University of Massachusetts Amherst, known for its diverse academic programs and vibrant student life, sets a high standard for its students. In this article, we will explore UMass Amherst’s ACT scores and requirements. Don’t forget to check out our other article that discusses UMass Amherst’s SAT stats and requirements!
What is the average ACT score at UMass Amherst?
UMass Amherst maintains competitive ACT scores among its applicants. The average composite ACT score at UMass Amherst is 31 out of the maximum possible 36. The 25th percentile score for incoming students is 29, and the 75th percentile is 33.
These statistics show that the lower quartile of accepted students scored 29 or below. Meanwhile, the highest 25% of UMass Amherst admits scored 33 or above. These numbers highlight the university’s standards but also indicate that there is no specific score that guarantees admission.
What is the average ACT English score at UMass Amherst?
The ACT composite score is the average of the four test sections: English, mathematics, reading, and science. Let’s break down the UMass Amherst ACT English and Math score statistics.
The average ACT English score at UMass Amherst is 32. The 25th percentile score is 27. In addition, the 75th percentile score reaches a strong 35. This indicates that students generally perform well on the English section, with many achieving high scores.
What is the average ACT Math score at UMass Amherst?
The average ACT Math score for UMass Amherst students is 30. The 25th percentile score is 28, and the 75th percentile is 32. While these scores are slightly lower than the English section, they are still quite high when compared to the national averages.
These statistics show that 25% of successful UMass Amherst applicants scored at or below 28. In addition, the top 25% of UMass Amherst scored at or above 32. That said, remember that there is no single benchmark score that applicants must meet.
What are UMass Amherst’s ACT requirements?
UMass Amherst is test-optional for first-year entering applicants. This means that you are not required to submit standardized test scores in order to apply to UMass Amherst. That said, students who have taken the SAT or ACT are welcome to send their scores, even while UMass Amherst will review applications without standardized test scores.
UMass Amherst requires all scores to be sent directly from the testing agency. In other words, solely self-reporting your SAT scores on your application is not sufficient.
Note that UMass Amherst neither requires nor expects the ACT Writing section. Read more about UMass Amherst’s application requirements and expectations here.
What percentage of UMass Amherst applicants submit the ACT?
Among successful UMass Amherst applicants, around 5% chose to submit ACT scores. An additional 30% submitted SAT scores. The remaining approximate 65% of UMass Amherst admits opted to omit standardized test scores.
While these statistics show that the majority of students applying to UMass Amherst choose to go test-optional, submitting high SAT or ACT scores can strengthen your application. In addition, although six times as many students decided to send UMass Amherst SAT scores over ACT scores, the university maintains no preference between the two exams.
Read more about UMass Amherst’s admissions here.
Should I go test-optional?
Submitting high SAT or ACT scores can only help an applicant’s chances for admission to a competitive university like UMass Amherst. We encourage any student with the means to do so to take the SAT or ACT. If you achieve a competitive score, it will boost your application. If not, you can choose to omit the score.
When deciding whether to go test-optional, consider your scores in the context of UMass Amherst’s average scores. If your scores fall within or above the 25th to 75th percentile ranges, they are likely worth submitting. Ultimately, this is a personal decision based on your strengths, preferences, and the rest of your application materials.
Does UMass Amherst superscore the ACT?
UMass Amherst does superscore the ACT. This means that their admissions team will consider your best combination of scores from all of your tests. This policy can be beneficial for students who have taken the ACT multiple times. Moreover, you can use the ACT equivalent of the College Board Score Choice option to submit some scores and omit others that you’re less proud of.
What’s a good ACT score for UMass Amherst?
UMass Amherst does not have specific ACT score requirements or cutoffs. However, most admitted students have high standardized testing scores. The average composite score is around 31, so aiming for a score at or above the average would be advantageous. The upper 25% of students scored a 33 or higher. Therefore, a composite ACT score above 33 would position your application very competitively in the admissions process.
| Section | 25th | 50th | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 29 | 31 | 33 |
| English | 27 | 32 | 35 |
| Math | 26 | 28 | 32 |
Can I get into UMass Amherst with a low ACT score?
Getting into UMass Amherst with a low ACT score is possible, especially given their test-optional policy. In addition, a lower ACT score can be offset by strong academic and extracurricular achievements. For instance, if you have an impressive transcript demonstrating your abilities in the field of your intended major, you may be more competitive than an applicant with perfect ACT scores but few other accomplishments.
Read more about UMass Amherst’s holistic admissions process here.
When should I take the ACT for UMass Amherst?
Generally, the ideal time to take the ACT is the spring of your junior year. This timing allows you to retake the exam, if necessary, before admissions deadlines.
That said, students applying during the Early Action round must take their last ACT no later than October. Regular Decision applicants must take their last ACT no later than December. If you take the ACT on the last test date before the deadline, be sure to send your scores to UMass Amherst right away to ensure that they will be reviewed with the rest of your application materials.
What is UMass Amherst’s ACT code?
UMass Amherst’s ACT code for submitting official test scores is 1924.
While standardized test scores are optional, submitting high ACT scores can strengthen your application. The decision to take and submit the ACT should be based on your individual strengths, goals, and circumstances. If you are considering the SAT instead, be sure to check out our UMass Amherst SAT Breakdown!
