Admissions

General 

 

The University of New Mexico–Los Alamos admits all eligible applicants from New Mexico, other states, and foreign countries. Because of the great diversity of the University’s students, special application and admission procedures have been created to meet the needs of the different populations. UNM–Los Alamos serves high school students, recent high school graduates, transfer students, non-degree students, returning, and non-traditional students. Admission procedures and requirements vary in each of the categories listed below. 

 

Beginning freshman (no previous college work, excluding dual credit coursework)
Transfer (last attended another institution)
Returning (stopped attending for three or more terms)
Dual Credit (high school)
Concurrent Enrollment (high school)
Non–degree (presently not seeking a degree)
International students

For all categories, the University requires full academic disclosure on the application forms. Any student found guilty of non-disclosure or misrepresentation on an application is subject to disciplinary action, including possible dismissal from the University. Transcripts and test scores submitted to UNM–Los Alamos for admission become the property of the University and will not be sent elsewhere or returned to the student. 

When to Apply 

We strongly encourage students to apply as early as possible. Applications are applicable for three consecutive sessions only. If a student does not take advantage of admission and enroll within that period, a new application is required. 

Use of Social Security Numbers 

Students’ social security numbers are collected in the initial admission process only. It will not be the primary University identification number. It will not appear on the student identification card. UNM is required to collect a SSN in order to provide full access to services such as financial aid, to ensure an accurate academic record, and for record-keeping purposes. Admission accommodations will be made for students without a SSN. The University will protect the confidentiality of all SSNs as required by law. 

Admissions – Beginning Freshman (no previous college) 

 

A student may enroll in one of several associate degree or certificate programs offered by UNM–Los Alamos. The requirement for admission into an Associate Degree is a high school diploma or equivalent. A passing score on the General Education Development (GED) or HiSET exam is accepted in lieu of a high school diploma. The UNM–Los Alamos campus has an open admission policy. Admission is available to all students. 

How to Apply 

Applications may be submitted online or printed in hard copy at http://losalamos.unm.edu/admissions/index.html 

 

Request that a high school or GED/HiSET testing site send an official transcript directly to the Student Services Office. 

 

Request that each college attended, including colleges through which dual credit courses were taken, send an official transcript directly to the Student Services Office. 

 

NOTE: Applications will not be processed until all the required items are on file with the Student Services Office. 

Admissions – Transfer Students 

How to Apply 

Complete and return an application for admission to the Student Services Office. Applications can also be submitted online at https://www.unm.edu/apply/ by selecting Branch Campus Applications and clicking on the link for Los Alamos Campus Application. 

 

Request that each college attended send an official transcript directly to the Student Services Office. A summary on one transcript of work at several colleges is not sufficient. If applying for the next academic session at UNM–Los

Alamos while still enrolled at another institution, the official transcript must include a listing of courses in progress, as well as all completed work. After admission, a final transcript is required after completion of any courses in progress at the time of application. (See note below.) 

 

If transferring to UNM–Los Alamos with fewer than 26 semester hours of accepted college work, students are considered a freshman transfer and must submit a complete official transcript of high school work or official GED/HiSet scores. 

 

NOTE: Applications will not be processed until all the required items are on file with the Student Services Office. 

 

To allow students at other institutions to make definite plans for transfer, a determination of admission status may be made before courses in progress are completed, subject only to receipt of the final transcript. Students permitted to register prior to receipt of their final transcripts may be disenrolled if their transcripts do not reach the Student Services Office within three weeks after the beginning of classes. 

 

NOTE: The student must indicate on the application all previous college attendance. Applicants may not ignore any college attendance, even though they did not successfully complete coursework or may prefer to repeat all courses. Students found guilty of non-disclosure or misrepresentation in filling out admission application forms, or who find after admission or enrollment that for academic or other reasons they are ineligible to return to their last institution but fail to report this immediately to the Student Services Office, are subject to disciplinary action, including possible dismissal from the University. 

Previous Suspension 

A student under academic suspension from another college or university may not enter UNM–Los Alamos during the term of suspension. In cases of unspecified suspension periods, the University’s suspension term will apply. Upon termination of the suspension, the student is eligible to request special consideration for admission to UNM–Los Alamos. In general, students under disciplinary suspension are not admitted to UNM–Los Alamos. However, because the reasons for disciplinary suspension vary among institutions, a student may be suspended from one school for infractions that would not be actionable at another. 

 

Therefore, UNM–Los Alamos reviews each case individually and, when justified, makes exceptions and allows the student to be considered for admission. 

Transfer of Credits 

UNM evaluates all courses from postsecondary institutions that are regionally accredited or are candidates for regional accreditation. Transfer students will receive full credit for course work completed with a minimum grade of “C,” provided the classes are similar or equivalent to courses offered at the University. Transferable courses with grades of “D” from New Mexico state institutions are accepted in transfer but may not be counted toward degree completion. UNM–Los Alamos operates on a semester credit calendar. Therefore, classes from quarter system institutions will be recalculated to semester hours (one quarter hour equals .66 semester hours.) 

