Admissions

Admission to the University of Maine at Machias is selective.  The University seeks candidates whose academic credentials, scholastic achievement and motivation indicate promise for success in its programs. Applications from prospective degree candidates are considered without regard to race, color, creed, sex, national origin, handicap or age. The University of Maine at Machias belongs to the National Association for College Admission Counseling, and as such subscribes to the Statement of Principles of Good Practice.

Visiting the Campus

All prospective students are encouraged to visit the University of Maine at Machias for a Campus Tour and Admissions Welcome. Campus Tours and Admissions Welcome are typically offered weekly Monday- Friday. In addition to daily tours, numerous open houses and other programs are also offered. To learn more or to schedule a visit, please visit our web page at http://machias.edu/admissions/visit-us or contact the Office of Admission toll-free at 888-468-6866.

Academic Entrance Requirements

Students are expected to complete a college preparatory curriculum with well-developed skills in writing, reading comprehension, reasoning, mathematics, the natural sciences, history and social sciences, foreign languages and the fine arts. Applicants are reviewed for entrance into the first choice major selected on the application, or second choice major if the student is not eligible for admission to her/his first choice.

Candidates no longer in high school who have not completed requirements to earn a high school diploma must provide an official copy of the General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or the HiSET test results as approved by the Department of Education.

Applying for Admission

Candidates are encouraged to apply electronically by visiting our undergraduate admission website at www.machias.edu/admissions/apply. Application forms are also available to download from the website and may be available in many high school guidance offices, or by contacting the Office of Admission by calling toll-free at 888-468-6866, or by e-mail at ummadmissions@maine.edu. The University of Maine at Machias accepts the following forms of application: Common Application, Mobile Friendly App and the UMaine System Application.

Permanent Resident Candidates

Candidates who are permanent residents of the United States, and hold a resident alien card issued by the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service, must submit their A number (at the time of application.)  This is required to document the candidate’s status with the I.N.S. Permanent residents should use the regular undergraduate application. Other international applicants should refer to the section on International Admission. Permanent residents for whom English is not their first language may be required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or The English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT). This requirement will be evaluated on a case by case basis depending upon the number of years the student has lived in the United States and fluency in the English language.

Permanent residents will be notified if a TOEFL is required after their application has been received.

Regular Admission and Recommended Filing Dates

The Office of Admission reviews fall applications and spring applications on a modified rolling basis as long as space is available. First-year applicants for fall semester entrance are encouraged to submit a complete application by March 1st to receive full consideration for financial aid and campus housing. Transfer applications for the fall semester are encouraged to apply by February 1st to facilitate early course registration and by June 1st for full consideration for financial aid and housing. Spring semester applicants should apply by January 1st. It is to the applicant’s advantage to apply as early as possible in the admission cycle.

Admission Condition

Candidates approved for admission prior to the completion of their current academic work are accepted contingent upon successful completion of all academic work and the receipt of an official transcript of grades. Final high school transcripts must contain the date of high school graduation. The University reserves the right to rescind a decision if the applicant fails to graduate from high school (or its equivalent), or if the student’s academic performance fails to meet university admission standards.

Admission Categories

First-year Students

A graduating high school student (regardless of number of college credits taken while in high school) or a high school graduate or GED recipient who has attempted fewer than 24 college credits after graduation and is applying to a four year bachelor’s degree program.

In addition to the admission application, students must submit official high school transcripts complete through the most recent set of grades available at the time the application is submitted, results from the SAT or ACT standardized test* and an official letter of recommendation from their high school, usually from the guidance counselor.  Students offered admission are required to submit their final high school transcript, complete with date of graduation, as soon as it is available, to complete their admission application.

Home-schooled students must submit the above listed necessary documents, replacing the high school transcript with a listing and description of coursework completed and competency level achieved. Home-schooled applicants are encouraged to submit official results from the General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or HiSET test results to certify the completion of high school or its equivalent.  Those who choose not to submit the GED must submit detailed course descriptions (including texts and curriculum used).

