First Time College Student

The instructions below will take first-time college students step-by-step thru the process of applying for admission to Southeast New Mexico College. First-time students are defined as students who have never attended college from any institution. If you have attended college from another institution, you are considered a transfer student.

Step 1: Submit Admission Application


You will need to perform the following tasks:

  1. Apply to submit an online application (Note: this account is for Admissions only)

After you have submitted your application it usually takes about 24 hours until you receive a phone call and email from your processor with your next steps. For reference view the SENMC student checklist/lista para registrarse

Step 2: Request Official Transcripts


  1. Have official transcripts (from High School, GED®HiSET®, and previous college(s) sent to:  admissions@senmc.edu 

Southeast New Mexico College
1500 University Dr.
Carlsbad, NM, 88220

Official transcripts must come directly from the institution where you attended. If the document is delivered to us from anyone, other than the institution, it is not considered an official transcript.

Step 3: Apply for Financial Aid and Scholarships


Processing of financial aid takes around 4-6 weeks.

To complete a financial aid application visit:  https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

Note: You may be asked to provide a variety of information. Click here for tips that may help you successfully complete the form.

SENMC School CODE: 043006

To check the status of your financial aid application, please contact financialaid@senmc.edu

You may qualify for additional financial aid or scholarships, such as:
Veterans Affairs Benefits
SENMC Scholarship Information

Step 4: Complete ACCUPLACER Test


Testing may be waived for students who have finished High School within the last 5 years or for those who have completed the ACT/SAT within the last three years. For those who graduated after the 5-year period or completed a GED/HiSET, you will need to take a placement exam if you have not taken Math or English courses in the last two years and do not have a college degree. Call (575) 234-9221 to inquire.

To complete testing:

  1. Contact the Testing Center at (575) 234-9322, Room 221
  2. Check for testing availability (Contact Carol Boyd at (575) 234-9322)
  3. Complete the math, reading, and/or English placement test as needed. Please have the following information with you: SENMC ID number and photo ID.

Optional: You may review test prep material at the Learning Assistance Center, room 253, or try the Online ACCUPLACER practice tests.

If applicable, talk with the Student Accessibility Services Coordinator about testing accommodations. Visit room 253C or call (575) 234-9321.

Step 5: Schedule an Advising Appointment


To schedule an appointment with your assigned advisor, visit: Advising. 

If you have questions call the Student Services office at (575) 234-9225, or visit the SENMC campus at 1500 University Drive (Room 111), Carlsbad, NM 88220.

Step 6: Prepare for the Semester


Your SENMC Admissions advisor will contact you regarding Welcome and Orientation, to help you prepare for the upcoming semester

  • Sign up for Peer Mentoring through the First Year Experience program.
  • Purchase your textbooks through the SENMC Campus Bookstore, in room 105, or online.
  • Sign up for a workshop on how to use Canvas, used for online, hybrid, and in-person courses. Visit the Learning Technology Center website for more information.
  • If applicable, request academic accommodations. Visit the Student Accessibility Service website for more information.

Step 7: Pay SENMC


Payment Due Dates and Options

Payment is due in full by September 15 for the fall semester, February 15 for the spring semester, and June 15 for the summer session. Those who wish to utilize the payment plan option will be charged a fee of $10 to accounts not paid in full by the 15th of each month during the term.

Check your account balance in the SENMC student portal and ensure that your financial aid is complete. You may pay tuition and fees by mail, phone, in person, or online at my.senmc.edu (Student Portal).

Stop by the Business Office in room 108 to inquire about the payment plan option or call (575) 234-9200

Contact Us

We are here to help!

Admissions Office


Location: Room 111
Hours: Mon-Thur 8:00am - 5:30pm
             Friday 8:00am - Noon
Phone: (575)234-9221
Email: admissions@senmc.edu