe that not submitting test scores can only ever hurt an applicant’s chances, even to supposedly test-optional schools. 

What Kinds of Extracurriculars Does the University of Massachusetts Like To See?

We’re going to clear up a common misunderstanding: highly selective colleges are not looking for well-rounded students. They’re looking for a well-rounded student body comprised of students who are each singularly talented. 

In terms of extracurriculars, that means UMass Amherst is looking for depth over breadth. If you’re a member of the debate team, the robotics team, the field hockey team, and the drama department…well, then, you’re merely a member of those groups. You don’t stand out in any of these pursuits. UMass Amherst would much rather accept a nationally ranked debate champ than a kid who spent an hour or two on debate a week because he spent the rest forgetting Shakespeare lines and fumbling the ball in football practice. 

University of Massachusetts Application Requirements

UMass Amherst uses the Common Application. They require at least one letter of recommendation. Finally, they ask the following supplemental questions: 

• Please tell us why you want to attend UMass Amherst. (100 words)
• At UMass Amherst, no two students are alike. Our communities and groups often define us and shape our individual worlds. Community can refer to various aspects, including shared geography, religion, race/ethnicity, income, ideology, and more. Please choose one of your communities or groups and describe its significance. Explain how, as a product of this community or group, you would enrich our campus. (100 words)
• Please tell us why you chose the Majors you did. (100 words)

Ivy Coach has some tips and tricks for writing “Why College” essays like the one above.

Who Should Students Ask For Letters of Recommendation for the UMass? 

UMass Amherst applicants should ask two junior year teachers in core subjects. Obviously, the applicant should have a good relationship with the teacher or at least have performed well in their class. In addition, at least one of the recommenders’ subject area should be related to the student’s hook: if a student’s singular hook is studying fruit fly DNA, it wouldn’t make sense if their recommenders were their History and English teachers. 

Does the UMass Require an Interview? 

UMass Amherst does not require an interview, and, in fact, they don’t even offer one!

What Are the University of Massachusetts’s Application Deadlines? 

Early Action applications to UMass Amherst are due November 5th and Regular Decision applications are due January 15th. 

How Ivy Coach Helps Students Get Into the University of Massachusetts

If you’re interested in discerning if your child has a shot of getting into the University of Massachusetts, we recommend setting up Ivy Coach’s Strategy Session. Not only will you find out if your child has a chance of getting into UMass Amherst, but you’ll receive a game plan of how your child can optimize their admission to the best school possible.