How to Apply
Once you decide to apply to a particular school, you’ve probably spent a lot of time and energy researching it.
As you might guess, we hope that your investigation into UMass Boston concludes with you saying something like, "You know, I think this is the place for me. I can really see myself having fun and succeeding there." And then you take a breath, smile, and get started on your application.
While we’ve worked to make the process of applying a relatively simple process, you should be careful to follow all instructions and complete each step necessary along the way. This will make your life easier.
You’re strongly encouraged to Apply Online either directly to UMass Boston or by using the Common Application.
Please be sure to send us all required materials in order to make your application complete—no matter if you’re applying as a First-year Freshman, Transfer, or International student.
If we can be of any help as you assemble your application, please contact us. Good luck!
Application Checklist
Required application materials:
- Main application—To apply for undergraduate admission to the university, please submit the Online Application. We strongly recommend you fill out the online application, in order to help speed up the decision on your admission.
- Required test scores—SAT, ACT, or TOEFL.
- High school transcripts—As well as those showing any college-level coursework completed.
- Essay – Choose one and show us a more personal side of yourself.
- Academic letter of recommendation—From a counselor or teacher.
- Application fee—If you don’t apply for admission and pay the fee online. Please send with your application a check or money order made out to the University of Massachusetts Boston, in the amount of $40 for Massachusetts residents, or $60 for out-of-state and international students. This fee is non- refundable.*
- Optional materials—Such as your resume and/or other letters of recommendation, to support your application.
*Applicants who have attended UMass Amherst, UMass Dartmouth or UMass Lowell as degree-seeking students are not required to pay this fee.
Mail all application documents to:
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
University of Massachusetts Boston
100 Morrissey Boulevard
Boston, MA 02125-3393 USA
Your application cannot be considered until all required materials have been received by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Please review our application deadlines and information on financial aid.
More Information on the Application
Admit Category
If you have attended college after you completed high school or your secondary education, select transfer as your Admit Category under the Enrollment Information section of the application.
Residency
Before answering the Massachusetts residency question, please carefully read the university's rules governing residency status.
Biographical Information
The questions regarding ethnicity and gender under the Biographical Information section are optional. You are not required to respond to these questions. Your response or your lack of response has no bearing on the admission process. The university uses the information obtained through these questions only for the compilation of statistics for the U.S. Department of Education and similar agencies or for its own statistical, demographic profile of the student body.
SAT and ACT Scores
If you have been out of high school for more than three years, we will not require you to submit SAT I or ACT test scores. We may, however, require you to provide additional information about yourself, which we will request if necessary.
TOEFL Scores
If your native language is not English, you may be asked to demonstrate proficiency in English. You are required to submit a TOEFL score or an SAT II: English Language Placement Test (ELPT).
Honors Program
If you are interested in the University Honors Program, which offers curricular enrichments to academically talented students, be sure to check "Yes" next to the appropriate question under the Additional Information section of the application. Selecting "Yes" ensures that you will receive a mailing with detailed information about the program and an application form; it does not however admit you to the program.
Directions for Student Potential (DSP)
If you are seeking admission to the Directions for Student Potential (DSP) program, be sure to check "Yes" next to the appropriate question under the Additional Information section of the application. Selecting "Yes" ensures that your application will be reviewed for the program; it does not however guarantee admission.