umass amherst sample supplemental essays

Admission & Financial Aid Information about the Writing Supplement

Section navigation, amherst college writing supplement options.

Below you'll find the prompts for the writing supplement in the 2024-25 application cycle (Fall 2025 entry term).

In addition to the main essays you must write as part of the Common Application, Apply Coalition with Scoir, or QuestBridge Application, Amherst requires a supplementary essay of all applicants.

There are three options for satisfying Amherst's supplementary writing requirement for the first-year application: Option A, Option B or Option C. Applicants may elect only one of those options. Before deciding, you should carefully read the descriptions of all three options (including specific conditions associated with Option B and Option C) to determine which is most appropriate for you. Please note that these descriptions are provided for convenience of preview only; your actual writing supplement should be submitted through the Common Application or Apply Coalition with Scoir online system (unless you are submitting the QuestBridge application only , in which case you will be instructed on how to email, mail or fax your supplement to our office).

Option A  

Choose one of the following quotations, and respond to the question posed, in an essay of not more than 350 words. It is not necessary to research, read, or refer to the texts from which these quotations are taken; we are looking for original, personal responses to these short excerpts. Remember that your essay should be personal in nature and not simply an argumentative essay.

"Amherst College is committed to learning through close colloquy and to expanding the realm of knowledge through scholarly research and artistic creation at the highest level. Its graduates link learning with leadership—in service to the College, to their communities, and to the world beyond." – from the Mission of Amherst College

Prompt 1 Question: What do you see as the benefits of linking learning with leadership and/or service? In your response, please share with us a time where you have seen that benefit through your own experience.

"We seek an Amherst made stronger because it includes those whose experiences can enhance our understanding of our nation and our world. We do so in the faith that our humanity is an identity forged from diversity, and that our different perspectives enrich our inquiry, deepen our knowledge, strengthen our community, and prepare students to engage with an ever-changing world." - from the Trustee Statement on Diversity and Community

Prompt 2 Question: In what ways could your unique experiences enhance our understanding of our nation and our world?

"Strong commitment to the freedom of inquiry lies at the heart of Amherst College’s mission to create a home in which the liberal arts may flourish. As a small residential liberal arts college that prides itself on the ability, curiosity, and diversity of its students, Amherst seeks to create a respectful environment in which members of its community feel emboldened to pursue their intellectual and creative passions." – from the Amherst College Statement of Academic and Expressive Freedom

Prompt 3 Question: Tell us about an intellectual or creative passion you have pursued; what did you learn about yourself through that pursuit?

Option B 

Submit a graded paper from your junior or senior year that best represents your writing skills and analytical abilities. We are particularly interested in your ability to construct a tightly reasoned, persuasive argument that calls upon literary, sociological or historical evidence. You should not submit a laboratory report, journal entry, creative writing sample or in-class essay. Also, if you have submitted an analytical essay in response to the "essay topic of your choice" prompt in the Common Application or Apply Coalition with Scoir writing section, you should not select Option B. 

Curious about Option B?  Learn more ....

If you are/were an applicant to Amherst's Access to Amherst (A2A) program, you may use your A2A application essay in satisfaction of our Writing Supplement requirement. If you would like to do so, please select Option C. However, if you would prefer not to use your A2A essay for this purpose and you want to submit a different writing supplement, select either Option A or Option B. Option A, Prompt 2 is the same prompt as the A2A application essay; if you would like to submit an updated version of your A2A application essay, please choose Option A.

Please note that Option C is available only to applicants to Amherst's A2A program. Non-A2A applicants must choose either Option A or Option B.

Crafting Impressive UMass Amherst Supplemental Essays: Examples and Tips

Image Source: unsplash

Introduction

The UMass Amherst supplemental essays play a crucial role in the college application process, providing applicants with an opportunity to showcase their unique qualities and demonstrate their fit for the university. These essays are designed to complement the information provided in the main application and give admissions officers a deeper understanding of who you are as a person and as a potential member of the UMass Amherst community.

When crafting your supplemental essays, it's important to keep in mind the purpose they serve. Admissions officers want to learn more about you beyond your grades and test scores. They want to know what motivates you, what challenges you've faced, and how you've grown as an individual. The supplemental essays provide a platform for you to share your experiences, aspirations, and values.

To get started on your UMass Amherst supplemental essays, it can be helpful to examine successful examples from past applicants. This can give you insight into what works well and help spark ideas for your own writing. Reading through these examples can also help you understand the type of content that resonates with admissions officers and how to effectively communicate your thoughts and experiences.

One example of a successful UMass Amherst supplemental essay is from an applicant who wrote about their passion for environmental sustainability . They discussed their involvement in local community clean-up initiatives and how this experience shaped their desire to pursue a degree in environmental science at UMass Amherst. This essay not only highlighted the applicant's dedication to making a positive impact on the world but also demonstrated their alignment with UMass Amherst's values of sustainability and social responsibility.

Another example showcases an applicant's resilience in overcoming personal challenges. They shared their journey of navigating a difficult family situation while maintaining academic excellence. This essay not only showcased the applicant's strength and determination but also highlighted their ability to persevere in the face of adversity – qualities that would undoubtedly contribute positively to the UMass Amherst community.

These examples illustrate the importance of authenticity and personal connection in your UMass Amherst supplemental essays. Admissions officers are looking for genuine, thoughtful responses that give them a glimpse into who you are as an individual. It's not about writing what you think they want to hear; it's about sharing your unique story and perspective.

In the next section, we will delve into some tips to help you craft compelling UMass Amherst supplemental essays that will captivate admissions officers and increase your chances of being accepted into this prestigious institution.

AdmitGPT: Your Personal College Admissions AI Assistant

Get tailored college recommendations, essay feedback, interview prep, and more.

Examples of Successful UMass Amherst Supplemental Essays

When it comes to crafting impressive UMass Amherst supplemental essays, looking at successful examples can provide valuable insights and inspiration. In this section, we will examine two examples of outstanding UMass Amherst supplemental essays that stood out from the rest.

Example 1: A Journey of Self-Discovery

One exceptional essay that caught the attention of the admissions committee was a personal narrative centered around the applicant's journey of self-discovery. The essay began with a captivating anecdote about a transformative experience during a volunteer trip. The structure of the essay was well-organized, with clear paragraphs delineating different aspects of the applicant's growth.

What made this essay particularly successful was its ability to showcase the applicant's personal development and self-awareness . Throughout the essay, the writer reflected on their experiences and demonstrated how they had evolved as an individual. By sharing specific moments and reflections, they provided evidence of their maturity and readiness for college life.

Additionally, this essay effectively tied in the applicant's future aspirations and how attending UMass Amherst would contribute to their goals. The writer highlighted specific programs or resources at UMass Amherst that aligned with their academic interests and career aspirations. This demonstrated not only their knowledge about the university but also their genuine interest in becoming part of its community.

Tips for Creating Compelling UMass Amherst Supplemental Essays

Crafting compelling UMass Amherst supplemental essays is crucial for standing out among other applicants. Here are some tips to help you create impressive essays that will capture the attention of the admissions committee.

Tip 1: Understand the essay prompt

Before you start writing, take the time to carefully analyze and interpret the essay prompt. Understanding what is being asked of you is essential for crafting a focused and relevant response. Pay attention to keywords and phrases that indicate the specific information or qualities the admissions committee is looking for. Make sure to address all aspects of the prompt in your essay, providing a comprehensive and well-rounded response.

Tip 2: Showcase your unique experiences and perspectives

To make your essay memorable, highlight your unique experiences and perspectives. Choose personal anecdotes or achievements that demonstrate who you are as an individual and what makes you stand out from other applicants. Whether it's a challenging life experience, a passion for a particular subject, or an extracurricular activity that has shaped you, emphasize authenticity in your storytelling. This will allow the admissions committee to gain insight into your character and potential contributions to the UMass Amherst community.

Tip 3: Connect your essay to UMass Amherst

Researching UMass Amherst thoroughly is essential for connecting your essay to the university. Take the time to learn about its values, programs, faculty, and campus culture. Use this knowledge to demonstrate how you align with UMass Amherst's mission and how you can contribute to its academic community. Show enthusiasm by discussing specific resources or opportunities offered by UMass Amherst that excite you. By making these connections, you will convey genuine interest in attending UMass Amherst and showcase why you would be a valuable addition to their student body.

By following these tips, you can create compelling UMass Amherst supplemental essays that effectively communicate who you are as an applicant while demonstrating your fit for the university. Remember to stay true to yourself, showcase your unique qualities, and connect your essay to UMass Amherst's values and offerings. Good luck with your application!

In conclusion, crafting impressive UMass Amherst supplemental essays is a crucial step in the college application process. These essays provide an opportunity for prospective students to showcase their unique qualities, experiences, and aspirations that align with the university's values and mission. By understanding the purpose of these essays, examining successful examples, and following key tips, applicants can enhance their chances of standing out among a competitive pool of candidates.

Throughout this blog post, we have emphasized the importance of conveying authenticity and passion in UMass Amherst supplemental essays. It is essential for applicants to reflect on their personal experiences and articulate how they have shaped their academic and personal growth. By sharing specific anecdotes and providing vivid details, applicants can create a compelling narrative that captivates the admissions committee.

Furthermore, we have highlighted the significance of researching UMass Amherst's programs, resources, and initiatives. Incorporating this knowledge into the supplemental essays demonstrates genuine interest and commitment to becoming a part of the university community. Whether it is mentioning a specific professor or referencing a unique program, these details show that an applicant has done their due diligence in understanding what UMass Amherst has to offer.

Lastly, we have provided practical tips for constructing well-crafted supplemental essays. From brainstorming ideas to revising drafts, each step plays a crucial role in ensuring clarity, coherence, and conciseness in the final submission. Additionally, seeking feedback from trusted mentors or professionals can provide valuable insights and perspectives that may further strengthen the essay.

In conclusion, crafting impressive UMass Amherst supplemental essays requires time, effort, and dedication. However, by understanding their purpose, analyzing successful examples from previous applicants, and implementing effective writing strategies outlined in this blog post, prospective students can increase their chances of creating compelling narratives that leave a lasting impression on the admissions committee. Good luck with your essay writing journey!

Creating an Impressive Dartmouth Supplemental Essay: Examples and Tips

Developing a Stellar Boston College Supplemental Essay: Examples and Tips

Building an Outstanding Boston College Supplemental Essay: Examples and Tips

Constructing an Impressive Honors College Essay: Examples and Tips

Mastery of Dartmouth Supplemental Essays: Examples and Tips

© Copyright 2023 AdmitGPT - All Rights Reserved

Amherst Supplemental Essays 2023-24

Amherst college supplemental essays 2023-24.

Wondering how to get into Amherst? The key is the Amherst essays. Your Amherst supplemental essays are a critical part of making your application stand out from other competitive applicants.

Amherst is a highly competitive liberal arts college located in western Massachusetts. The college is located in Amherst, a small city about a two-hour drive from Boston . Though Amherst is not part of the Ivy League , that doesn’t mean it isn’t as prestigious or competitive. The school is consistently ranked among the best liberal arts colleges in the U.S. (currently #2 on the list). As such, the admissions team is always looking for strong writing and critical thinking in Amherst essays. 

