Admissions: All Applicants

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All applicants applying to Stockbridge must complete the application for undergraduate admission to the University of Massachusetts.

If you use the paper application, submit it along with a personal statement, the application fee, official transcript, SAT/ACT scores, and letters of recommendation. Applications must include the first set of senior grades.

If you apply online, you may pay your fee when you submit your application.  All other documents should be mailed to the Undergraduate Admissions Office.

Applicants should take standardized tests (SATs/ACTs) on or before the January test date of their senior year.  Do not wait for your senior year SAT/ACT results before applying.  Official SAT/ACT scores must be sent to Stockbridge School from the Educational Testing Service if SAT/ACTs are not included with the transcript.  The Stockbridge School College Board (CEEB) number is 3769.

Applicants who wish to be considered for both Stockbridge School and a related bachelor degree should contact the Admissions Counselor at the Stockbridge School for specific information.

The Early Action option offers students a way to apply early for admission to Stockbridge School.  EA applicants should indicate Early Action admissions type on their application and submit it by November 1.  All other required credentials including standardized test scores and high school transcript must be received by December 1.  Students will learn of their acceptance by the beginning of January. 

All other Regular Decision a pplications for the Stockbridge School must be completed and submitted by March 15th to be considered for fall enrollment.

Stockbridge School participates in the Candidate's Reply Date which permits an applicant accepted for fall enrollment to notify the school by May 1 of the intent to enroll.

Admission is contingent upon successful completion of high school graduation requirements at a level consistent with admissions standards.

Due to the sequential nature of Stockbridge programs, enrollment for spring semester is open only to transfer applicants who have completed college credits comparable to the first semester's course work.

Applications may be requested from the following offices:

Stockbridge School
111 Stockbridge Hall
80 Campus Center Way
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, MA 01003-9246
413-545-2222

Admissions Office
University Admissions Center
Mather Bldg., 37 Mather Dr.
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, MA 01003-9291
413-545-0222

High School Applicants

The following criteria are used to evaluate applicants for admission to a Stockbridge program:

• high school performance, reflected in the quality of courses, grades, and class rank
• SAT scores
• work history
• letters of recommendation
• career goal
• quality of application, including essay

Applicants must be high school graduates and their course work should include algebra, English, and at least one lab science. Experience has indicated that both biology and chemistry provide a useful background for courses in the Stockbridge majors. Applicants are encouraged to take these courses in high school. A foreign language is not required.

Although the evaluative criteria are not weighted, an applicant's academic ability is the best indicator of potential in the Stockbridge majors. It is, therefore, expected that applicants have average or better than average grades and test scores.

Transfer Applicants

Transfer applicants are those high school graduates or equivalency diploma (GED) recipients who have accumulated 12 or more college credits at any time. Transfer applicants must submit official transcripts from all colleges attended. In addition, those applying with fewer than 24 college credits must also submit high school or GED transcripts and SAT scores. The requirement for SAT scores is waived only if the applicant has been out of high school more than five years.

A minimum of 30 credits must be earned in residence at the Stockbridge School.

Transfer applicants with 15 credits comparable to the first semester's course work can apply for spring enrollment.

Transfer applicants who are applying for financial aid must also arrange to have an official financial aid transcript from each previously attended college forwarded to Financial Aid Services at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Non-Traditional Applicants

Many applicants who apply to Stockbridge come from the work force or another career rather than directly from high school. Such applicants should submit a copy of their high school transcript or GED scores. SAT scores are also required unless the applicant has been out of high school for five years or more. Such applicants may also submit a resume or work history. Letters of recommendation are not required but may be submitted.

Recommendations

Although recommendations are not required, they may be submitted to provide further information or insights about the applicant or to clarify anything not evident from the application and transcript.

Readmission

Students previously enrolled in Stockbridge who request readmittance must contact the Stockbridge School Office for a readmission application. (See Readmission under Academic Policies)

Reinstatement after Extended Absence

Extended absence is defined as an absence of more than three years where a student is not enrolled in any courses related to his/her major at the Stockbridge School.

When returning to school after an extended absence, a student will be required to fulfill the current requirements for the major. The student will be notified in writing by the Director as to any additional courses required to complete the degree.

Enrollment Categories

International Students

International students are eligible only for fall admission, and must have completed English (non-ESL) composition course work. Additional documents including TOEFL scores and a certified affidavit of financial status must be submitted. International students not currently studying in the United States must file an International Student Application, available from the Admissions Office or the Stockbridge School Office.

Applicants with Learning Disabilities

In-state freshman applicants who meet the conditions described in Chapter 766 of the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are not required to submit SAT results, although they may do so. Applicants with learning disabilities must submit their diagnostics and Individualized Educational Plan (IEP), if they have one. Students may access Disability Services website at www.umass.edu/disability/ for specific information regarding services for students with learning disabilities.

Minority Student Admission Program

The University has an Affirmative Action commitment to provide information and assistance to minority students in making application for admission. Minority individuals are defined in Presidential Executive Order 11246 as including Black, not of Hispanic origin; Cape Verdean; Hispanic; Asian or Pacific Islander; and American Indian or Alaskan Native.

The following ALANA (African American, Latino, Asian, and Native American) programs provide support and multicultural programming for all interested students: CCEBMS (Committee for the Collegiate Education of Black and other Minority Students), BCP (Bilingual Collegiate Program for Hispanic and other bilingual students), NASSS (Native American Student Support Services) and UALRC (United Asia Learning Resource Center).

Part-Time Students

Stockbridge has a Special Student status for anyone interested in taking courses part-time, that is, less than 12 credits per semester. Admittance to any course is on a space available basis. Special Students register for courses in the Stockbridge School Office, 115 Stockbridge Hall, on the first day of classes during either semester.

Part-time students may elect to take classes through the Division of Continuing Education; phone: 413-545-2414. However, in order to qualify for an associate of science degree through Stockbridge, a student may not take more than nine (9) total credits through Continuing Education and no more than six (6) during any one semester.

Senior Citizens

Senior citizens (age 60 or over) are entitled to take courses free of charge. Application forms for tuition waivers are available in the Bursar's Office, 215 Whitmore Administration Building.

Veterans

Veterans are considered under regular admissions policies. All veterans must submit a copy of their DD214 to verify potential credits earned for military experience. Do not submit the original, as this document will be needed at a later date to establish eligibility for GI Bill benefits. If still on active duty, submit the copy upon release from military service. For further information, please contact the University's Veteran's Assistance and Counseling Services Office in the Dean of Students Office, 227 Whitmore Administration Building; phone: 413- 545-2684.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides veterans and their dependents with information about education benefits via a toll-free number, 1-888-442-4551, and a web site at www.va.gov/education.