Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ
The following are the questions asked most frequently. If you have a question not answered here, be sure to ask us.
LEARNING ABOUT ACADEMICS
Q: What majors/programs are offered?
Q: Can students be admitted directly into a major?
Q: Do you have a major in teaching?
Q: Are there programs that make it easier to get a master’s degree?
Q: Do you offer programs in pre-med, pre-dental, pre-vet, and pre-law?
Q: What if a student is undecided about a major?
Q: How does a student take part in the Honors program?
Q: What academic support is available for students?
Q: Do you offer internships?
Q: Do you have a study abroad program?
Q: Aren't most classes taught by teaching assistants?
LEARNING ABOUT COSTS
Q: How much will it cost to attend UMass Lowell?
Q: How does a student apply for Financial Aid? What is the timeline?
Q: Can students work on campus?
Q: Do I need to apply separately for scholarships?
Q: What is the New England Regional Program or Apple program?
Q: What should a student do once they have received the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship?
LEARNING ABOUT CAMPUS LIFE
Q: What resources are available to keep my daughter/son safe at UMass Lowell?
Q: Where can I find information and photos of UMass Lowell’s Residence Halls?
Q: Can students have a car on campus? What is the cost of having a car on campus?
Q: How do students usually get around campus?
Q: Are there special programs to help students transition to campus?
Q: What medical services are available for students?
Q: What is there to do when I’m not in class?
ADMISSIONS PROCESS
Q: Is there a particular member of the admissions staff that I should contact with questions?
Q: What is the Admissions timeline/process like at UMass Lowell?
Q: What are the appropriate school codes?
Q: What are the admissions standards for UMass Lowell?
Q: What should I do if I have a documented learning disability?
Q: What is required in a completed application for freshmen? For transfer students? For International students?
Q: How can a student qualify for an application fee waiver?
Q: What is the purpose of a student ID number?
Q: What happens after a student has been admitted?
Q. Are there alternatives available to students who are denied admission to UML?
Q: What is the Patricia A. Goler Fellows program?
Q: What is the Lowell Connections program?
VISITING UMASS LOWELL
Q: What opportunities are there for prospective students to visit UMass Lowell?
Q: Where can I get information on the City of Lowell?
LEARNING ABOUT ACADEMICS
Q: How does a student take part in the Honors program?
A: There is no separate application for the Honors Program. Learn more – including the qualifications – at the Honors Program web page.
Q: What academic support is available for students?
A: The Centers for Learning and Academic Support Services offers a wide range of assistance.
Q: Do you offer internships?
A: Most UML majors require or support internships. In many cases, the department will help you find a placement. The Office of Career Services has more information on internships.
Q: Do you have a study abroad program?
A: The University offers students the opportunity to study abroad through campus affiliations with services and other campuses. Possible locations include all of Europe, Central America, Australia and New Zealand. More information is available on the Centers for Learning site.
Q: Aren’t most college classes taught by teaching assistants?
A: That may be true on many campuses, but it is not the case at UMass Lowell. All of our classes are taught by professors. Teaching assistants are only found assisting faculty and students.
LEARNING ABOUT COSTS
Q: Can students work on campus?
A: Absolutely – and on-campus jobs pay $10 an hour! Check out the Campus Employment section of the Financial Aid website for information on work study options.
Finding a job if you are not eligible for work study is more difficult, but you should try these offices: the recreation center, academic departments, Aramark Food Services, and much more. For more information please scroll through the student employment handbook.
Q: Do I need to apply separately for scholarships?
A: No, students do not need to apply for scholarships. Students are automatically considered based on their grade point average, SAT scores, and class rank. Beyond that, each scholarship has a subjective selection criteria.
Q: What should a student do once they have received the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship?
A: It is a good idea for students to keep their award letter. You will include a copy of it if you apply for financial aid. This scholarship program is described in detail at the Massachusetts Department of Education site.
LEARNING ABOUT CAMPUS LIFE
Q: Where can I find information and photos of UMass Lowell’s Residence Halls?
A: The Office of Residence Life site provides photos of UML’s eight residence halls. Leitch and Bourgeois are reserved for first year students.
Q: Can students have a car on campus? What is the cost of having a car on campus?
A: Yes, all students are permitted to have cars on campus. Parking costs $144 per year for full time students. You must register your car and get a parking sticker – something you can do on-line during the summer. Campus Police start ticketing cars without stickers the second week of school. More information can be found here.
Q: How do students usually get around campus?
A: In addition to walking, students use the campus shuttle bus, which offers continuous service around campus and to and from the Lowell Regional Transit Authority’s Gallagher Terminal, the connection for trains to Boston and bus service to multiple destinations. The LRTA also has bus stops on UML North (Route 7) and South (Route 6).
Q: Are there special programs to help students transition to campus?
A: Freshmen students have the opportunity to get involved in the LEARN program (Leadership Education and Resource Networking). This innovative program encompasses both residential and commuter students by linking together academic, social and personal development geared toward the skills and knowledge that college students need to succeed. The Exploratory Students program helps undecided freshmen choose a major and a career.
Q: What is there to do when I’m not in class?
A: Life at UMass Lowell can be very busy. Check these sites for some ways to fill your free time:
Student Activities
Campus Recreation Center
City of Lowell
ADMISSIONS PROCESS
Q: Is there a particular member of the admissions staff that I should contact with questions?
A: Any UML Admissions Counselor is willing to answer your questions. You can get answers by contacting the Admissions Office. You can also check to see who covers your town or school and then contact that person directly.
Q: What is the Admissions timeline/process like at UMass Lowell?
A: You can download a checklist for freshmen (pdf) from this site.
Q: What are the appropriate school codes?
A: UML’s CEEB code for the SAT is 3911. The UML code for financial aid is 002161.
Q: Do you accept the Common Application?
A: The Office of Undergraduate Admissions prefers that you use the UML application. If you submit the common application, you will be asked to complete a set of additional questions.
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Q: How long will it take for a student to receive his or her decision?
A: The average turnaround time from completed application to students receiving decision letters is three to five weeks.
Q: What is the purpose of a student ID number?
A: The Student ID number helps identify the student without having to use a social security number. This number enables students to have access to virtually all of their student information via our self-service program. That means a student can check all of her/his information regarding billing, transcripts, class schedules, etc all from the comfort of their homes.
Q: Are there alternatives available to students who are denied admission to UML?
A: The Lowell Connections Program is designed to give students a different way to become part of the UML community.
Phone: 978-934-3931 Fax: 978-934-3086 Contact us