Click on the tabs below to find Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) specific to First-Year Orientation and Transfer Registration.

Which sessions am I required to attend as an incoming First-Year student?

To successfully complete the Orientation process, First-Year students are required to complete the following:

  • Placement Testing
  • Online Tutorial
  • In-Person First-Year Orientation Session
What do I need to bring to Orientation / Registration sessions?

Students should bring any supplies they need for an overnight, including a sleeping bag, pillow, fan, pajamas, change of clothes, comfortable shoes, required medications and toiletries. Students should also bring a pen/pencil and paper for notes!

When will I meet my advisor and select my classes?

First-Year students will meet their College Based Advisor several times throughout the in-person program!  This is your go-to person, and we will ensure you have connected with one another. 

What is Placement Testing?

Placement Testing is a set of tests that are required for all incoming First-Year students.  Every student is required to take a math and writing test to determine corresponding classes for those subjects.  Details on your specific tests will be emailed to you.

Transfer students do not have placement testing requirements and do not need to complete any placement tests. However, transfer students who need to take Calculus 1 (and haven't taken it or its equivalent at their previous institution) will need to complete the ALEKS test.

How do AP, dual enrollment, and transfer credits work?

As an incoming First-Year student, in order to get course credit for any AP classes you attended in high school, your exam scores must be received by the university. To make sure that your AP scores have been sent to UMass Lowell, you can check the College Board website.

As a First-Year or Transfer student, to ensure that your dual enrollment and transfer credits are taken into account when you are trying to create your schedule, make sure to send them in to the Admissions Office here at UMass Lowell. This can be done by mailing or delivering them to: University Crossing, Suite 420, 220 Pawtucket St., Lowell, MA 01854-2874

To see the status of your credits, you can check your Transfer Credit Report on SiS through the My Academics tab. If you have any questions concerning the status of your scores / credits, you can reach the university’s admissions office by email: admissions@uml.edu. Once your scores / credits have been processed by the university, you can speak with an advisor about which courses you will receive credit for based on your scores / grades.

Which sessions am I required to attend as an incoming Transfer student?

To successfully complete the Transfer Registration process, Transfer students are required to complete the Online Tutorial, sent via Orientation@uml.edu, prior to their session and a Virtual Transfer Registration Day. Throughout the summer, there will also be optional in-person Transfer Welcome Days.  

What do I need to bring to a Virtual Transfer Registration Day?

We recommend that you bring a piece of paper, a pen/pencil, and yourself!

When will I meet my advisor and select my classes?

During your Virtual Transfer Registration Day, you will meet with an academic advisor to secure your courses for the upcoming semester.  Orientation Leaders, the Admissions Office, the Honors College, Centers for Learning and the Registrar’s Office will also be available to help you with SiS and course registration/questions.

Is there a certain device I should use for the Virtual Transfer Registration Zoom call?

We encourage you to use a laptop or desktop computer with a webcam, if possible. Mobile devices are acceptable, however not encouraged.  

How do AP, dual enrollment, and transfer credits work?

As an incoming First-Year student, in order to get course credit for any AP classes you attended in high school, your exam scores must be received by the university. To make sure that your AP scores have been sent to UMass Lowell, you can check the College Board website.

As a First-Year or Transfer student, to ensure that your dual enrollment and transfer credits are taken into account when you are trying to create your schedule, make sure to send them in to the Admissions Office here at UMass Lowell. This can be done by mailing or delivering them to: University Crossing, Suite 420, 220 Pawtucket St., Lowell, MA 01854-2874

To see the status of your credits, you can check your Transfer Credit Report on SiS through the My Academics tab. If you have any questions concerning the status of your scores / credits, you can reach the university’s admissions office by email: admissions@uml.edu. Once your scores / credits have been processed by the university, you can speak with an advisor about which courses you will receive credit for based on your scores / grades.