Student Checklist
There are a number of steps you'll need to take on your own to prepare for orientation and the semester ahead. Most steps can be completed before you come to orientation, so let's get started!
Sign Up for Your Session
You need to sign up online to tell us which orientation session you’re attending.
Ask Your Parents to Sign Up Too
Encourage your parents to attend our parents program and register online ahead of time.
Take Your Placement Exams
All incoming students must take the online Math Placement Exam before attending orientation.
Students who have taken three or more years for French, German, Latin, or Spanish should also take the online Foreign Language Placement Exam before orientation.
Prepare for Testing at Your Session
If you do well on the Foreign Language Placement Exam, you can sit for an exemption test during your Summer NSO session to earn exemption and/or credit.
Freshmen and Stockbridge students should also prepare to take the Writing Placement Test during Summer NSO.
Get Familiar with SPIRE
SPIRE is the student information and registration system and it will be a major part of your life at UMass! During orientation, you will use SPIRE to register for classes and file your housing preferences. Check out the SPIRE videos to help you explore classes before orientation.
Hold a Spot in a Residential Academic Programs (RAP)
Students admitted as Freshmen should explore the exciting living and learning opportunities available to you through RAP. If RAP is right for you, hold a spot starting on May 12, 2013.
Explore the Residential Life
Not sure RAP is right for you? Check out some of the other exciting residential options.
Send in Your Test Scores and Transcripts
First-year students, please make sure that the Office of Undergraduate Admissions has received an official copy of your final high school transcript with graduation notation.
Any student who is taking college course work in Spring 2013 must send an official transcript to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. You should also bring a copy of your spring schedule and/or grade report with you to your orientation session. This helps your adviser recommend the appropriate courses for the fall semester.
If you have AP or SAT II scores that will yield credit at the university, request that the College Board send an official copy of your scores to Undergraduate Admissions.
Submit the New Students Immunization Form
Download and print the Massachusetts State Required Immunization History Form from University Health Services.
Find us on Facebook
UMass Amherst New Students Orientation
Like us on facebook and use this page as another way to connect with us and your classmates!
There's also a group just for transfers!
Follow us on Twitter
Tweet your questions @UMassNSO or find your classmates with #UMass2017 and #NewMinutemen!
