University of Massachusetts-Amherst essay prompts
2026-27verified University of Massachusetts-Amherst admissions
Why UMass
Please tell us why you want to attend UMass Amherst.
100 words max · Required
Community & Contribution
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 max · Required
Why Major at UMass
Please tell us why you want to study your chosen subject, and explain why you want to study it at UMass Amherst in particular.
100 words max · Required
About the application
Applies via the Common App.
Make your next draft count.
Common questions
- What are the University of Massachusetts-Amherst essay prompts for 2026-27?
- University of Massachusetts-Amherst lists Why UMass (1 prompt); Community & Contribution (1 prompt); Why Major at UMass (1 prompt) for 2026-27.
- How many essays does University of Massachusetts-Amherst require?
- University of Massachusetts-Amherst requires 3 essays based on the published group instructions for 2026-27. The page lists 3 required and 0 optional prompts.
- What are the word limits for the University of Massachusetts-Amherst supplemental essays?
- The published word and character limits are 100 words max.