In this guide, we’ll break down how to be successful when writing your Amherst essay. Primarily, we’ll be reviewing all of your Amherst essay options and how to pick which essay prompts to respond to. Our guide is also full of writing tips to help make your application stand out. Keep reading for everything you need to know to ace your Amherst application.

Amherst Supplemental Essays: Quick Facts

Amherst college supplemental essays: quick facts.

• Amherst College Acceptance Rate:  9% –  U.S. News  ranks Amherst College as a  most selective  school. 
• 1 (~ 350 word) essay response to a prompt OR 
• a graded analytical paper from junior or senior year OR 
• a previously submitted Access to Amherst essay (for students who attended A2A only)
• Amherst College Application:  Students must submit their application to Amherst through the  Common Application , the Coalition Application , or the Questbridge application. Make sure to have all your Amherst supplemental essays and other  required application materials  ready when applying. 
• Early Decision: November 1 st  
• Regular Decision: January 3 rd
• Amherst College Supplemental Essays Tip:   Choose the Amherst essay option that best suits your overall application narrative and be sure to answer the prompt thoroughly.

Please note that essay requirements are subject to change each admissions cycle, and portions of this article may have been written before the final publication of the most recent guidelines. For the most up-to-date information on essay requirements, check the university’s admissions website.

Does Amherst require supplemental essays?

Yes—a completed Amherst application includes one required Amherst supplemental essay. However, students can pick between three options to satisfy the Amherst essay requirements . Below, we will go more in-depth on each of the Amherst essays options and the benefits of each one.

In addition to the required Amherst supplemental essays, there are a few optional Amherst essays you may choose to complete. We will share more about those later. Even though they are optional, you’ll see why we recommend completing these Amherst essays.

Keep in mind that Amherst is a very selective school. You’ll want to provide as much meaningful and relevant information as possible throughout your application. Furthermore, Amherst admissions officers are looking to build a thoughtful and diverse student body. Therefore, you’ll want to carefully consider your Amherst essays, as this is where Admissions will learn the most about you. 

To be sure you’ll have a strong application, start your Amherst supplemental essays early. Work backward from your application deadline to ensure you have several weeks, if not a few months, for your essays. You’ll need plenty of time to brainstorm, write, get feedback, and edit your Amherst essays ahead of finalizing your application.

How many essays does Amherst require?

In total, there are two required Amherst essays. The first is the personal statement , which is a 650-word essay that introduces you to the admissions team. However, this personal statement is not specific to Amherst. Instead, you can submit the same personal statement to all of the schools you are applying to. As a longer essay, you’ll have ample space to explore who you are and what matters to you.

The second required Amherst essay is your Amherst supplemental essay. Amherst offers three options for meeting their supplemental essay requirement. If you choose Option A, you are required to submit a 350-word essay responding to one of three prompts. Option B is to submit a previously graded analytical paper. Option C is only available to applicants who have attended Amherst’s Access to Amherst (A2A) program. Students must write an essay to apply for the program, which takes place during the fall of their Senior year. As such, students who end up applying to Amherst can use their A2A essay as their required Amherst supplemental essay.

Choosing which of the Amherst supplemental essays options to respond to depends on your personal strengths and interests. In future sections, we’ll go further into the details of each of the Amherst supplemental essays options. Then, you’ll have all the information you need to make the decision that works best for you.

Amherst Writing Supplement – Option A

The first option applicants can use to fulfill the Amherst supplemental essays requirements offers a choice of prompts. Your response should be no longer than 350 words. Each prompt starts with a quote, followed by a related question. Whichever prompt you choose, you should carefully read the quote and then respond with a personal essay. In your response, you should use examples from your life experience to relate to the ideas in the quote. 

Below are the three Amherst supplemental essay prompts for Option A:

Amherst College is committed to learning through close colloquy and to expanding the realm of knowledge through scholarly research and artistic creation at the highest level. Its graduates link learning with leadership—in service to the College, to their communities, and to the world beyond. – the Mission of Amherst College

Prompt 1 Question

What do you see as the benefits of linking learning with leadership and/or service in your response, please share with us a time where you have seen that benefit through your own experience..

We seek an Amherst made stronger because it includes those whose experiences can enhance our understanding of our nation and our world. We do so in the faith that our humanity is an identity forged from diversity, and that our different perspectives enrich our inquiry, deepen our knowledge, strengthen our community, and prepare students to engage with an ever-changing world. – the Trustee Statement on Diversity and Community

Prompt 2 Question

In what ways could your unique experiences enhance our understanding of our nation and our world.

Strong commitment to the freedom of inquiry lies at the heart of Amherst College’s mission to create a home in which the liberal arts may flourish. As a small residential liberal arts college that prides itself on the ability, curiosity, and diversity of its students, Amherst seeks to create a respectful environment in which members of its community feel emboldened to pursue their intellectual and creative passions. – the Amherst College Statement of Academic and Expressive Freedom

Prompt 3 Question

Tell us about an intellectual or creative passion you have pursued; what did you learn about yourself through that pursuit.

Each of these Amherst supplemental essay prompts represents a specific type of essay question:

• Prompt 1 is a leadership/service question
• Prompt 2 is a diversity question
• Prompt 3 is an intellectual pursuit question

So, how do you choose between the Amherst essay prompts? Your choice will ultimately depend on the picture you are trying to paint for admissions officers in your application. In the next section, we’ll discuss how to select the Amherst essay prompt that works best for you.

How to choose the right prompt for you

There are multiple prompts available for Option A. So, you may be curious if responding to a specific prompt may increase your odds of admission. The answer is no; no single prompt leads to greater admissions.

The first step to choosing the right Amherst essay prompt is to review each prompt fully. Start by annotating to identify keywords. That way, you can ensure you understand the quote and what the prompt question is asking. For example, for prompt 1, you might want to highlight “benefits of linking”, “learning”, “leadership”, and “your own experience”. If your response doesn’t touch on all these elements, it’s not going to sufficiently answer the prompt.

Focus on your application narrative

Once you understand the prompts behind your Amherst supplemental essays, refocus on your overall application narrative. What is the personal branding you hope to convey in your Amherst College supplemental essays? What did you write about already in your personal statement or other optional Amherst supplemental essays? Is there anything you haven’t yet been able to express in your application? For example, perhaps your personal statement speaks to the diversity you would bring to Amherst. But, you haven’t yet been able to share your experience starting a club that volunteers with animals. Essay prompt #1, which is about linking leadership and service, might be the best fit for you, rather than #2, which focuses on diversity.

While there is no one right Amherst essay prompt, there are prompts that you will relate to more strongly. Trust your instincts and respond to the question that allows you to tell your story most clearly. If your choice isn’t clear, try brainstorming ideas for all three options. Once you have a few solid ideas for your Amherst essays, pick the one you’re most excited to explore further. 

Now that you’ve chosen which Amherst essay prompt best suits your story, it’s time to start writing. Next, we will provide tips for how to write your Amherst College supplemental essays.

How to write an Amherst supplemental essay

Writing your Amherst essays may feel daunting at first. Here, we’ll provide some tips for approaching your Amherst essays:

Freewrite first

Once you’ve chosen a prompt, avoid pressuring yourself into choosing the right words to say immediately. Set a timer for 10 minutes and simply write whatever comes to mind. From there, you can mine your writing for ideas and examples that you want to highlight in your Amherst essays.

Tell a story

Include specific and personal details that show, rather than tell, what you experienced. The directions for responding to Option A specifically note that this Amherst essay is not an argumentative essay. As such, Amherst Admissions is more interested in your personal experiences than in arguing the meaning of a quote. The quote is simply an inspiration to show you that the questions of the prompts are directly related to Amherst’s values.

Make meaning from your story

An important piece of your Amherst supplemental essays is your ability to reflect upon your experiences. As a liberal arts college, Amherst is seeking students who show critical thinking skills. Make sure there is space in your Amherst essay for identifying the “moral” or main takeaway of your story. 

Demonstrate passion for Amherst

While none of these prompts are explicitly a “ Why College ” question, they are Amherst-specific. As such, make sure your response demonstrates an understanding of Amherst’s values and approach to learning . 

Proofread well

Lastly, always submit Amherst essays that are grammatically correct and easy to read. Strong writing is one sign that a student is prepared to take on an Amherst education.

The above tips are useful when responding to one of the Amherst essay prompts from Option A. However, if you’re interested in submitting a previous writing sample for your Amherst requirements, take a look at Option B. 

Amherst Supplemental Essays – Option B

Option B asks you to submit a graded paper as part of your Amherst application. This option provides the benefit of saving you time, as you won’t have to write a new essay. 

However, there are distinct disadvantages to taking this option. For one, Option B removes space for you to express something personal with admissions officers in your Amherst essays. This option only makes sense if you feel you have an essay that truly expresses important ideas and aspects of your personal brand. 

For example, perhaps you have a passion for reading Shakespeare. And , you feel you’ve already shared a significant amount about yourself in your personal statement or optional supplemental questions. In that case, you may wish to submit an English paper that demonstrates your deep analysis of and love for Shakespeare. 

Or, maybe you don’t have stand-out grades because you’re not a great test taker. In that case, you may want to submit a graded paper that showcases your strengths as a student. If you do choose to submit a graded essay, make sure you’ve captured your personal experiences and perspective elsewhere!

Take note, Amherst only accepts specific essays. Here is a summary of the guidelines they provide for the submitted essay:

• Must be written in Junior or Senior year
• Must be an analytical paper that uses literary, sociological, or historical evidence
• Cannot be a lab report, journal entry, creative essay, or an essay written in class
• Must be previously graded by a teacher, showing the teacher’s comments and grades. As such, do not submit a clean version of the paper.

You can read additional frequently asked questions about Option B here . If you are unsure whether a paper could work as one of your Amherst essays, contact the Amherst admissions office.

Amherst Essays – Option C

The final option for your Amherst supplemental essays is only available to students who attended Access to Amherst (A2A). Access to Amherst is a program designed to increase access for students from underrepresented backgrounds, including:

• Students of color
• Students from rural areas
• Students with limited financial means

The program provides high school seniors with free travel to campus. Once there, they’ll have the opportunity to stay with a student host and learn all about Amherst. To apply to the program, students must write an essay about their unique experiences . About 75% of students who attend A2A decide to apply to Amherst. These students have the option to use the same essay they supplied to Amherst for A2A in their college application.

While reusing the same essay is a great option, students should be sure to reread their A2A essay. That way, they can be sure it still represents the brand they wish to promote in their application. Students who choose to use their A2A essay can simply indicate this on the Common App. Once Amherst receives their application, the school will internally transfer the essay.

Aside from the required Amherst supplemental essay, there are a few optional Amherst supplemental essays students can submit. We’ll describe these Amherst College supplemental essays in greater detail in the next section.

