How to Join a RAP

Step by Step Instructions for students entering UMass Amherst as first-year students for Fall 2013:

Part One - HOLD a spot:

1. Pay deposit to UMass (deadline May 1).
2. Sign up for a New Students Orientation (NSO) summer session.
3. Take on-line Math Placement Test.
   Please be aware that it will take approximately 48 hours for your exam results to be processed in the system.
4. Beginning on Sunday, May 12, 2013 (12 noon EST) you may log-on (NSO web site) and "hold a spot" in specific RAP of choice. Once a student leaves his/her NSO Summer Orientation session they are no longer able to join or change a RAP. All students must complete their RAP enrollment while they attend Summer NSO.

Enrollment in a RAP will continue on a first come, first served basis until the end of Freshman NSO in mid July (see Special note #3 below).

Part Two - CONFIRM your spot

When you are at NSO:

1. Tell Academic Advisor which RAP you joined.
2. Enroll in associated classes.
3. Confirm housing assignment on Spire.

Special Notes:

1. For students joining programs by invitation and/or application, you still need to follow the steps listed above.
2. If you did not hold a spot prior to NSO, you may still join any RAP you are qualified for during NSO as long as there is space in the program.
3. Once a student leaves his/her NSO Summer Orientation session they are no longer able to join a RAP. All students must complete their RAP enrollment while they attend Summer NSO.
   

In addition to holding a spot in a RAP, the NSO website has a wealth of important info that will help you transition to UMass.  Make sure to visit the site often so you'll be up-to-date on opportunities and requirements!

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the office.