Undergraduate Essay

All applicants are asked to submit an essay. It gives you the opportunity to present yourself in a way that grades and test scores cannot. The admissions counselors use your essay to determine your ability to organize your thoughts and express yourself clearly. The admission essay is also used in consideration for admission to our Honors Program or scholarship opportunities for qualified applicants.

Please select one of the following questions and write an essay of about 500 words. Be sure to include your name and social security number (if you do not have a social security number, use your date of birth) on each page  and mail to the address listed below.

Choose one:

• Every day we are presented with choices, some more challenging than others. Describe a significant choice that you had to make, and discuss the consequences of your actions. How did your decision impact your life?

• What does the phrase “university community” mean to you? How would your background and experience help contribute to the UMass Boston community?

• Describe a person or event that has had a profound impact on you and the way you look at the world.

If you have not already paid it, please include your application fee along with your essay ($40 for Massachusetts residents; $60 for non-state residents) to:

Office of Undergraduate Admissions
University of Massachusetts Boston
100 Morrissey Blvd.
Boston, MA 02125-3393
Office: (617) 287-6100 Fax: (617) 287-5999