Amherst Supplemental Essays – Optional Essays

In addition to the two required essays – your personal statement and one Amherst supplemental essays response – there are a few optional Amherst College supplemental essays. While these Amherst College supplemental essays are labeled optional, we recommend completing them. Remember, Amherst is a selective college. So, you should provide as much relevant information as possible to demonstrate why you are a standout candidate. In short, students wondering how to get into Amherst should start by filling out every part of the application. 

There are two optional Amherst supplemental essays:

Optional Amherst College Supplemental Essays

1. if you would like to share more about yourself that is not captured elsewhere in your application, please tell us more here. (maximum: 175 words), 2. if you have engaged in significant research in the natural sciences, mathematics, computer science, social sciences or humanities that was undertaken independently of your high school curriculum, please provide a brief description of the research project. (maximum: 75 words), optional amherst supplemental essay #1.

This question is referred to as the “Additional identity question.” To start, consider whether there is a part of your identity you haven’t yet expressed in your application. Then, explain how that experience shaped you. 

Identity is a broad term and can relate to many aspects of your experience. Perhaps you were a child of a military family who moved around a lot. You might want to talk about how switching schools impacted your academic and social experiences. Or, maybe you attended schools that did not offer advanced coursework. Whatever you highlight in your Amherst supplemental essays, make sure it’s not repetitive. Only use this prompt to share something meaningful that you haven’t talked about elsewhere in your application.

Optional Amherst Supplemental Essay #2

In the “Optional research questions” section, students can describe a project that was particularly meaningful for them. This can be especially valuable for students interested in doing research while at Amherst. It can also help reinforce your passion for the primary academic interest you noted in your application.

Optional Arts Supplement

Lastly, students with dance, theater, music, or visual arts passions may wish to submit an Arts supplement . Outside of your Amherst essays, an Arts supplement offers another way to convey your application narrative. If you have a unique talent to display, make sure to take advantage of this aspect of your application. 

Is Amherst college prestigious?

Students writing their Amherst supplemental essays might wonder if Amherst is a prestigious college. The answer is yes! Sometimes, smaller liberal arts colleges may not have the same name recognition as schools like those in the Ivy League. However, Amherst is undoubtedly a very prestigious school. Amherst is consistently given high rankings by reliable sources such as U.S. News and Forbes . 

However, more important than rankings is school fit. Are you seeking an intimate learning environment? A college town with a small-town feel? A broad education that prepares you for a variety of careers? If the answer is yes to all three, then Amherst might be the best school for you.

Before judging the school by its name recognition, do your research. Talk to students who attended to ask about their experience or what they wrote about in their Amherst essays. Visiting the school will also give you inspiration and ideas for what to highlight in your Amherst College supplemental essays. If you aren’t able to visit in person, don’t worry! You can do plenty of research online before jumping into your Amherst essays.

Does Amherst care about essays?

Yes, admissions officers care deeply about your Amherst essays! Amherst uses a holistic admissions review process. As such, this means that no one factor, like your grades or test scores , solely determines your admissions. 

Your Amherst supplemental essays are an important way to show how you think and what you value. These are characteristics that may not be evident in other parts of your application. As a competitive liberal arts college, Amherst cares deeply about these characteristics. 

Lastly, the Amherst essays are the only part of the application over which you have full control. You can’t go back in time to change a grade or invest more time in an extracurricular. However, you can write Amherst supplemental essays that are clear, compelling, and unique. Be sure to show them the full picture of who you are through your Amherst supplemental essays!

Getting into Amherst College is no easy feat. In fact, each year more students are applying to the school – and only 9% of applicants are admitted. Without a doubt, admitted students all wrote Amherst supplemental essays that demonstrated what made them a great fit for the school. 

Amherst Supplemental Essays: Final Takeaways

With this guide, we honed in on the Amherst College supplemental essays. We looked at the three Amherst essays you can choose from to complete your Amherst requirements. Then, we broke down why you might choose one option over another. (And how to write a great essay in response to the prompts in Option A). Finally, we highlighted optional Amherst supplemental essays that can provide space for you to expand upon your experiences.

Here are some final takeaways to consider when writing your Amherst essays:

Be yourself.

First, be yourself. Identify your application narrative and make sure all of your Amherst essays contribute to this narrative. Admissions officers can see through forced narratives or Amherst supplemental essays that don’t sound like you. 

Take your time

Secondly, spend ample time on your Amherst supplemental essays. Have trusted readers identify ways you can strengthen your narrative or refine your Amherst essays. Seek out the help you need to guide you through writing your Amherst supplemental essays. 

Start early

Last but not least, start the process early. Give yourself plenty of time to write your Amherst College supplemental essays and complete all of the Amherst requirements. The more prepared you are, the greater the odds your application will be strong. Be sure to pay close attention to application deadlines so you can plan accordingly. 

At CollegeAdvisor, our goal is to ensure students have the support they need to succeed in the college process. We offer a number of additional free resources for students, including this guide on how to get into Amherst. For additional support in writing your Amherst supplemental essays, schedule a consultation with a CollegeAdvisor admissions expert.

This essay guide was written by senior advisor, Courtney Ng . Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

Personalized and effective college advising for high school students.

• Advisor Application
• Popular Colleges
• Privacy Policy and Cookie Notice
• Student Login
• California Privacy Notice
• Terms and Conditions
• Your Privacy Choices

By using the College Advisor site and/or working with College Advisor, you agree to our updated Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy , including an arbitration clause that covers any disputes relating to our policies and your use of our products and services.

University of Massachusetts Amherst 2017-18 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Regular Decision: 

University of Massachusetts Amherst 2017-18 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 2 essays of 100 words each

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why     

UMass Amherst’s supplement asks one question with two prompts: why here? It’s the most classic question around, and the 100 word limit really lightens the load. The key to this simple supplement is budgeting your information wisely to ensure that each essay you write is not only distinct, but reveals something totally new to admissions. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: a straightforward supplement is an indication that your answers should be impeccable!

Please tell us why you want to attend UMass Amherst? (100 words)

It doesn’t get simpler than this: why here? Although the word limit is tight, the key to any successful Why essay is good old fashioned research. So set aside a little time to pore over the UMass website and figure out exactly what aspects of the school excite you most. You’ll want to keep your explanation top line, but personalize it with specific details about the clubs, departments, and other opportunities you hope to take advantage of. Consider the physical as well as social and scholarly aspects of the school. Maybe you like that it’s close to home. Or maybe you’re all about moving to a remote location very far away from where you currently live. If you’re a language buff, maybe that linguistics department is calling your name with a side of study abroad. But don’t go too crazy on the academics, you’ll have time to go deep on your scholarly interests in the next essay, and as we said, space is tight. What do your particular choices and interests say about you as a person? What do they say about UMass Amherst? How do you and UMass fit together?

Please tell us why you chose the Majors you did? (100 words)

We told you to save the academics for later! Now you can get into it about why you love a certain subject. Most importantly, though, you will want to explain why you want to study it at UMass Amherst in particular. Where do your interests link up with the work of a particular professor or program? Maybe you still covet the rock collection you started in 5th grade and have your eye on UMass Amherst’s geology program. And maaaaybe you’ve been looking for a way to share your passion for mineral formations with the world, which is what makes the earth science teaching track absolutely ideal for you. Drill down to the details that sync up with your passions and interests. And if you’re undecided, that’s okay too! Immerse yourself in the course catalog and rejoice in your many options. Can you describe how you would explore different subject areas? What makes UMass Amherst the perfect place to discover your passion?

About Kat Stubing

View all posts by Kat Stubing »

Check out our YouTube Channel!

Contact us for information on rates and more!

• I am a * Student Parent Potential Partner School Counselor Private College Counselor
• Name * First Last
• Phone Type Mobile Landline
• Street Address
• Address City State / Province / Region Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cabo Verde Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Congo, Democratic Republic of the Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Czechia Côte d'Ivoire Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard Island and McDonald Islands Holy See Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Isle of Man Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macao Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island North Macedonia Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine, State of Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Réunion Saint Barthélemy Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Sweden Switzerland Syria Arab Republic Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania, the United Republic of Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Türkiye US Minor Outlying Islands Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Viet Nam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Wallis and Futuna Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Åland Islands Country
• Which best describes you (or your child)? High school senior High school junior College student College grad Other
• How did you find CEA? Internet Search Podcast New York Times Guidance counselor/school Social Media YouTube Friend Special Event Delehey College Consulting Other
• Common App and Coalition Essays
• Supplemental Essays
• University of California Essays
• University of Texas Essays
• Resume Review
• Post-Grad Essays
• Specialized Services
• Waitlist Letters
• Private School Essays
• General College Counseling
• School list with priorities noted:
• Anything else we should know?
• Comments This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

School Stats:

• Agnes Scott College
• Alvernia University
• American University
• Amherst College
• Babson College
• Bard College
• Barnard College
• Baylor University
• Bennington College
• Bentley University
• Berry College
• Bethany College
• Boston College
• Boston University (BU)
• Bowdoin College
• Brandeis University
• Brown University
• Bryn Mawr College
• Bucknell University
• Butler University
• California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
• California Lutheran University
• Capitol Technology University
• Carleton College
• Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
• Catawba College
• Centre College
• Chapman University
• Claremont McKenna College
• Clark University
• Clemson University
• Coastal Carolina University
• College of Charleston
• College of William and Mary
• College of Wooster
• Colorado College
• Colorado School of Mines
• Columbia University
• Cornell University
• Culver-Stockton College
• D'Youville University
• Dartmouth College
• Davidson College
• Dickinson College
• Drexel University
• Duke University
• Earlham College
• Elon University
• Emerson College
• Emory University
• Flagler College
• Fordham University
• George Mason University
• Georgetown University
• Georgia State University
• Georgia Tech
• Gonzaga University
• Hamilton College
• Hampshire College
• Harvard University
• Harvey Mudd College
• Haverford College
• Hillsdale College
• Hofstra University
• Illinois Institute of Technology
• Illinois Wesleyan University
• Ithaca College
• Johns Hopkins University
• Kalamazoo College
• Lafayette College
• Lehigh University
• Lewis and Clark College
• Linfield University
• Loyola Marymount University (LMU)
• Lynn University
• Macalester College
• Manchester University
• Marist College
• Mary Baldwin University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Meredith College
• Monmouth College
• Moravian University
• Morehouse College
• Mount Holyoke College
• New York University (NYU)
• North Carolina State
• North Park University
• Northwestern University
• Occidental College
• Oklahoma City University
• Olin College of Engineering
• Pepperdine University
• Pitzer College
• Pomona College
• Princeton University
• Providence College
• Purdue University
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
• Rice University
• Roger Williams University
• Saint Anselm College
• Saint Elizabeth University
• Santa Clara University
• Sarah Lawrence College
• Scripps College
• Seattle Pacific University
• Seattle University
• Smith College
• Soka University of America
• Southern Methodist University
• Spelman College
• St. John’s College
• Stanford University
• Stevens Institute of Technology
• Stonehill College
• Swarthmore College
• Syracuse University
• Texas A&M University
• Texas Christian University (TCU)
• The College of Idaho
• The George Washington University
• The New School
• Trinity College
• Tufts University
• Tulane University
• UNC Wilmington
• University of California
• University of Central Florida (UCF)
• University of Chicago
• University of Cincinnati
• University of Colorado Boulder
• University of Florida
• University of Georgia (UGA)
• University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)
• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• University of Maryland
• University of Massachusetts Amherst
• University of Massachusetts Lowell
• University of Miami
• University of Michigan
• University of Minnesota
• University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)
• College of Mount Saint Vincent
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC)
• University of North Carolina at Charlotte
• University of North Carolina at Greensboro
• University of Notre Dame
• University of Oklahoma
• University of Oregon
• University of Pennsylvania
• University of Pittsburgh
• University of Richmond
• University of Rochester
• University of San Diego
• University of San Francisco
• University of Southern California (USC)
• University of Texas at Austin
• University of Tulsa
• University of Vermont
• University of Virginia (UVA)
• University of Washington
• University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Vanderbilt University
• Vassar College
• Villanova University
• Virginia Tech
• Wake Forest University
• Washington and Lee University
• Washington University in St. Louis
• Wellesley College
• Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)
• Yale University

Want free stuff?

