UMASS Academic Calendar

The University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS), located in Worcester, Massachusetts, operates on a semester-based academic calendar tailored to the unique needs of medical and graduate education. Unlike traditional undergraduate programs, UMMS focuses on advanced health sciences training, with academic terms typically aligned with medical school standards. The calendar generally consists of two main semesters—Fall and Spring—along with a shorter Summer term for specific programs or clinical rotations. The Fall semester often begins in late August or early September and concludes in December, while the Spring semester runs from January to May. Summer terms or rotations may start in June and extend through July or August. A distinctive feature of UMMS’s calendar is its integration of clinical training periods and breaks that accommodate intensive study and residency schedules.

• Fall Semester Start: Late August 2025 (typically around August 25–30), marking the beginning of the academic year for most programs.
• Thanksgiving Break: November 26–30, 2025, aligning with the national holiday.
• Fall Semester End/Exams: Mid-December 2025 (approximately December 15–20), including final assessments or clinical evaluations.
• Spring Semester Start: Early January 2026 (around January 5–10), following winter break.
• Spring Break: Mid-March 2026 (typically March 15–20), offering a brief respite for students.
• Spring Semester End/Commencement: Late May 2026 (around May 20–25), often culminating in graduation ceremonies.

• Application Opens: Early June 2025 (typically June 1), for prospective students applying through standard medical school application systems.
• Primary Application Deadline: Late October 2025 (approximately October 15–30), for submission of initial materials.
• Secondary Application Deadline: Mid-December 2025 (around December 15), with specific requirements for UMMS.
• Interview Period: September 2025 to March 2026, with invitations sent on a rolling basis.
• Decision Notification: October 2025 to April 2026, depending on application submission and interview timing.
• Commitment Deadline: Late April 2026 (typically April 30), for accepted students to confirm enrollment.

The academic calendar at UMMS aligns with many medical schools across the United States, adhering to national norms for semester timing and holiday breaks such as Thanksgiving and spring recesses. However, its focus on clinical training and research-intensive periods may result in less flexibility compared to undergraduate calendars, as students often follow strict schedules for rotations and exams. For international students, the calendar accommodates standard visa processing timelines, though early application is encouraged to navigate additional requirements. Unique scheduling considerations include alignment with hospital and residency timelines, which may differ from traditional academic breaks. Note that specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical medical school calendars, as exact details may not yet be publicly available.