Prepare for College

Before Applying

    • Find more information on the careers through career information events to develop you career interests and goals.

    • Research the majors to find which one benefits you and fits well with your career goals.

    • Begin developing a strong goal for college.

    • Begin reviewing the advising and contact someone for free information and help.

    • As soon as possible, complete and submit your Financial Aid application through FAFSA. Use NMSU’s FAFSA Code, 002657, and fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if you qualify.
      Start Your FAFSA

    • Use NMSU’s Net Price Calculator can help you determine your scholarship eligibility, and your federal and state aid eligibility.
      Freshmen Net Price Calculator

    • Learn the differences between grants, loans, workstudy, and scholarships:
      Different Types of Aid
      • Grants – financial aid that doesn’t have to be repaid (unless, for example, you withdraw from school and owe a refund)
      • Scholarships – award of financial aid for a student to further their education, awarded based upon various criteria
      • Work-Study – a work program through which you earn money to help you pay for school
      • Loans – borrowed money for college or career school; you must repay your loans, with interest

    • Register for and take SAT/ACT exams for college admission. ACT requirement is 21.


    • Begin registration with NMSU by creating a MyNMSU account and applying.



Dual Credit

The Dual Credit Program at New Mexico State University allows high school juniors and seniors the unique opportunity to get a jump start on their college education. Through this program, qualified and motivated students can enroll in approved college level courses – receiving college credit from NMSU, as well as elective high school credit from their high school, simultaneously. Dual Credit is a great way to begin your future!

    • E T 154 – Construction Methods and Communications (3 cr). Blueprint reading, specifications, and introduction to materials used in construction.
    • E T 160 – Windows Fundamental for IET (3 cr). Fundamental review of the Windows operating system including installation and upgrades as well as managing applications, files, folders, devices and maintenance.
    • E T 182 – Digital Logic (3 cr) . The use of truth tables, Boolean equations, and diagrams to define, simplify, and implement logic-valued functions.
    • E T 254 w/Lab – Concrete Technology (3 cr). Fundamentals of aggregates, Portland cement, and asphalt used in design and construction.

Tips For Success

It can take some adjustment when starting the first semester. There are many ways you can make your first year a successful year. Here are some great tips for having a successful first year at NMSU:

    • Be organized. Being organized is a great way to help manage time. Utilizing planners and applications is a great way to stay organized. Putting your classes and events in something like outlook or google calendar, and using your MyNMSU canvas calendar feed, you can have your schedule, homework assignments, and exams on your phone.
    • Take advantage of free student resources and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Check out the  student resources that will be available to you. Take advantage of these free resources, which include free tutoring in engineering and math courses, helps with writing, study rooms, free counseling services, and a place to regularly exercise. It’s important to seek tutoring or emotional support if you need it.
    • Get involved on campus. There are plenty of events that happen on NMSU. You can join a club or organization and attend these events to meet new people and develop your social circle.
    • Learn your communication and learning style. Everyone learns and communicates differently. It’s important to know your learning style, such as visual, aural, verbal, and physical. It’s also good to know the communication styles though DISC, which are Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness.
    • Stay motivated. No matter what happens, it’s important to stay motivated. College is not a competition or a race. It is a journey of self development. Getting a bad grade is the end of the journey. It’s important to remember that you learn more from failure.
    • Get prepared for exams. NMSU hosts several study groups and sessions. Take advantage of this alongside good study skills to stay prepared.

Essential Skills

NMSU will help you develop many skills both inside and outside the classroom. That being said, it’s still an adjustment when students start their first semester and begin attending classes. To help with this adjustment, here are a couple of skills that will help you out in and out of the classroom.

    • Note Taking – This skill is essential in the classroom. Note taking helps you focus during lecture, helps you remember the lesson, and helps you refresh your memory by allowing you to go back and look at them.
    • Writing – Writing is important. Note taking, essays, and reports are all apart of college. Don’t worry, NMSU will help you develop these skills with several classes and through the Writing Center.
    • Time Management – Managing a busy schedule is what college is all about. There are great tools that can help with this, like planners, phone applications, and calendars.
    • Stress Management – Everyone has a different way of relieving stress. Good ways to do so include adequate rest, regular exercise, good nutrition, and engaging in different ways of self-care like the occasional, fun movie night.
    • Budgeting – “Broke college student” is used a lot. It’s important to be smart in handling money and balancing a budget to avoid being broke. One good tip is to meal prep on weekends to avoid spending money on fast food daily.
    • Communication – From asking somebody to help, to working in a group, to public speaking. Communication is important.

Useful Apps

Take advantage of the technology we have today. These applications can help make your college experience even smoother.

    • Canvas Student – NMSU uses Canvas to provide courses and assignments. This app allows you to access your courses and view announcements, homework assignments, grades, and course materials. You can also participate in group discussions, use the messaging system to message professor and peers, and utilize the calendar and To-Do list.
    • Handshake Student – NMSU is utilizing Handshake, a professional networking site. You download and login to build your profile, highlight skills and accomplishments, and use your profile to apply for legitimate jobs.
    • Aggie Life – This application allows you to keep up with events happening on campus and check in with student organizations.
    • LiveSafe – Safety is important. This app will help empower you by allowing you to report an incident or problem silently. You can do this anonymously, attach pictures or videos, and by using the “SafeWalk” feature to enable GPS and notify campus officials and local police department about situations.
    • Mint – A budgeting tool that uses secured software to connect to your bank account and help monitor spending habits.
    • GroupMe – Great for interacting with groups. This is especially useful for group projects.
    • Planner/Calendar – Great for keeping your days flowing smoothly. You can use reminders and notifications to remind you about classes, events, and appointments. You can also link the canvas calendar using “Calendar Feed” to keep track of the due dates on homework assignments and upcoming exams.
    • Wunderlist – A digital to-do list that sets reminders. You can easily share your tasks with others.
    • PDF Scanner – Some homework assignments need to be handwritten but turned in with Canvas via PDF. Sometimes it’s good to scan your notes and store it in a computer or cloud. Any PDF Scanner like app can help accomplish that.
    • Outlook – NMSU uses outlook to email students. It’s important to keep up with these emails, so take advantage of the Outlook app.