We thought so. Sign up for free instructional videos, guides, worksheets and more!

One-On-One Advising

Common App Essay Prompt Guide

Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

• YouTube Tutorials
• Our Approach & Team
• Undergraduate Testimonials
• Postgraduate Testimonials
• Where Our Students Get In
• CEA Gives Back
• Undergraduate Admissions
• Graduate Admissions
• Private School Admissions
• International Student Admissions
• Common App Essay Guide
• Supplemental Essay Guide
• Coalition App Guide
• The CEA Podcast
• Admissions Stats
• Notification Trackers
• Deadline Databases
• College Essay Examples
• Academy and Worksheets
• Waitlist Guides
• Get Started

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

A Good Amherst College Essay Example

Amherst College is a prestigious liberal arts school in Western Massachusetts. Perhaps best known for it’s open curriculum , students challenge themselves to study diverse disciplines to become well rounded individuals. It’s a small school with only 1,800 students, leading to a close knit student body. If students are looking for a niche course that may not be offered at Amherst, they can access the Five College Consortium , a system of five colleges including Mount Holyoke, Smith, Hampshire, and UMass Amherst, to take additional courses. 

Given how highly selective Amherst admissions are, you need to have strong essays to stand out from your fellow applicants. In this post, we will be going over a real essay a student submitted to Amherst. We will also share what the essay did well and where it could be improved to give you a better idea of how to approach your Amherst essays.

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized. 

Read our Amherst College essay breakdown to get a comprehensive overview of this year’s supplemental prompts. 

Amherst College Essay Example

Prompt:   Respond to one of the following quotations in an essay of not more than 300 words. It is not necessary to research, read, or refer to the texts from which these quotations are taken; we are looking for original, personal responses to these short excerpts. Remember that your essay should be personal in nature and not simply an argumentative essay.

“Difficulty need not foreshadow despair or defeat. Rather, achievement can be all the more satisfying because of obstacles surmounted.”    – Attributed to William Hastie, Amherst College Class of 1925, the first African-American to serve as a judge for the United States Court of Appeals

Bright morning, clear skies, chirping birds – a beautiful and peaceful scenery indeed, but a stark contrast to the unrest I felt within. The cassava pellets (garri) were burning, and my heart was racing. In a panic, I threw sand underneath the pan to quench the flames before all the garri got burnt.

Earlier, grandpa had asked if I had any questions concerning the roasting process. I thought I had watched him enough to know the ropes and said no. Now, I had failed him woefully and ruined his business, as he sold the garri. Guilt sliced through my heart like a hot knife through butter, and with pain and shame, I took the little I could salvage back home.

My grandfather looked utterly disgusted and very disappointed. “Mandla, why did you not ask? You put in too much firewood—an avoidable mistake. Mandla, you should have asked. There is no shame in not knowing everything.” 

That is the thing I have learned about knowing some things – you mistake it for knowing everything. I could defend a ball like Maldini and evaluate large sums my classmates couldn’t manage in my head. I could do it all, so I felt that I could roast garri without grandpa’s help. The charred mess and acrid smoke of my mistake showed me that I could fail. And also, that I could rise from it. My next bag of garri was golden and fragrant and as perfect as the lesson. Returning to school, I asked questions in class whenever I had the chance because I wanted to know. 

The insatiable beast that was my curiosity kept me on my toes and developed into a strong affinity for knowledge acquisition. I had transformed as an individual, and I had the unfortunate garri incident to thank immensely.

What the Essay Did Well

Overall, this is a strong essay that shares a specific example of a challenging experience and how it changed this student’s perspective. Particularly well executed, the student selected a unique experience (cooking garri is not something every high schooler does) and is able to relate it to other aspects of their life (asking for help and being curious). 

The third and fourth paragraphs are particularly strong in the way they develop the plot and provide personal reflection. Quoting the student’s grandfather is a concise, and simultaneously more engaging, way to reveal the climax of the story. We can feel their humiliation upon hearing their grandfather get upset. Additionally, his last advice, “ There is no shame in not knowing everything ,” does a great job of summing up the lesson learned and connecting back to the quote from the prompt.

The student then transitions smoothly to expanding beyond the world of cooking garri to demonstrate how they can apply this lesson to soccer and academics. This shows a level of personal awareness that admission officers are looking to see. Being able to think critically about yourself and admit to your shortcomings is a skill many people struggle with, so the fact this paragraph is able to convey this student’s ability to do so is very important.

What Could Be Improved

The biggest drawback of this essay is it gets too lost in flowery language, resulting in some key details not getting the attention they require. We get a third of the way through the essay setting up the situation with the “ Bright morning, clear skies, chirping birds ” and how “ Guilt sliced through my heart like a hot knife through butter”  before we see what this student learned from their experience—the heart of the essay.

When we finally do see them discuss their growth, the student says “ I had transformed as an individual,”  but does not have the space to explain how or why. In order for an essay about overcoming challenges to make a lasting impact, the reader needs to appreciate how you emerged from the experience differently. 

In order to make more space to include these important details, the student could have cut down on the colorful prose, especially if it doesn’t directly relate to the plot of their story. They could still demonstrate their writing skills by opening with a description of the burning garri: “ Yuck! An acrid smell attacked my nostrils and raven-black smoke stung my eyes. It was only when I looked down to the cast iron in the blazing fire that my stomach fell: I burned the garri. ” Replacing unnecessary imagery and metaphors (like the chirping birds and hot knife) with creative language that furthers the plot is a far better use of this student’s limited space.

If they intentionally went through and asked themselves “Does this line contribute to the story or is it just an example of my writing skills?” or “Is this a new piece of information or am I repeating an idea?”, they could save enough space to include elaboration on how this experience transformed them as a personal. 

Where to Get Your Amherst  Essays Edited

Do you want feedback on your Amherst essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Skip to content

Refine Your Search

Landscape message: september 6, 2024.

UMass Extension's Landscape Message is an educational newsletter intended to inform and guide Massachusetts land care professionals in the management of our collective landscape. Detailed reports from scouts and Extension specialists on growing conditions, pest activity, and cultural practices for the management of woody ornamentals, trees, and turf are regular features. The following issue has been updated to provide timely management information and the latest regional news and environmental data. 

Welcome to Landscape Message #17 for the 2024 growing season.  We are now in the bi-weekly phase of the annual schedule, and the next message will be posted on Friday, September 20 . To receive immediate notification when the next Landscape Message update is posted, be sure to join our e-mail list  

Click on the headings below to jump to that section of the message.

In This Issue

Scouting information by region, environmental data, regional notes, woody ornamentals, insects and other arthropods, landscape weeds, additional resources.

The following data was collected on or about September 4, 2024. Total accumulated growing degree days (GDD) represent the heating units above a 50ºF baseline temperature collected via regional NEWA stations ( http://newa.cornell.edu ) for the 2024 calendar year. This information is intended for use as a guide for monitoring the developmental stages of pests in your location and planning management strategies accordingly.

US Drought Monitor:   At this time, approximately the northern half of Essex county and all of Nantucket are classified as "D0 - Abnormally Dry" (about 4% of the state's area in total). State map as of Thursday 9/5: https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?MA

Cape Cod Region (Barnstable)

General Conditions:

The average temperature for the period from August 21 thru September 4 was 68ºF with a high of 86ºF on August 28 and a low of 48ºF on September 4. The period has been seasonable with warm days and cool nights, several days feeling like mid-summer and several days beckoning autumn. Precipitation has been minimal, with less than a quarter inch during the period. Evapotranspiration rates have been relatively high as well. Soil moisture is dry to short.

Herbaceous plants seen in bloom during the period include cardinal flower ( Lobelia cardinalis ), sneezeweed ( Helenium autumnale ), purple Joe-Pye weed ( Eutrochium purpureum ), Russian sage ( Salvia yangii ), and bluebeard ( Caryopteris incana ). Woody plants seen in bloom include hydrangea ( H. macrophylla  and  H. paniculata ), glossy abelia ( Abelia x grandiflora ), harlequin glorybower ( Clerodendrum trichotomum ), and Franklinia ( Franklinia alatamaha ).

Pests/Problems:

Box tree moth is still active, and both adult moths and young caterpillars have been observed (I believe this is the beginning of a third generation from my observations).

Insects or insect damage observed during the period include turpentine beetle on pitch pine, chilli thrips damage to big leaf hydrangea, sycamore lace bug damage on sycamore, two spotted spider mites on various herbaceous and woody plants, tuliptree spot gall on tuliptree, fall webworm on crabapple and black gum, leafminer on black gum, leaf roller/tier damage on witch-hazel, hemlock elongate scale on hemlock, oleander aphids on milkweed, hibiscus sawfly damage on hibiscus, and sunflower moth damage on purple coneflower. The chorus of katydids and crickets is strong at night.

Disease symptoms or signs observed during the period include powdery mildew on numerous hosts, beech leaf disease on beech, cercospora leaf spot on bigleaf hydrangea, hydrangea rust on smooth hydrangea, gray leaf spot on Japanese forest grass, venturia leaf spot on poplar, cedar apple rust on crabapple, pear trellis rust on Bradford pear, septoria leaf spot on Rudbeckia, hollyhock rust on hollyhock, foliar nematode on hosta and astrantia, guignardia leaf spot on horsechestnut, and leaf spot on black locust.

Other issues observed in the landscape include scorch on dogwoods, rabbit damage to annuals and perennials, deer browse of hosta, and slug and snail damage to perennials.

Weeds seen in bloom during the period include carpetweed ( Mollugo verticillata ), spotted spurge ( Euphorbia maculata ), redroot pigweed ( Amaranthus retroflexus ), tansy ragwort ( Jacobaea vulgaris ) and yellow wood sorrel ( Oxalis stricta ).

