Accepted Students



What to do once you receive your Acceptance Letter

  • Your Financial Aid Award letter is generally sent sometime in April. Be sure you read and understand it. Follow instructions in the letter. If you have any questions, contact Financial Aid Services at 413-545-0801 or go to their website, www.umass.edu/umfa/.
  • Attend one of the Spring Open Houses where you can get answers to any questions you may still have, take a campus tour, and meet students and faculty. 
  • Make any changes to the Enrollment Form included in your acceptance packet. Return it with your $400 deposit by the May 1 Candidates’ Reply Date. Contact the Stockbridge School at 413-545-2222 if you need an extension beyond the May 1 deadline.
  • You will receive a logon ID and password from OIT (Office of Information Technologies), which will give you access to our student information system called SPIRE. You can then change your password and update your information directly on SPIRE.
  • Sign up for the Stockbridge School New Students Orientation. Tell your parents, guardians, or significant others about the related Family and Friends Orientation held on the same day as the students’ orientation.
  • Read the Housing information that is sent to you. Take an online tour of the residential areas. Talk to current or former students about their campus living experiences. Contact the Housing Assignment Office at www.housing.umass.edu or 413-545-2100 if you have any questions about housing options. 
  • Take the Math Placement Test on line before you attend New Students Orientation.
Contact the Stockbridge School at 413-545-5450 if you have any questions about your admission.

New Students Orientation (NSO)

Incoming students must attend the summer Orientation session prior to their first fall semester. This one day, overnight orientation gives students an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the campus and its facilities, meet with their faculty advisor, and pre-register for fall semester courses. Students also select their housing preferences. Parents are invited to attend the Parents and Family Orientation at the same time as New Students Orientation. They hear from the Stockbridge School Director about academic issues, learn about money matters and become familiar with other campus offices. New students are charged a mandatory, non-refundable New Students Program fee for orientation.  For more information, visit their website.

Move in Guide

To help make your move go as smoothly as possible, you may want to consider bringing essential items only on Opening Day. Your parents and other family members are welcome to come along to help you unpack your belongings. All over campus, "move-in" leaders will be available to help you find out where you need to go and where to park. Please call the Housing Assignment Office at with any questions you may have.