*Standardized tests are optional

Standardized Test Policy

First year candidates are encouraged to submit their results on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT).  The University will consider only the highest standardized test scores from the combined SAT Evidence-Based Reading; Writing and Mathematics tests or the ACT composite score.  The highest individual test results for the SAT Evidence-Based Reading & Writing test and the SAT Mathematics test will be used from the same or multiple test administrations to create the highest composite SAT score. Because only the highest scores are used, candidates are encouraged to submit all test results from all test administrations.  When reporting test score information for the incoming class, UMM reports only the test scores (SAT or ACT) that were used in the admission decision and not all test scores submitted by an applicant.   

Transfer Applicants

Candidates applying for transfer from other colleges or universities are encouraged to apply by January 1st for spring admission and February 1st for fall admission to allow for ample processing time.  Spring applications received after January 1st and fall applications received after June 1st will be reviewed on a space available basis. Generally, students who have earned a grade point average of at least a 2.00 on a 4.00 scale from accredited colleges or universities, are considered for transfer admission. Exceptions to this standard may include candidates who have completed only a minimal level of college coursework and/or present a marginal high school record, and students applying to selected programs in the University having limited space.

Along with the application, transfer students must submit an official final high school transcript showing date of graduation and official transcripts of all attempted college-level coursework. Transfer credit is awarded through the Office of Student Records. Please refer to the Transfer Credit section in this catalog for complete information on the University’s policies for awarding transfer credit.

Students who are unable to obtain an official transcript(s) due to financial indebtedness at other colleges or universities will not be considered for admission until such documents have been received.

Readmission

Former University of Maine at Machias degree candidates planning to return to the campus to resume their undergraduate work must first apply for readmission. Students who have a 2.0 or better cumulative UMM GPA are normally readmitted to the program they are seeking to enter but readmission is not guaranteed and certain programs have special admission criteria.

Students who have less than a 2.0 cumulative UMM GPA may be readmitted to their program of choice contingent on previous course work and related factors. Students will be notified in all cases of the readmission decision.

Requests for re-admittance made fewer than 30 days prior to the start of the semester may not be processed in time to meet a returning student’s academic and student-life needs, meaning that specific classes, housing options, and other services may no longer be available.

Time Limitations for Course Work: Some subject areas have changed dramatically over time. Courses completed 10 or more years before the date on which the student is seeking readmission will be subject to additional review. Courses determined to be missing important material reflecting the current state of knowledge in a given field will not be applied to the student’s degree program upon readmission.

Reactivation

Students who previously applied to the University, but did not enroll within two years of the original date of application, may request a reactivation of their application by completing a Reactivate Admissions Application form.  Students must provide official transcripts of all academic work that has been attempted since the application was first filed and a final high school transcript showing the date of graduation if one is not already on file.

Students normally seeking re-admittance to the university less than thirty days prior to the start of the semester may not be processed in time to fully serve the returning student.  Specific classes, housing and other services may not be available as the start of the semester approaches.

Early Admission (high school juniors)

Upon the recommendation of high school principals and guidance counselors, the University will consider candidates prior to high school graduation who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and whose motivation and maturity reflect a strong desire to pursue University degree programs. Candidates must have completed a minimum of three years of college preparatory work in high school and submit test results from either the Scholastic Assessment Test I (SAT I) or the ACT examination. Candidates are requested to arrange an on-campus interview and will also be required to have the support and endorsement of their parents or legal guardians. High school students who enter the University of Maine at Machias prior to graduation from high school are not eligible for federally funded financial aid.