Southeast Region (Dighton)

Over the past two weeks, the weather has transitioned from summer to fall. Along with late summer flowers, some trees and shrubs are beginning to show fall colors. Japanese knotweed is putting on a show along the roadside, much to the delight of beekeepers when nectar sources are scarce. Hummingbirds, while still present, are hungrily revisiting the same few flowers. Songbirds have flocked up. We experienced a high temperature of 90ºF on Wednesday, August 28th, and a low of 55ºF on the morning of Friday, August 30th. The average temperature was 68ºF. Precipitation was scarce, with only very light and intermittent showers, resulting in no measurable accumulation. Humidity averaged 74%. The highest wind speed was 12 mph. The soil temperature on September 4th at 3:00 PM was 74ºF in full sun and 67ºF in the shade.

Among the plants in flower are Buddleia davidii (butterfly bush), Campsis radicans (trumpet vine), Clematis paniculata (sweet autumn clematis), Clethra alnifolia (summersweet clethra), Hibiscus syriacus (rose-of-Sharon), and Polygonum cuspidatum (Japanese knotweed).

A spotted lanternfly infestation has been discovered in Seekonk. We should all be vigilant for other infestations.

County mosquito projects have raised alarms about eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile virus (WNV) found in their traps and have begun spraying. Workers should use insect repellent and avoid hours when mosquitoes are most active if possible.

North Shore (Beverly)

The weather during this two-week reporting period was very pleasant for outdoor activities. Most days were bright and sunny with very little cloud cover. Day temperatures ranged from the low 70s to mid 80s and night temperatures ranged from the low 50s to mid 60s. The daily average air temperature was 67ºF with a maximum air temperature of 88ºF recorded on August 28. The minimum was 49ºF, recorded on August 30. No rainfall was recorded at Long Hill during this two-week period.

Woody plants seen in bloom include Franklin tree ( Franklinia alatamaha ) and panicle hydrangea ( Hydrangea paniculata ). Herbaceous plants seen in bloom include Joe-Pye weed (Eutrochium purpureum ), garden phlox ( Phlox paniculata ), black-eyed Susan ( Rudbeckia hirta ), Japanese anemone ( Anemone x hybrida ), hardy begonia ( Begonia grandis ), hardy geranium or cranes bill ( Geranium spp.), and coneflower ( Echinacea spp.). Various kinds of annuals are also contributing color to the landscape.

Powdery mildew continued to be observed on lilac, garden phlox, and New England aster. Symptom of foliar nematode damage was observed on some hostas. Crabgrass and other weeds such as prostrate spurge ( Euphorbia maculata ), ragweed ( Ambrosia artemisiifolia ) and Japanese knotweed ( Reynoutria japonica , syn. Polygonum cuspidatum ) are thriving in the landscape. Canada goldenrod ( Solidago canadensis ) is in full bloom and is providing color on meadows. Mosquitoes and ticks are still active at dawn and dusk. Remember to protect yourself with repellent when working outdoors in the woods at dawn and dusk.

East (Boston)

The days have become noticeably shorter as fall approaches. Mornings have been cooler requiring several hours for the sun to warm up the landscape. Over the past two weeks, daytime high temperatures have remained consistently warm, averaging 79ºF. Overnight lows have been falling, averaging 58ºF with a low of 48ºF on September 3 rd . One noteworthy fact is that we received zero rainfall from August 21 st through September 3 rd . Late flowering perennials continue to add color to the landscape. Angelica gigas (giant Angelica), Eutrochium maculatum (Joe-Pye weed) and Helianthus tuberosus (Jeruselum artichoke) continue to attract an abundance of pollinators. Asimina triloba (pawpaw), Diospyros virginiana (persimmon) and Malus spp. (apple) fruit is ripening.

The two week long lack of rainfall has impacted recent transplants, container gardens and unirrigated turf. Early fall color and leaf drop on Betula spp . (birch) may also be contributed to a lack of adequate precipitation. Japanese knotweed ( Polygonum cuspidatum ) is in full flower. Artemisia vulgaris (mugwort) continues to flower and distribute pollen throughout the landscape.

Metro West (Acton)

Labor Day has come and gone, which unofficially marks the end to the summer season by bringing with it cooler overnight and pleasant daytime temperatures, noticeably shorter daytime lengths, and school buses. Signs of fall are visible in the landscape and soon enough the fall equinox will be here, arriving on September 22 nd . The historical monthly average rainfall for the month of August is 3.72” and a total of 3.43” of rain was recorded. September’s average rainfall is 3.77” and a scant 0.002” of rain has been recorded for the month so far, but there have only been three September days in this reporting period.

Plants are heavy with fruit, seed, berries, and nuts. Observed in some stages of bloom are the following plants: Aster spp . (New England aster, New York aster, smoother aster, white wood aster), Chelone lyonii (pink turtlehead), Caryopteris clandonensis (blue mist spirea), Phlox carolina (Carolina phlox), P. paniculata (garden phlox), and Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ (stonecrop).

There has not been any significant rain recorded for this reporting period, so let’s hope that we receive more rain now that the fall planting season is now upon us. I reported above that plants are heavy with fruit, seed, berries, and nuts. This includes all plants including some unwanted guests found growing in our landscape such as Ailanthus altissima (tree of heaven), Celastrus orbiculatus (Oriental bittersweet), Cynanchum louiseae (black swallow-wort), and Phytolacca americana (common pokeweed) amongst many others.

Central Region (Boylston)

Nighttime temperatures are continuing to drop, late season blooms are continuing to hang on, and summer is in its last run. With temperatures averaging 80.3ºF (highest being 92.1ºF on the 25th), nights have dropped as low as 47.5ºF (on the 3rd). Precipitation was 0 inches since the last report, creating dry conditions which have been quite different from previous ongoing rainfall. Heavier watering of newly installed plants and even previous year’s plantings seems to be the theme for the past 2 weeks.

Some plants that can be seen blooming currently are white wood aster ( Eurybia divaricate ), New York aster ( Symphyotrichum novi-belgii ), panicle hydrangeas ( Hydrangea paniculata ), evening primrose ( Oenothera biennis ), jewelweed ( Impatiens capensis ), rose mallow hibiscus ( Hibiscus moscheutos ), Joe-Pye weed ( Eutrochium spp.), and goldenrod ( Solidago spp.).

Pioneer Valley (Amherst)

Meteorological summer has ended, and students are back on the UMass campus for the fall semester. The Labor Day weekend gave us plentiful sun and high temperatures in the 70s, which made for some downright pleasant gardening weather. The long-term forecast indicates the seasonal cooling will continue and it’s already starting to feel like autumn, with a low temperature in the upper 40s recorded on 9/3. After a blistering hot July in the tri-counties, the mild end to summer was welcome. According to WWLP, Springfield has recorded 21 days this year with temperatures >90ºF. That total includes 9 days in July, which represents almost 1/3 of the entire month.  It’s been dry the past two weeks, with little to no measurable precipitation in the valley since a band of heavy showers on 8/18–19. Shorter days, decreasing sun angle, increasing shade, and lingering dew are all signals that the growing season is winding down.

Goldenrod, black-eyed Susan, panicle hydrangeas, sedums, and many others are providing late season color. Crickets, grasshoppers and katydids continue their nighttime chorus and there’s an abundance of spiders and frogs across the landscape right now. Mosquitos remain abundant, as do a variety of bees and wasps. Junipers, arborvitae, false-cypress and Japanese maples are pushing late season growth.

The upper soil horizon is drying out due to the lack of late August rainfall, but established trees still have plentiful moisture at lower horizons. New transplants should be regularly monitored to avoid soil drying. Generally, deciduous hardwoods should be watered into late October and conifers into late November. This schedule may vary depending on natural rainfall and leaf shed for deciduous plants.

Leaf blotch and premature shedding is once again a problem for common lilac ( Syringa vulgaris ). Many plants are exhibiting pale brown to gray-colored blotches caused by the fungal pathogen Pseudocercospora . Some plants may also be harboring high levels of lilac powdery mildew, caused by Erysiphe syringae . Anthracnose fungi like Colletotrichum may also be responsible, making it a complex of different pathogens.

Chicken of the wood ( Laetiporus sulphureus and L. cincinnatus ) and the black-staining polypore ( Meripilus sumstinei ) are actively fruiting on oaks and other deciduous hardwoods.

Berkshire Region (West Stockbridge)

Seemingly in an instant, we’ve gone from summer into fall the past few days. Nighttime temperatures especially took a dive into the low 40s and upper 30s. For the period, the high temperatures as recorded at the NEWA sites in Berkshire County were: 83ºF in both Richmond and Pittsfield on August 28, and 83ºF in North Adams on September 1. The lowest temperatures for the 3 sites were: 39ºF in Richmond, 41ºF in both North Adams and Pittsfield, all on the morning of September 3. Interestingly, the low of 41ºF in Pittsfield on the morning of September 3 rd was only 3 degrees above the record low of 38ºF which occurred in 1938. The normal high/low temperature for Pittsfield at this time of year is 75ºF/53ºF. The forecast ahead, for a few days at least, shows a return to these norms.

While the cooldown may have been welcomed, the lack of rainfall is not. Total rain at each site over the 2-week scouting period was: 0.24 inches in North Adams, 0.22 inches in Pittsfield, 0.14 inches in Richmond, and only 0.08 at this site in West Stockbridge. The lack of rain has left soils quite dry. Nevertheless, turfgrass remains green, except where scalped, and growth steadily continues though at a slower pace. Homeowners who have a dog or dogs will see circular areas of dead grass where their pets relieved themselves. Dog urine can really do a job of killing grass.

Fall color change in the foliage of some trees and shrubs is apparent. Yet, natural and managed landscapes are colorful with late summer bloomers. One standout in many home landscapes is Hydrangea paniculata. It seems that every year, there is a particular flowering plant that seems unusually plentiful and full of blossoms. At this time, it is Hydrangea paniculata .

Insect pest pressures are low at this time as many have completed their feeding stage and have either laid their eggs or have gone into a pupal or larval stage. A few Japanese beetles were spotted but the numbers overall this year have been quite low, at least here in the Berkshires. The larvae of boxwood leaf miner were active as indicated by tiny light-colored spots on the leaves of boxwood. Cutting open the swelled spots will reveal the larvae.

Jumping worms (Amynthas spp.) are numerous and have been throughout the summer.

The most obvious problem at this time is the abundance of foliar diseases on herbaceous and woody plants. It is imperative that diseased foliage be gathered and removed from site. Particularly noticeable is the leaf drop of crabapples infected with apple scab and cedar apple rust. Many such trees are now completely defoliated. Similarly, roses have dropped many or all of their diseased leaves. Powdery mildew is another prominent disease on the leaves of many plants.

Annoying pests such as yellow jackets, mosquitoes, flies, and biting gnats are common as are ticks. Rodents, i.e. mice and voles, are plentiful as witnessed by their tunnels in gardens and runways in turfgrass areas.