 

UNM–Los Alamos does not accept personal development or dogmatic religion courses. Credit is not currently awarded for work or life experience, cooperative education, or for courses from out of state in which the grade received was lower than “C.” Grades earned in courses taken at other institutions are not included in calculation of the UNM grade point average. 

 

This grade point average will reflect only classes taken at UNM. 

Transfer among New Mexico Higher Education Institutions 

To facilitate transfer of students and course credits among New Mexico’s colleges and universities, the state’s public institutions of higher education are required to accept transfer courses taken within approved modules of lower division course work and apply them toward degree requirements. A transfer equivalency guide has been developed through collaboration of New Mexico’s public postsecondary institutions, consistent with requirements of state law (21-1B, NMSA 1978). Students enrolling for first- year or second-year study at a New Mexico institution and wishing to prepare for possible transfer into a degree program at another institution are advised to take these courses during their freshman and sophomore years. 

 

In addition, as a branch of UNM, UNM–LA offerings of 1000- and 2000-level courses from the UNM catalog are automatically transferable to UNM–Albuquerque, if graded with a C or better. Students need to see an advisor to see which credits transfer to a program of a particular college, such as the School of Engineering. Planning ahead means that students choose the correct option for the college to which they intend to transfer at a later date. 

Student Responsibility 

Planning for effective transfer with maximum efficiency is ultimately the student’s responsibility. Responsible transfer planning includes early and regular consultation with the intended degree-granting institution to ensure that all pre- transfer course work will meet the requirements of the desired degree. 

Transferable Lower-Division General Education 

For students enrolled at any public institution in New Mexico, general education courses are guaranteed to transfer to any other New Mexico public college or university and apply toward associate and baccalaureate degree program requirements. Students should consult advisors at their current institution regarding which specific courses fit these categories. Students preparing for careers in engineering, health sciences, or other profession-related fields are advised that specific General Education courses, relative to each degree, should be selected to meet both General Education credits and future baccalaureate degree requirements. For more on General Education, see below, page 22.See https://gened.unm.edu for course listings in each area. 

Inter-Institutional Transfer Guides and Catalogs 

Students who have selected a field of study and/or the institution where they wish to graduate are advised to consult the transfer guide or catalog for that institution for more current and detailed advice to guide their course selection. An online tool to determine institutional transfer equivalencies, along with a number of published transfer guides are available on the University of New Mexico Admissions Office website at https://admissions.unm.edu/future-students/transfer. 

Complaint Procedure for Transfer Students 

All New Mexico public post-secondary institutions are required to establish policies and practices for receiving and resolving complaints from students or from other complainants regarding the transfer of course work from other public institutions in the state. A copy of the University of New Mexico’s complaint policy may be obtained from the New Mexico Higher Education Department, 2048 Galisteo Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87505- 2100, (505) 476-8400 or www.hed.state.nm.us. 

Evaluation of Credit 

The evaluation of credit is ordinarily part of the admissions application procedure for students entering an associate program. It is a two-step process. An Admissions Officer first evaluates credits on a course-by-course basis to determine general transferability to the University, and a transfer evaluation is produced for students who are admitted. (Students who have completed courses in institutions utilizing non-traditional credit or grading systems may be required to provide additional information to facilitate the evaluation.) The student must contact an academic advisor in order to determine how the transferred courses will be applied to a degree. 

Admissions – Returning Students 

How to Apply 

A UNM–Los Alamos degree-seeking student who stops attending for three or more sessions, including a summer, must file an application for readmission. You may also apply online at https://losalamos.unm.edu/admissions/apply-now.html. 

 

Complete and return an application for readmission to the Student Services Office. 

 

If a student has attended another institution while on break from UNM–Los Alamos or has taken college-level correspondence or extension courses, he or she must send an official transcript from each college. A summary on one transcript of work at several colleges is not sufficient. If applying for the next academic semester at UNM–Los Alamos while still enrolled at another institution, the official transcript must include a listing of courses in progress, as well as all completed work. After admission, a final transcript is required after completion of any courses in progress at the time of application. 

 

NOTE: Applications will not be processed until all the required items are on file with the Student Services Office. 

 

Students who have been suspended or dismissed as the result of disciplinary problems shall not be readmitted to the University without a required interview with the Director of Student Affairs. The University reserves the right to refuse any student readmission on the basis of his or her student history, either academic or disciplinary. 

 

Admissions – Dual Credit (high school students) 

The Dual Credit Program allows qualified public, charter, homeschool, and tribal school students to enroll in college-level courses offered by a public postsecondary educational institution that may be academic or career technical but not remedial or developmental, and simultaneously earn credit toward high school graduation and a postsecondary degree or certificate. The program is designed to increase education opportunities, provide a college-level experience, and encourage more high school students to pursue higher education. 

 

Meeting the criteria listed below does not mean that the student will automatically be admitted to the Dual Credit Program. In all cases, the final admission determination will be made by UNM–Los Alamos. 