Deferred Admission

Approved degree candidates may defer University enrollment for up to one year from the offer of admission. The intent of this delayed degree status is to allow students the opportunity to seek employment as a means of saving funds for college or the opportunity to travel and take a “break” from academic study. Deferred admission is not approved for candidates who enroll at any other college, university, or post-graduate year of secondary school study. Candidates approved for deferred admission will be required to submit a non-refundable deposit of $50 to confirm their plans to attend the university, which will be held on account by the University Bursar’s Office. The request to defer enrollment must be made in writing to the Office of Admission prior to the beginning of the semester in which the applicant was originally offered admission: August 1st for fall semester enrollment and prior to January 1st for spring semester enrollment.

Deferred Enrollment (Active Military Duty)

The University of Maine at Machias participates in the Concurrent Admission Program (ConAP) administered by the U.S. Army Recruiting Command. This option allows eligible soldiers to defer their enrollment at the University while serving active duty enlistment. Requests for military deferred enrollment will be considered on an individual basis. Requests must be made in writing to the Admissions Office and be received by August 1st, for candidates who applied for the fall semester and by January 1st for spring semester candidates.

Accepting the Offer of Admission - Enrollment Deposit

Students accepted to the University of Maine at Machias for fall entrance must confirm their plans to attend the University and submit a $50 enrollment deposit by May 1^st.  Students choosing to deposit before May 1^st may request a refund in writing postmarked no later than May 1st. Deposits are not refundable after May 1st.  Students accepted after May 1^st must confirm their plans to attend and submit a non-refundable $50 enrollment deposit within two weeks of notification. The enrollment deposit is credited to the student’s account in the University Bursar’s Office. Students accepted to the University of Maine at Machias for the spring semester are requested to submit a $50 non-refundable enrollment deposit by January 1^st or two weeks from the date of acceptance if the acceptance is later than January 1^st.  Questions about the enrollment deposit should be directed to the Admissions Office.

New England Regional Student Program

The New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) has established the Regional Student Program (RSP) under which qualified residents of the region may receive reduced tuition rates when attending college in another New England state. The major chosen must be one that is not available in the student’s home state (as approved by the public institution in the home state) and is available for the tuition reduction by the institution the student plans to attend. Students accepted in these programs pay 55% above resident tuition rate rather than the normally charged out-of-state tuition.

Eligible undergraduate programs begin during the student’s first year of enrollment at the University. Current enrolled students who change their major to a regional major must notify the Office of Student Records. Tuition reduction under the program takes effect the semester following notification.

The qualifying (regional) major must be the student’s primary major. To maintain the discounted tuition rate, students must be progressing toward on-time graduation in the given major. Progress will be assessed at the end of each academic year, and students judged not to be making progress in the regional major will be removed from the program and charged full non-resident tuition the following semester. In addition, students who change their major to a non-qualifying major will be charged full non-resident tuition the following semester.

For a current listing of qualifying UMM majors by state view the Financial Aid NEBHE Program Page.  For complete details of the Regional Student Program, visit www.nebhe.org.

International Student Admission

The University of Maine at Machias welcomes applications from international students as first-year applicants or transfers. The Office of International Programs is the admissions office for undergraduate international applicants. Applicants can find application information and instructions at machias.edu/admissions/international-students/or at http://apply.maine.edu/. The Common Application, UMM Mobile App, and UMaine System Application are accepted. The telephone number of the Office of International Programs is (207) 581-3437 and the email address for admission questions is umm.international@maine.edu.

Candidates are required to submit the completed application, official results of TOEFL or IELTS (if English is not the candidate’s native language), and official copies of transcripts, grade reports, etc., with certified English translations. Educational records must include subjects studied by year, grades or marks or percentage earned in year-end examinations, as well as copies of diplomas, degrees or certificates, and a description of the grading system. The SAT is suggested but not required. The Office of International Programs alerts students when they are academically admissible to the University. Financial documentation must then be forwarded and approved before immigration documents and the official admission letter are sent. Financial documents include copies of bank statements and official affidavits of support and must be less than one year old. These documents must be English.  The University requires a TOEFL iBT score of 79 Internet based and an IELTS score of 6.5 for regular admission. Applicants can find detailed English proficiency documentation and waiver information at www.umaine.edu/international.