Regional Scouting Credits

• CAPE COD REGION - Russell Norton, Horticulture and Agriculture Educator with Cape Cod Cooperative Extension, reporting from Barnstable.
• SOUTHEAST REGION - Brian McMahon, Arborist, reporting from the Dighton area.
• NORTH SHORE REGION - Geoffrey Njue, Green Industry Specialist, UMass Extension, reporting from the Long Hill Reservation , Beverly.
• EAST REGION - Kit Ganshaw & Sue Pfeiffer, Horticulturists reporting from the Boston area.
• METRO WEST REGION – Julie Coop, Forester, Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation, reporting from Acton.
• CENTRAL REGION - Mark Richardson, Director of Horticulture, and Anna Petrie, reporting from New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill , Boylston.
• PIONEER VALLEY REGION - Nick Brazee, Plant Pathologist, UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab, reporting from Amherst.
• BERKSHIRE REGION - Ron Kujawski, Horticultural Consultant, reporting from Great Barrington.

Recent pests, pathogens, or problems of interest seen in the UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab , a select few:

Annosus root rot of eastern redcedar ( Juniperus virginiana ) caused by Heterobasidion irregulare . Several trees in a hedge that are roughly 30 years old reside at a residential property, growing in a shaded, unmaintained backyard at the edge of a marsh. Last year, one tree died and now three surrounding trees are exhibiting symptoms of decline. Specifically, progressively worsening needle browning and canopy dieback. Heterobasidion is a destructive, yet very cryptic, root disease pathogen of conifers. Root disease centers often form in natural forests, as the pathogen radiates outward from a single or small group of infected trees. It’s role in the death of forest and landscape trees in the northeast is hard to estimate, given that it’s very difficult to find, even with deliberate scouting. The fungus creates perennial conks, but they are produced from lateral roots underneath a layer of organic matter and have a dark brown upper surface (pileus) that is well camouflaged. As a slowly developing white rot pathogen, infected roots have wood that is bleached and stringy with black flecks of fungal tissue embedded. The symptoms of Anossus root rot, like many root diseases, are very general and manifest as water starvation, upper canopy dieback, or needle blight. Furthermore, excavation and dissection of the roots often does not occur when landscape trees die. Heterobasidion is most often found in declining plantations of red pine ( Pinus resinosa ), which are increasingly rare in southern New England. It can also be found on pitch pine ( P. rigida ) and eastern white pine ( P. strobus ). Healthy conifers are mostly resistant to the pathogen but drought stress on sandy soils can make them susceptible. In this case, excess soil moisture may be a predisposing factor. There are other documented cases of Heterobasidion on eastern redcedar and arborvitae ( Thuja occidentalis ) in managed landscapes.

Twig and branch cankering of sugar maple ( Acer saccharum ) caused by the fungal pathogen Stegonsporium . Two trees at different properties, one approximately 20 years old and the other’s age is unknown but is old and mature (100’ tall). Stegonsporium is often found on weakened and declining sugar maples that have various predisposing health issues. The fungus extrudes circular, mounded, black-colored masses of pigmented spores that are very conspicuous on dead branches and twigs. The 20-year-old tree has a thinning canopy and a restricted root zone between a driveway and house. The root flare is not visible on one side and the managing arborist suspects girdling roots have developed from deep planting. The old and mature tree has dead shoot tips throughout the upper canopy. It underwent a crown reduction near a home and cables were installed five years ago. It experiences full sun in loam soils and has been otherwise healthy in recent years. Presently, predisposing stresses that would have weakened the tree remain unknown.

Various hybrid ( Rhododendron sp.) and rosebay rhododendron ( Rhododendron maximum ) samples with a variety of diseases and abiotic stresses. Specifically, 10 unique samples have been received in recent weeks with the following diseases: (1) gray leaf blight caused by Pestalotiopsis , (2) shoot tip dieback and branch cankering caused by Phomopsis and/or Botryosphaeria (co-occurring in some cases), (3) leaf blotch and blight caused by Phyllosticta , (4) marginal leaf blight and stem cankering caused by Phytophthora , (5) edema from overwatering, (6) and iron (and/or manganese) deficiency. Many of these were nursery plants or recently transplanted within the last one to two years. As one of the most widely grown and shipped woody plants, rhododendrons harbor numerous diseases. While Phytophthora can be lethal to rhododendron, many plants may suffer only foliar lesions and scattered shoot tip dieback. Transplant shock and winter injury often predispose plants to attack from foliar pathogens like Phyllosticta and Pestalotiopsis . Opportunistic cankering pathogens are also routinely found on stressed rhododendrons. Ensuring proper soil pH for optimal growth can help ease the shock of transplant and an avoidance of overwatering is also important.

Report by Nick Brazee, Plant Pathologist, UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab, UMass Amherst

The Professional Insect and Mite Management Guide for Woody Plants is freely available at  https://ag.umass.edu/insectmiteguide . Please let me know how it is or isn’t working for you by responding to the following Feedback Form: Professional Insect & Mite Management Guide for Woody Plants . Your feedback is valuable and I cannot wait to hear from you!

Note:  Our website is undergoing updates, and as such, the collapsible menus on the home page of the Guide are currently not functioning. Thank you for your patience as we await these updates.

Interested in pollinators? Then you may be interested in a new quarterly UMass Extension newsletter: The Pollinator Buzz!  Subscribe to receive the latest updates about pollinator health, outreach events, and conservation opportunities.  Typical features will include native plant and bee species profiles, hot topics in bee conservation, upcoming event announcements, and more!

See  http://ag.umass.edu/resources/pollinators/native-pollinators-conservation/pollinator-buzz  for more info, and to subscribe

Invasive Updates:

• Asian Longhorned Beetle  is still present in Worcester, Shrewsbury, Boylston, West Boylston, and parts of Holden and Auburn, MA. If you suspect you’ve found this insect or the damage it causes, please report it to the Asian Longhorned Beetle Eradication Program office in Worcester, MA at 508-852-8090 or toll free at 1-866-702-9938 .

To report an Asian longhorned beetle find online or to compare it to common insect look-alikes, visit the Asian Longhorned Beetle Report page from the MA Department of Agricultural Resources.

The USDA APHIS has announced a new quarantine for box tree moth in Massachusetts and Ohio , and has expanded existing quarantines in Michigan and New York. This includes conditions for interstate movement of regulated Buxus species. This quarantine includes the entire Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The federal order states:

“Boxwood plants may only be moved interstate from a quarantined area from an establishment operating under a compliance agreement, and only if accompanied by a certificate issued by a State Agricultural Authority certifying that the requirements of this Federal Order and the compliance agreement have been met. These requirements will prevent producers and distributors of boxwood from moving infested plants interstate. State Agricultural Authorities may prescribe additional safeguards and protocols.

All other regulated articles of boxwood, including plant parts, pieces, cuttings, clippings, debris, and any portion of the plant, alive or dead, except for decorative purposes, are prohibited from movement.”

MDAR has recently sent a notice to boxwood growers in Massachusetts of the following:

"Effective May 22, 2024, the USDA has issued a Federal Order establishing a quarantine for the entire state of Massachusetts. In an effort to restrict the movement of box tree moth,  boxwoods ( Buxus spp.) may no longer be exported from Massachusetts except by an establishment operating under a compliance agreement (CA) to be issued by MDAR.  Anyone wishing to register for a CA must go to the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources box tree moth page  and click on the EXPORTS link, and fill out the form. An MDAR staff person will follow up within one week. Please note that the quarantine does NOT restrict in-state sales, movement within the state, or import of boxwoods into Massachusetts. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact either MDAR ( taryn.lascola@mass.gov ) or USDA (203-741-5641)."

To read the full announcement of the box tree moth quarantine for Massachusetts from MDAR, please visit the Massachusetts Introduced Pests Outreach Blog .

Need information about monitoring and trapping box tree moth?  Check out this newly available Box Tree Moth Monitoring & Trapping fact shee t from UMass Extension. 

Please report any suspicious defoliation of elm to the previous reporting link.

• Emerald Ash Borer is well established across most of Massachusetts. A map of these locations from the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation is available.
• Jumping Worms are non-native earthworms that impact natural ecosystems. Available resources include a fact sheet about earthworms in Massachusetts and jumping worm FAQ’s . In the fall, adult jumping worm sightings typically increase due to the life cycle of these earthworms and their large and noticeable size at this time of year.
• Spotted Lanternfly now has established populations in the following locations in Massachusetts: Holyoke, Springfield, West Springfield, Agawam, Fitchburg, Worcester, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Ashland, Wellesley, Weston, Chelmsford, Grafton, Lawrence, Lynn, Wilbraham, Ludlow, Chicopee, Seekonk, Attleboro, and Andover, MA.  

In areas of the state  where spotted lanternfly is present and has been observed through monitoring,  the SLF Management Guide suggests management options for SLF nymphs and adults. Spotted lanternfly should not be managed using insecticides in locations where the insect has not been confirmed in the state. This may result in unnecessary, costly, and environmentally irresponsible applications. The first step in areas outside of the communities listed above for MA is to report SLF to MDAR (also see link below).

For homeowners now living with spotted lanternfly in Massachusetts, the MA Department of Agricultural Resources offers the following decision-making guides: • Checklist for residents living in infested areas • Checklist for businesses in infested areas • Management guide for homeowners

If you believe you have found this insect, please take a photo, note your location, and report it immediately using the  Spotted Lanternfly Report Form . Available resources include a map of spotted lanternfly locations in Massachusetts from the MA Department of Agricultural Resources, MDAR’s spotted lanternfly fact sheet , UMass Extension’s Spotted Lanternfly Management Guide , and an SLF InsectXaminer episode .

New SLF PSA's are available from the MA Department of Agricultural Resources! Share with your friends!

Medically Important Pests:

• Ticks are a serious public health concern and may be active in managed landscapes any time temperatures are above freezing. 

Check your children and loved ones and selves for ticks daily! High exposure risk, such as recreational and work time outdoors, summer camps, and back-to-school time outside combined with tick activity is a recipe for tick bites. Check your entire body and remove any attached ticks immediately. If an attached tick is found, submit the tick to one of the testing resources in the link below and go see your physician immediately. Lyme disease is only one of the pathogens ticks can vector. Others include but are not limited to babesiosis, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and many more!

Blood tests for tick borne pathogens are available. Ask your doctor about FA and Western blot testing. A doctor may prescribe doxycycline or amoxicillin or other antibiotics to treat certain tick-borne pathogens. Remember, the pathogen that causes babesiosis is different and requires different treatment! Co-infections are possible – meaning more than one pathogen may be present at a time. Test for all of them. UMass Extension cannot provide medical advice. This information is for educational purposes only.

Encounters with deer ticks can increase in New England in April, October, and November; however, precautions should be taken year-round to prevent tick bite exposure. Available resources include tick information from Cape Cod Cooperative Extension , personal protective measures , and a list of potential tick testing resources . The New England Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases ( NEWVEC ) also provides the latest tick information and resources.

• Mosquitoes and the diseases they vector are also a serious public health concern and remain active at this time! Available resources include Mosquito Repellents from the Department of Public Health and Prevent Mosquito Bites from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health tests for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV) from June to October. The  Massachusetts risk maps are currently available for both EEE and WNV.  

