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Amherst, MAPublic

University of Massachusetts Amherst Admissions: Acceptance Rate, GPA, SAT

Massachusetts flagship public with top-ranked CS (CICS) and food science.

Acceptance Rate
57%
SAT Range
1230–1400
Avg GPA
3.89
Undergrad
24,100
Test-OptionalEarly Action
Policy Unstated

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What it takes to get into UMass

UMass accepts roughly 57% of applicants — competitive but more accessible than the most selective Ivies.The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1230 and 1400 on the SAT, and the average unweighted GPA is around 3.89.

Numbers alone don't get you in. UMass reads holistically — they want to see academic rigor in your high school transcript (AP/IB/Honors course load), genuine intellectual curiosity, leadership in extracurriculars, a clear “spike” or area of demonstrated excellence, strong essays, and recommendation letters that vouch for your character.

Test-optional policies vary year to year. Even where tests are optional, applicants who submit scores in the 75th-percentile range typically have an edge. Check UMass's admissions page for the current cycle's policy.

What UMass Weighs in Admissions

Visual breakdown from Common Data Set Section C7

Very Important
Course rigor & GPA
Considered
Leadership
Awards & honors
Activity depth
Spike / distinctive talent
Application essays
Recommendations

UMass Acceptance Rate

57% acceptance rate with SAT, GPA benchmarks and selectivity analysis.

How to Get Into UMass

Data-driven admissions strategy based on CDS weights and what actually matters.

How to Write the “Why UMass?” Essay

Research tips, common mistakes, and what admissions is actually looking for.

See Where You Stand

GPA vs SAT scattergram — compare your stats to admitted and rejected students.

Practice UMass Interview Questions

AI-scored mock interview with real alumni questions. 5-dimension feedback.

UMass Admissions FAQ

What is UMass's acceptance rate?

UMass admits approximately 57% of applicants based on the most recent reported Common Data Set figures. This rate has trended downward over the past decade as application volumes have grown.

What SAT score do you need for UMass?

Admitted students at UMass typically score between 1230 (25th percentile) and 1400 (75th percentile) on the SAT. Hitting or exceeding the 75th percentile gives you a meaningful edge.

What GPA do you need for UMass?

The average admitted student at UMass has an unweighted GPA of approximately 3.89 on a 4.0 scale — though weighted GPAs and course rigor matter just as much as the raw number.

Is UMass test-optional?

UMass's testing policy varies by cycle. Some years they are test-optional, some years test-required. Always confirm on the official admissions page before submitting.

Compare UMass with similar schools

Stats are approximate, drawn from publicly-reported Common Data Set figures. Confirm current numbers on UMass's official admissions site.