Instructions for completing the online application: College Now or START

This page will guide you through the online application process for UMass Dartmouth's alternative admissions programs, College Now and START. The programs are intended for those who have completed high school or its equivalent, but whose academic achievements have been hampered by certain social, educational, or economic obstacles.

More information about College Now and START, to determine if you qualify

Apply one way only:

• UMass Dartmouth online application (instructions below)
• Common Application
• paper application

You must use the Common Application or the paper application if you plan to use a fee waiver; we cannot accept a fee waiver for the UMass Dartmouth online application.

Follow these steps for applying online

• Review information on the basics page
• Read the instructions (below)

Then

1. Complete the Supplemental Form (#1 below). Submit and return to this page
2. Click on the Online Undergraduate Application link (#2 below) to complete the online application
3. Finally, review the list of additional materials you will need to send after you apply online (#3 below)

Online application instructions

Please read these important instructions, which will help you complete the online application process.

To apply online, you must be ready to pay the non-refundable application fee online using MasterCard or Visa ($40 for Massachusetts residents; $60 for all others). If you do not have a credit card, or if you have an application fee waiver from your high school or the College Board, please use the Common Application or the paper application to apply.

Please make sure you have all the required information before applying. You cannot make corrections to your application after you submit it. Make sure to review your information when given the chance before submitting the application. If you must make a correction later, contact the College Now Office: 508-999-8703

Information you'll need

• Personal information, including social security number and family information
• Residency information
• Emergency contact information
• If you are a permanent resident, your green card number and your birth country and city
• Your high school attendance and graduation dates
• If you have attended other colleges before applying to UMass Dartmouth, have those attendance dates and (if applicable) graduation dates available; additionally, you will need to list any current courses/credits (if applicable)

1. Supplemental Form for College Now and START

Complete the brief Supplemental Form, then return to this page to proceed to the Online Undergraduate Application.

2. Ready to apply? Online Undergraduate Application for College Now/START

We begin reviewing applications on October 1.

3. After you apply online: additional materials needed

After you complete the online part of the application process, we still need to receive by mail the items listed below.

Please write your name and date of birth on every item you send in the mail.

Send your additional materials to:

College Now Office
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
285 Old Westport Road
North Dartmouth, MA 02747-2300

• An official transcript from your high school
• If applicable, a copy of the GED certificate from the state and a copy of your GED test record
• A 500-word essay describing your experiences and why you are pursuing an academic career
• Two letters of recommendation
• If your SAT or ACT scores do not appear on your official high school transcript, be sure to request that the College Board sends them to UMass Dartmouth
• College transcripts, if applicable

More information: freshman requirements and alternative admissions

Contact College Now at collegenow@umassd.edu or 508-999-8703