As of September 5th, EEE has been detected in mosquito samples taken from Plymouth, Barnstable, Essex, Norfolk, Bristol, Middlesex, and Worcester counties in Massachusetts. The MA Department of Public Health now ranks certain communities at moderate risk (meaning there is EEE in mosquito populations in that area now) in these counties. Middleborough, Carver, and Plymouth, MA are ranked as high risk (meaning “conditions likely to lead to infection of a person with EEE are occurring in your area”). Most recently, Oxford, Sutton, Douglas, and Webster, MA have been elevated to critical risk, meaning “excessive risk from EEE virus exists, and a person with EEE infection has been identified in your area”. People living and working in these communities should take the precautions as suggested in the links above to protect themselves from mosquito bites.

As of September 5th, WNV risk has been increased to moderate (infection with WNV is likely or has already occurred) in many communities in the following Massachusetts counties: Norfolk, Plymouth, Bristol, Dukes, Middlesex, Worcester, Hampden, Essex, Suffolk, Berkshire, Barnstable, and Franklin. The following communities have been elevated to high risk, meaning “more people may get infected with WNV in your area”: Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester, East Bridgewater, Whitman, Abington, Brockton, Quincy, Milton, Boston, Brookline, Newton, Watertown, Cambridge, Belmont, Arlington, Somerville, Medford, Everett, Chelsea, Revere, Winthrop, Malden, Melrose, and Saugus, MA. Individuals in these areas should continue to take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites.

As of 9/4/2024, there have been 2 human cases and 2 animal cases of EEE in MA and 6 human cases of WNV in MA. As of 9/5/2024 there have been 88 EEE positive and 291 WNV positive mosquito samples in MA. As of 8/24/2024, the   MA Department of Public Health announced plans to spray for mosquitoes in sections of Worcester and Plymouth Counties due to EEE . See that article for additional ways to protect yourself and loved ones.

A common such example are the paper wasps ( Polistes spp.) who rear their young on chewed up insects. Paper wasps can sting, and will defend their nests, which are open-celled paper nests that are not covered with a papery “envelope”. These open-celled nests may be seen hanging from eaves or other outdoor building structures. Aerial yellow jackets and hornets create large aerial nests that are covered with a papery shell or “envelope”. Common yellow jacket species include those in the genus Vespula. Dolichovespula maculata is commonly known as the baldfaced hornet, although it is not a true hornet. The European hornet ( Vespa crabro ) is three times the size of a yellow jacket and may be confused for the northern giant hornet ( Vespa mandarinia ). The European hornet is known to Massachusetts, but the northern giant hornet is not . If you are concerned that you have found or photographed a northern giant hornet, please report it using the MA Department of Agricultural Resources Report Pest Sightings page. Some people are allergic to stinging insects, so care should be taken around wasp/hornet nests. Unlike the European honeybee (Apis mellifera) , wasps and hornets do not have barbed stingers and therefore can sting repeatedly when defending their nests. It is best to avoid them and, if that cannot be done and assistance is needed to remove them, consult a professional.

Tree & Shrub Insect & Mite Pest Suggested Scouting:

• Andromeda Lace Bug is most commonly encountered on Japanese andromeda, however other host plants may be impacted. Most activity from this insect occurs between late May through September, with several generations occurring per year. Both nymphs and adults feed on host plant leaf undersides and cause white/yellow-colored spots or chlorosis to occur on host plant leaf surfaces. 
• Azalea Lace Bug is a pest of both deciduous and evergreen azaleas ( Rhododendron spp.), however resistance has been reported in Rhododendron atlanticum , R. arborescens , R. canescens , R. periclymenoides , and R. prunifolium . The insects feed on host plant leaf undersides, and cause chlorosis on leaf surfaces. Azalea lace bugs are active throughout the summer.

• Dusky Birch Sawfly second generation larvae may be present on various species of birch ( Betula ) at this time. Second generation adults may emerge by mid-July, laying eggs which will hatch and feeding larvae may be present until mid-September. While small trees may be defoliated by these feeding Hymenopteran caterpillars, in the majority of cases feeding by this insect rarely reaches levels where chemical intervention is necessary. Btk ( Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki) does not work on sawfly larvae.

• Fall Home-Invading Insects: Various insects, such as ladybugs, boxelder bugs, seedbugs, and stink bugs will begin to seek overwintering shelters in warm places, such as homes, throughout the next couple of months. While such invaders do not cause any measurable structural damage, they can become a nuisance, especially when they are present in large numbers. While the invasion has not yet begun, if you are not willing to share your home with such insects, now should be the time to repair torn window screens, repair gaps around windows and doors, and seal up any other gaps through which they might enter the home.

Locust Borer adult beetles are typically active by early September until the first frost, often associated with goldenrod. Beetles are attractive – black with a series of yellow stripes throughout the body and approximately ½-1 inches long. Black locust ( Robinia pseudoacacia ) is the host of the wood boring larvae of this visually striking insect.

Magnolia Scale reports to UMass Extension have increased as now is the time when adult female scales are large, covered in a white, waxy coating, and very noticeable. Nymphs will soon wander to the newest twigs of their host plants where they will settle to overwinter. When safe and practical to do so, such as on smaller trees, large female scales can be removed with a soft brush (without damaging the host plant bark). See link for more management options.

Foliage of the red oak group is skeletonized by this species. Leaves become translucent and eventually dry out. Heavily attacked foliage will appear lacey from the skeletonizing. Occasional outbreaks can cause damage over a large area, and repeated years of defoliation can cause a reduction in host plant growth. Occasionally, part of the tree crown may be killed by the activity of this insect. However, the oak skeletonizer is often found in low level, non-damaging populations and their presence can be tolerated.

Visually monitor for the activity of this insect in late May or early June (first generation). Look for skeletonized host plant leaves and eventually the characteristic white, ribbed cocoons. Trees can tolerate this native insect and often chemical management is not necessary.

Obscure Scale may be present on oak, chestnut, hickory, or pecan. Newly hatched crawlers may be active on infested stems and branches for a long period of time, roughly between mid-July through September. Because the scale coverings, even of dead scales, cling to the host plant bark, heavy infestations that have been present for multiple years may be detected any time of the year if the layered, encrusted scales are searched for. Take note if branches appear deformed or lumpy/misshapen.

• Pear Sawfly is an introduced (European) species that feeds on a wide variety of trees and shrubs, including pear, cherry, cotoneaster, crabapple, hawthorn, mountain ash, plum, and shadbush. Sawfly larvae feed on the leaves of their hosts, skeletonizing them at first and eventually leading to leaf browning and early leaf loss. A second generation of adult sawflies may emerge from pupal cells in the soil by August. Second generation larvae may feed on host plant leaves through September until they drop to the soil to overwinter as pupae. 
• Pine Needle Scale can be a very serious pest of the needles of ornamental pines. Light infestations may go unnoticed and typically do not cause considerable damage. As a population increases, this scale insect feeds with piercing-sucking mouthparts to remove host plant fluids from the needles, causing them to eventually turn yellowish in color and possibly brown. Twigs and entire branches may eventually be killed. Lower branches typically die first. Depending upon geographic location, one or two generations of pine needle scales occur per year. If a second generation is present, second-generation crawlers are present by late July through September. Two generations per year occur in Massachusetts. More northerly locations may have a single generation per year.

• Southern Pine Beetle has been trapped in Massachusetts since 2015. By 2022 and 2023, southern pine beetle has reached outbreak conditions in small areas of the state, killing pitch pine ( Pinus rigida ), particularly on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket islands in MA. If you believe you have found infested pitch pine in Massachusetts, please report southern pine beetle using the Massachusetts Southern Pine Beetle Reporting Form from MA DCR.

Tuliptree Aphid is a native North American insect that occurs wherever the tuliptree grows. Depending upon local temperatures, these aphids may be present from mid-June through early fall. There are several generations per year. The tuliptree aphid can cause reduced leaf size as a result of its feeding. These insects feed on their host plants with piercing-sucking mouthparts which they use to remove host plant fluids. Some leaves, especially those in the outer canopy, may turn brown or yellow and drop from infested trees prematurely. 

The most significant impact these aphids can have is typically the resulting honeydew, or sugary liquid excrement, which may be present in excessive amounts and coat leaves and branches, leading to sooty mold growth. This honeydew may also make a mess of anything beneath the tree, including sidewalks and parked cars. Ants, bees, wasps, and flies may be attracted to and feed on the honeydew. Management is typically not necessary, as this insect does not significantly impact the overall health of its host.

• Viburnum Leaf Beetle larvae may be found anywhere on the leaves and usually in groups. When young, larvae feed on the undersides of the leaves. As they grow larger, they may feed on the upper surface. Larval development may take approximately 8-10 weeks to complete and 3 larval instars are reported. Pupae are yellowish and are found in the soil beneath the host plant. Adults emerge around the middle of July and are brown, smaller than the largest larvae (approximately ¼ inch), and will also feed on the leaves. Adults are present in the landscape until the first hard frost.
• White Marked Tussock Moth is one of many native tussock moth species commonly encountered in the late summer and early fall. Avoid touching these caterpillars or their cocoons: they may cause allergic reactions, especially if their hairs come into contact with sensitive skin (ex. back, stomach, underside of arms) (Wagner, 2005). Contact dermatitis (itching) as a result of interacting with these insects has been reported from schools and daycares. Teach children how to identify and avoid handling cocoons and caterpillars. These caterpillars have urticating (irritating) hairs. Welts may appear on the skin within minutes, but subside the next day; however, itching can last for several days depending upon the sensitivity of the individual.

• Yellow Poplar Weevil   is also known as the sassafrass weevil, the magnolia leafminer, or the tulip tree leafminer. This insect, as all of these common names suggest, feeds on yellow poplar (tulip tree;  Liriodendron tulipifera ), sassafras ( Sassafras albidum ), magnolia ( Magnolia spp. ), as well as bay laurel ( Laurus nobilis ). Adult beetles lay eggs in the midribs of host plant leaves by May, after which the eggs hatch and larvae feed by creating blotch mines in the leaves. Larvae can be observed in May and June, and adults emerging to feed again by August, prior to overwintering in sheltered areas.

Beneficials/Non-Pests:

Report by Tawny Simisky, Extension Entomologist, UMass Extension Landscape, Nursery & Urban Forestry Program

For information about identification of weeds noted below, check out UMass Extension's Weed Herbarium .

Common reed or phragmites, Phragmites australis , is now in flower in New England, so now is the time for herbicide treatment. Glyphosate-based herbicide products are the best choice for the control of common reed. In areas near water, a formulation of glyphosate that is labeled for these areas should be used. Common reed is commonly associated with water and wet habits. so controls implemented in these areas will likely invoke the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act 310 CMR 10.00 and the management of this invasive plant will require a permit. See additional comments about 310 CMR 10.00 in the Japanese knotweed paragraph below.