Transfer students who have studied in the United States for at least two years (in non ESL courses) are not required to submit a TOEFL score. Transfer students from outside the U.S. must submit a TOEFL score of 79 or IELTS of 6.5 for regular admission, and original transcripts. The Office of International Programs may request the student complete an external credential evaluation.

Students whose English does not meet the University of Maine at Machias’s standard may be admitted to the Intensive English Institute for English preparation if their academic background meets regular admission standards. Information about the Intensive English Institute at UMaine is available at www.umaine.edu/iei

International applicants are urged to start the admission process early. The Office of International Programs reviews applications as they are received. To ensure living space on campus, the suggested deadline for Fall admission and confirmation is no later than May 1st.

International Students and their dependents MUST have appropriate medical health insurance that meets limits established and required by the University of Maine System.

All applicants are considered for international scholarships at the time of application review. No additional scholarship application is required. Priority deadline for scholarship consideration is February 1st.

The Office of International Programs will not do transfer credit evaluation of any transcripts from a college or university that was not included in a student’s application for admission.  Students are required to list the names and dates of attendance of all institutions (secondary and post-secondary) they have attended on their application for admission to the University of Maine at Machias. Omitting information on previous institutions attended is considered dishonest and a violation of our Student Code of Conduct to which we expect students, even those seeking admission to the University of Maine at Machias, to adhere. Students who submit new credentials for transfer credit evaluation, which have not been disclosed during the application process will be referred to the conduct office process.

Placement Tests

Advanced Placement (AP)

The University of Maine at Machias awards credit for successful completion of most AP exams according to the Advanced Placement Credit Table . Students should request copies of their scores to be sent directly to the Office of Student Records for evaluation and awarding of transfer credit.

Early College Programs (high school students)
Through a partnership between the Maine Department of Education and the University of Maine at Machias, qualified public high school students in Maine may earn up to 12 college credits per fiscal year (July 1 - June 30) tuition-free while in high school, and may enroll in course work during fall, spring, and summer terms. In addition, a reduced tuition rate of $138.25 per credit is available to students attending Maine private high schools, as well as out of state students and international students.  The University of Maine at Machias is proud to be the first University of Maine System campus to offer Early College Certificates in 14 different areas. Through the Early College Program, students discover the rewards of learning at the collegiate level and begin a seamless transition to full­time college studies after high school graduation

In accordance with Maine statute, eligible students include:

• Publicly funded high school students
• Students who attend a high school or academy classified as a Private Schools Approved for the Receipt of Public Funds and who are not private pay tuition (taxpayer dollars pay tuition for public students to attend these schools such as Fryeburg Academy or Thornton Academy)
• Homeschool students who have registered with their local school district and the Maine Department of Education
• International students who are living with a host family, attending school per a Superintendents agreement, and are NOT paying tuition to that school (for example exchange program students)

The UMM Early College Program is committed to providing quality teaching and learning, college-level rigor and academic integrity; access and support to under-resourced communities and first-generation students; and multiple layers of support to ensure student success, including a comprehensive orientation experience and academic advising.

For more information: https://machias.edu/earlycollege/ or contact us at: um.earlycollege@maine.eduor 207.255.1268.

College Level Examination Programs (CLEP)

CLEP is a national program of credit-by- examination that offers the opportunity to obtain recognition for college-level achievement. Personal reading, on-the- job experience, adult education, correspondence or television courses may have prepared you to earn college credit. The faculty of the University of Maine at Machias have adopted policies on the granting of CLEP examinations.

(College Level Examination Program Table )

If you have already taken one of these tests, submit an official score report to the Office of Student Records.

CLEP Information and Policies

1. The CLEP Testing Center is in 127 East Annex. Inquiries on procedure should be directed to (207) 581-2318. Registering for CLEP Exam may be done online. For more information, visit http://umaine.edu/csp/clep

Duplicate credit may not be granted.