First Steps for First Time Students
You’re admitted. Now what?
As an admitted student, you are on your way to becoming a member of the Aggie family. In this guide, we will describe the steps you will need to complete in order to be ready for classes.
You will begin receiving information from NMSU-A about financial aid and scholarships, orientation, and more. Check your mail and email regularly to make sure you don’t miss anything. Don’t worry, we’ve made the process as easy as possible.
Step 1: Create your NMSU account.
Your my.NMSU.edu portal is where you will be able to access your email, registration information, financial aid information, and most of your technology tools, so it is essential that you get familiar with it.
Step 2: Apply for Financial Aid and Scholarships.
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File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) . If you need help completing the FAFSA, you can call 575.439.3600 to schedule an appointment with a Financial Aid Advisor.
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Students can apply for FAFSA once per year. The application opens on October 1 each year.
Step 3: Complete Orientation.
- Completing New Student Orientation is mandatory for new freshmen and transfer students; if you are a readmit to NMSU Alamogordo, it is optional. This in-person event welcomes you to NMSU Alamogordo and provides important details on how to get advised and enrolled in classes. Don’t delay; sign-up now!
Note: To sign up you will need to log in to your application, using this email address and the password you created when you applied.
Step 4: Take your English and Math Placement Assessments.
- New Student Orientation: Before meeting with an academic advisor and registering for classes, you might have to take the math and English placement assessments (unless you’ve taken the ACT or SAT in the past year). To schedule your assessments, please get in touch with the Testing Center by emailing testingNMSUA@nmsu.edu or calling 575.439.3853.
We have prepared a checklist that will help you prepare for your placement assessments.
Step 5: Schedule an appointment with an Academic Advisor.
- New Student Orientation: Our Academic Advisors are here to help you make your academic decisions: choose a degree plan, create a map to achieve your goals, and assist you in registering for classes. Schedule your appointment via phone at 575.439.3600 or by emailing ssnmsua@nmsu.edu.
Do you need personalized help? RC3 Can Help.
Ready, Commit, Continue, and Complete (RC3) is a student success program at NMSU Alamogordo funded by a Title V DHSI Grant.
Our Student Success Coaches can help you with the extra support you may need to get you started:
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| Need help deciding your career path? We have career exploration tools for you to explore your options and career outcomes. |
We can organize a campus tour for you and your support system. |
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One-Stop Onboarding: We offer support for completing FAFSA, scheduling your placement assessments, scheduling your appointments with Financial Aid, and Academic Advising. |
Connect with us today!
Sofia Ugarte (She/Her/Ella)