Crabgrass management in turf: Summer is in its late stage and so is the growth and development of crabgrass in turf settings. As crabgrass grows and produces more tillers, options for effective control decrease. At this point in the season, most crabgrass is 5-tiller or larger. For control of these large, several tiller crabgrass plants, the use of quinclorac (Drive WLR8 TM or other post-patent products) should be considered. Applications will require the addition of a high-quality MSO (methylated seed oil) surfactant for effective control. The late season control of crabgrass with quinclorac still has the chance to stop flowering and the subsequent production of seed that will be added to the weed seed bank for coming years. Sometimes referred to as a “rescue application”, late season crabgrass control will get crabgrass out of the way in preparation for late summer and early fall overseeding.

English ivy ( Hedera helix ): I have received several inquiries about whether English ivy ( Hedera helix ) is invasive in Massachusetts. These inquiries also ask about the best way to control English ivy. The Massachusetts Invasive Plant Advisory Committee (MIPAG) has not evaluated English ivy for invasiveness in Massachusetts. While this species is non-native, it would likely fall short of meeting some of the criteria that would make it designated as invasive, likely invasive, or potentially invasive. A full evaluation of this species would not likely show this plant to 1) demonstrate the potential for rapid and widespread dispersion and establishment, 2) have the potential to disperse over spatial gaps, and 3) exist in high numbers in natural plant communities and minimally managed habitats. MIPAG defines an invasive plant as a non-native species that can spread into native or minimally managed plant systems in Massachusetts. These plants cause economic or environmental harm by developing self-sustaining populations and becoming dominant and/or disruptive to those systems. Early during the evaluation of a plant species, a well-known nurseryman in Massachusetts coined the phrase “garden thug” which appropriately describes the behavior English ivy in New England. Management of a “garden thug” certainly can be justified in some situations. Initial research done in eastern Europe and repeated by Dr. Joe Neal at North Carolina State University showed that effective control of English ivy was achieved with a postemergence application of glyphosate in the spring. Applications of a 41% glyphosate formulation at 4 to 5% should be applied when the new-season growth is 3 to 5 inches long and has 3 to 5 leaves. At least 2 or 3 years of a spring application are usually required for complete control.

Japanese knotweed ( Fallopia japonica ): Japanese knotweed is in flower now, which is the best time for treatment with an herbicide. The treatment window begins at the first sign of floral structure development, continues through the flowering period, and ends before the first frost. Since knotweed commonly grows in wet areas or near streams, rivers or wetlands, the management of this invasive plant may invoke 310 CMR 10.00, the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act.  310 CMR 10.00 regulates all activities in the resource areas identified in the act. Before any management activities can begin, the Conservation Commission in that municipality should be contacted to determine to what extent 310 CMR 10.00 might impact the project. Working within the constraints of 310 CMR 10.00 can take time, so now is the time to begin that process to allow for the treatment of Japanese knotweed in a timely manner.

Report by Randy Prostak, Weed Specialist, UMass Extension Landscape, Nursery, and Urban Forestry Program

Pesticide License Exams by the MA Dept. of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) are now held online. For more information and how to register, go to:  https://www.mass.gov/pesticide-examination-and-licensing . 

To receive immediate notification when the next Landscape Message update is posted , join our e-mail list  or follow us on Facebook .

For a complete listing of landscape, nursery, and urban forestry program upcoming events , see our calendar at  https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/upcoming-events .

For commercial growers of greenhouse crops and flowers - Check out UMass Extension's Greenhouse Update website.

For professional turf managers - Check out our  Turf Management Updates .

For pollinator interests - Check out the Pollinator Buzz .

For home gardeners and garden retailers - Check out our  home lawn and garden resources . 

Diagnostic Services

UMass Laboratory Diagnoses Landscape and Turf Problems - The UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab is available to serve commercial landscape contractors, turf managers, arborists, nurseries and other green industry professionals. It provides woody plant and turf disease analysis, woody plant and turf insect identification, turfgrass identification, weed identification, and offers a report of pest management strategies that are research based, economically sound and environmentally appropriate for the situation. Accurate diagnosis for a turf or landscape problem can often eliminate or reduce the need for pesticide use. For sampling procedures, detailed submission instructions and a list of fees, see the  Plant Diagnostic Laboratory  web site.

Soil and Plant Nutrient Testing - The University of Massachusetts Soil and Plant Nutrient Testing Laboratory is located on the campus of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Testing services are available to all. The lab provides test results and recommendations that lead to the wise and economical use of soils and soil amendments. For more information, including current turn-around times, visit the UMass Soil and Plant Nutrient Testing Laboratory web site.  The lab is currently accepting orders for Routine Soil Analysis (including optional Organic Matter, Soluble Salts, and Nitrate testing) , Particle Size Analysis, Pre-Sidedress Nitrate (PSNT), Total Sorbed Metals, and Soilless Media (no other types of soil analyses available at this time). Check   for current turnaround time . Please plan for the fact that date of receipt in the lab is affected by weekends, holidays, shipping time, and time for UMass Campus Mail to deliver samples to the lab.

Tick Testing - The UMass Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment provides a list of potential tick identification and testing options at  https://ag.umass.edu/resources/tick-testing-resources .

Acknowledgements: UMass Extension gratefully acknowledges the support of the following funding sources for the production of the Landscape Message –

• The Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association Fund
• The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, Award #ISADCR28219926UMA24A
• Stakeholders like you! The Landscape Message is partially supported by educational program user fees.

Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment

Civil Rights and Non-Discrimination Information

Our Covid-19 Response & Resources

College of Natural Sciences

Mass. Agricultural Experiment Station

UMass Extension

UMass Research and Education Center Farms

UMass Cranberry Station

Water Resources Research Center

Interest Areas

Agriculture

Commercial Horticulture

Environmental Conservation

Food Science

Youth Development & 4-H

Pesticide Education

Plant Diagnostics Laboratory

Soil and Plant Nutrient Testing Laboratory

Hot Water Seed Treatment

Water Testing / Environmental Analysis Laboratory

Conservation Assessment Prioritization System (CAPS)

Extension Risk Management/Crop Insurance Education

Mass. Envirothon

Mass. Herp Atlas

Mass. Keystone

North American Aquatic Connectivity Collaborative

UMass Design Center in Springfield

Extension Sales Portal

Agriculture & Commercial Horticulture Resources

Community & Economic Vitality

Disaster Preparedness

Food Safety

Home Lawn & Garden

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Land Conservation Tools

Pollinators

Tick testing

Resources for Faculty and Staff

Extension Outreach Programs

4-H Youth Development

Crops, Dairy, Livestock and Equine

Greenhouse Crops and Floriculture

Landscape, Nursery and Urban Forestry

Clean Energy

Climate Change

Nutrition Education

Value-Added Food

• Departments
• For Students
• For Faculty
• Book Appointment

• Flow and Cohesion
• Reverse Outline
• Paper Skeleton
• Creating a Research Space

Personal Statements

• Literature Reviews

The personal statement is an essay of varying length that may be requested when you are applying to a graduate or professional school, for an internship, or for a grant/fellowship.  With the statement, you are representing your best self: your academic background; your work experience; a narrative of your past, present, and future interests; and your personal commitment to the program or organization at in question.  The statement needs to demonstrate that you are well-informed about the program and that your background and interests match well with the program's mission.

Planning Ahead

• Familiarize yourself with the program or organization to which you are applying, and contact a program representative with any questions you may have.  Be sure to identify particular features of the program or organization that interest you most.
• Take time to do some reflection.  Identify your goals, find meaning in your past experiences, and take stock of your investment in the program or organization to which you are applying.  The more familiar you are with these, the better equipped you will be to write about them and represent them accurately.
• Give yourself plenty of time to write multiple drafts (the more, the better!).  Seek feedback from advisors, professors, those familiar with the program or organization to which you are applying, and even those who have simply written a personal statement in the past.
• Bring the application and your statement draft to the Writing Center for feedback.
• After revising the draft for content, edit your draft for grammar and mechanics, conciseness, “flow”, and style.

What to Include in a Personal Statement

• When, how, and why did you become interested in this area of study or work?   Be specific! Here, you want to distinguish yourself.  You want to demonstrate how well you know your interests.
• What you hope to gain Tailor your statement to your readers and be prepared to name specific features about the program or organization including people, courses, or available resources. How will this specific program help you further your personal or professional goals?
• What you have to  offer Consider how your knowledge and experience makes you a valuable addition to the program.
• Community Service and Other Extracurricular Activities
• Leadership Positions
• Internship and Work Experiences
• What are your accomplishments, particularly ones that make you stand out as a successful candidate?  Elaborate on major accomplishments mentioned briefly in other parts of the application and/or take this opportunity to write about accomplishments not yet mentioned. Describe accomplishments that best illustrate your strengths.
• Have you had any profound experiences or obstacles that affect your application?  Only mention controversial topics if they are critical to your application.
• What are some of your goals or future plans going into this area of study or work?  Show that you have a sense of direction and purpose by giving your reader an idea of your long-term goals and how acceptance into the program or organization to which you are applying will help you accomplish them.

Things to Avoid

• Try not to go overboard with when including biographical narrative.  The focus is more on the ways in which your experiences have shaped your interests, goals, and thinking, rather than on the events themselves.
• Try not to “preach” to your reader.  If you have strong sentiments or opinions pertaining to a particular issue or interest, express them in such a way that they do not come across as overly fanatical or extreme.
• Where possible, try not to mention things covered elsewhere in your application.  If you feel that something previously listed in your application merits elaboration, carefully evaluate how to include it without its inclusion being redundant.
• In trying to bring your “voice” into the personal statement, try to keep away from doing anything too extravagant or “gimmicky”.  While the objective is to give the reader a sense of who you are, being too flashy may give them the impression that you are trying more too hard to appear a fitting candidate, rather than simply explaining what makes you so.

Additional Resources on Personal Statements

• Stelzer, Richard.  How to Write a Winning Personal Statement for Graduate and Professional School.  3rd ed. Princeton, NJ: Peterson's Guides 1997.
• Steward, Mark Alan.  Perfect Personal Statements.  2nd ed.  Lawrenceville, NJ: Thompson/Peterson's, 2002.
• “ Writing the Personal Statement. ”  Purdue Online Writing Lab.  Purdue University, 25 Apr. 2010.  Web. 30 July 2010. 

[Compiled by Natasha Azank, Michelle Deal, Jessica Oulette, and Stefana Soitos. Revised by Sean Coffill Nov. 19, 2010.]

Calculate for all schools

Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, does university of massachusetts amherst have supplemental essays.

Hey guys! I'm looking into the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and I'm curious about the application process. Do they require any supplemental essays? If so, what are the prompts and how should I approach them?

Hey there! Traditionally, UMass Amherst does have supplemental essays as part of their application process. That being said, I can't speak for every specific application cycle, so it's super important you check on their admissions website, as well as the Common App, to see if there are essays.

In terms of how should you go about responding to the prompts, I don't know if I'm the best person to speak on that as I've never applied to UMass Amherst, but I can say that Collegevine has some great resources for this purpose. Specifically, [this post] ( https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-umass-amherst-essays) explains how to write the UMass Amherst essays and provides great step-by-step approaches to the essays. Definitely check it out!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.