 

The student must have the certification and unconditional recommendation of the high school as well as proof of parental consent prior to participation on the Dual Credit/Concurrent Enrollment application form. 

 

The student must furnish the Student Services Office with a current official high school transcript including their grade point average and STARS number. 

 

A student planning to enroll in English or Math must meet the minimum placement scores determined by UNM-Los Alamos in either the ACT, SAT or ACCUPLACER tests. 

 

A student planning to enroll in any course that has a prerequisite requirement must meet the minimum prerequisite or test score. 

Admissions – Concurrent Enrollment (high school students) 

UNM–Los Alamos offers a Concurrent Enrollment Program for high school students who only want college credit. The student must have proof of parental consent prior to participation on the Dual Credit/Concurrent Enrollment application packet, which must be submitted with a current official high school transcript. 

Admissions – Non-degree Students 

The Non-degree credit program allows students to earn academic credit without being admitted into a degree- granting unit. This program accommodates non-traditional students who wish to begin taking academic courses to prepare for graduate studies, career changes or for professional and/or personal development. Non-degree status is recommended for visiting students from other institutions. 

Non-Degree Admission Requirements 

Applicants must be 21 years of age or older or, if they are under 21: 

High school graduating class must have been out of school for at least one full year or,
If the applicant earned a diploma by the GED or HiSET exam, the graduating class must have been out of high school at least one year. 
NOTE: Students in Non-degree status are not eligible to receive financial aid. Contact the Financial Aid Office at(505) 662-0341 for details. 

 

The following students are not eligible for non-degree status: 

A student who is under disciplinary or academic suspension from UNM–Los Alamos or any other collegiate institution. 
A student who has exhausted his or her eligibility in University College and is not academically eligible to enter a degree-granting college at the University of New Mexico. 
A student planning to receive student financial aid. 
 Applicants for Non-degree status are required to certify that they are not under suspension from any college or university. Students found guilty of nondisclosure or misrepresentation in filling out the admission application form or who after admission or enrollment at UNM–Los Alamos are found to be ineligible for academic or other reasons to return to the last institution attended and fail to report this immediately to the Student Services Office, will be subject to disciplinary action, including possible dismissal from the University. 

Facts about Non-degree Status 

No transcripts of previous high school or college work are required for admission. 

 

NOTE: A transcript may be required to determine fulfillment of prerequisite course work.

 

There is a 30-credit hour limit in non-degree for students who have not yet completed a baccalaureate degree. There is no limit for students with a baccalaureate degree. 

 

Credits earned in non-degree status are recorded on a University of New Mexico permanent record. Credits may be applied to an undergraduate plan of study, if the courses meet specific degree requirements. 

Non-degree students applying for undergraduate degree status must follow admission procedures and provide all items required of transfer students (see Admissions— Transfer Students). 

Academic Standards 

Students in Non-degree status are subject to all University regulations governing registration, attendance, academic standing, and satisfactory completion of prerequisite courses. The Albuquerque campus Non-degree Student Services Office governs academic standing and maintains college records for all non-degree students, including those at branch campuses and other UNM sites. 

Admissions – International Students 

The University of New Mexico welcomes applications from international students who have earned distinguished academic records and have demonstrated English proficiency. 

International Non-degree Admission 

International students wishing to enroll at UNM–Los Alamos in Non-degree status must submit an admission application that includes visa type and country of citizenship information. 

 

Students taking non-academic courses may not be required to provide copies of documentation or proof of English proficiency with the admission application. 

 

Students interested in taking an academic course will be required to obtain instructor approval or provide proof of English proficiency. 

 

Please contact the UNM–Los Alamos Director of Student Affairs at (505) 661-4688 for guidance and more information. 

International Undergraduate (Degree-Seeking) Admission Requirements 

The Global Education Office (GEO) at UNM–Albuquerque provides services to international students and scholars coming to UNM and wishing to be enrolled into a degree granting program. 

 

The Office of International Admissions within the GEO handles admission of all degree-seeking international students to the University of New Mexico, including to UNM-Los Alamos. To know more about the admission process and requirements for new international students, please contact the Office of International Admissions directly at (505) 277-4032, https://geo.unm.edu.

 

Alternative Credit Programs 

UNM–Los Alamos grants college credit for certain outside training, courses, and examinations. In all cases, students must be enrolled in undergraduate degree status. The guidelines for each of these programs are as follows. 

Technical Credit 

Under special circumstances, students may receive credit for technical courses that are not normally transferable to UNM–Los Alamos. Students who have earned technical credit that they believe may be applicable to their specific degree programs may request a review of that credit by the division chairperson or program director. An interview or demonstration of competence or both may be required before a decision regarding credit is made. Acceptance of technical credit is binding only to the specific department or program recommending the credit. 

Training Credit 

Credit for non-collegiate training programs is granted based on recommendations of the American Council of Education’s National Guide to Educational Credit for Training Programs and institutional policies. Official records must be supplied to the Student Services Office by the appropriate source. 

Military Credit 

Credit for military service is granted based on recommendations of the American Council of Education’s Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Service and institutional policies. No credit is granted for Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).