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Admission
Admission to the University of Maine 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 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 for a Campus Tour and Admissions Welcome. Campus tours and Admissions Welcome are typically offered every weekday and on Saturdays. 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://www.umaine.edu/visit/ or contact the Office of Admission toll-free at 1-877-4UM-ADMIT (486-2364). The University of Maine also has a voice-guided campus tour which offers videos, photos and interactive panoramic pictures at https://go.umaine.edu/visit/virtual-tour/
Academic Entrance Requirements
Academic course requirements for admission to the University are established by each of the five undergraduate colleges (click here to view the Academic Requirements for Admission ). 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. Applications are reviewed for entrance into the 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 did not complete requirements for the 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 contacting our undergraduate admission website at www.go.umaine.edu. Application forms are also available to download from that site and they are available from many high school guidance offices, or by contacting the Office of Undergraduate Admission, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Orono ME 04469-5713, telephone (207) 581-1561. You may call toll-free at 877-4-UM-ADMIT (486-2364), contact us by FAX at (207) 581-1213, or by e-mail at umaineadmissions@maine.edu. The University of Maine is a member of the Common Application Group, and is happy to accept either the common application available at www.commonapp.org or the University of Maine System Application available on the UMaine web site.
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.
Early Action Admission Program
Students wishing to participate in UMaine’s non-binding Early Action Admission Program for the upcoming fall semester should have a completed application on file in the Office of Admission or postmarked by December 15. Decisions will be made by the end of January. Early Action candidates will be given preference for Honors College review and merit scholarships that are awarded by the Office of Admission.
Regular Admission and Recommended Filing Dates
The Office of Admission reviews fall applications received after December 15, early action candidates deferred to the regular admission process, and spring applications on a modified rolling basis as long as space is available. First-year applicants for fall semester entrance applying through the regular admission process are encouraged to submit a complete application by February 1 to receive full consideration for financial aid and campus housing. Spring semester applicants should apply by December 1.
Please be aware that the later an application is received, prospects for admission to the program of choice may be restricted due to enrollment limits. Similarly, housing and financial aid requests that are received after the filing date are considered based on space and funding availability. 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.
Misconduct at Another Institution or Conviction of a Misdemeanor, Felony or Other Crime
Two questions regarding misconduct at other institutions and misdemeanor, felony and other crimes are included on the application. These questions must be answered in order to be considered for admission. If either question is answered with a yes response, further review will be necessary which may delay the student’s admission decision.
Admission Categories
First-year Students
Students applying directly from high school, and adult, non-traditional students who have never attended college, are considered first-year applicants.
In addition to the admission application and required $40.00 fee, 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 also 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) and are encouraged to submit the results of SAT II subject exams in academic areas relevant to their intended major.
*not required of applicants who are at least 20 years of age at the time of application and who have never attended a post secondary institution.
Standardized Test Policy
First year candidates are required 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 Critical Reading and Mathematics tests or the ACT composite score. The highest individual test results for the SAT Critical Reading test and the SAT Mathematics test will be used from the same or multiple test administrations to create the highest composite SAT score. The score from the SAT writing test is not used in the admission decision process, therefore for admission purposes, the composite SAT score includes two and not three sets of test scores with a maximum total of 1600 possible. 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, UMaine 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 December 1 for spring admission and March 1 for fall admission. 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, and have met academic course requirements, 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 or more competitive entrance criteria such as the nursing program, programs in the Maine Business School, programs in the College of Education and Human Development, and programs in the College of Engineering.
Along with the application and required fee, transfer students must submit an official final high school transcript showing date of graduation and official transcripts of all attempted college-level coursework. Transfer students who have successfully completed 12 credits of college work are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores.
Transfer credit is awarded through the dean’s office of the college to which the student has been admitted. 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. Students seeking admission after a dismissal or suspension from other institutions must include with their applications written petitions that provide clear and convincing reasons to justify admission and information that would negate the likelihood of a repetition of the conduct or conditions which led to the dismissals or suspensions.
New Media
First year and transfer admission to the New Media Program is available for qualified candidates for all “year-one” students. Continuing status and admission to upper-level classes is, however, limited and highly competitive. A “year-one” student is any student, regardless of number of credits earned, who has not taken all required first year courses in New Media and/or whose portfolio has not been approved by the New Media faculty.
All entering first year students will, at the end of their first year sequence (May of each year), present a portfolio to the New Media faculty for review. Transfer students, including those changing majors, may submit a portfolio at any time, either after taking the first year sequence, or at an earlier time if they choose. Each student’s work will be evaluated and the student will be granted or denied continuing status on the basis of academic, artistic and technical merit. If granted continuing status, students will then be allowed to take intermediate and advanced level classes in New Media.
All “year-one” students denied continuing status will be given a written review of the submitted portfolio, so that if they choose, they may work to improve the portfolio and reapply to the New Media Program. Any year one student who is denied continuing status may continue to take 100 level NMD classes, courses in related areas, and open enrollment NMD classes, but will not be allowed to take core, intermediate and upper level new media classes. A student may reapply for continuing status one additional time in the next year. Students who are not awarded continuing status in the New Media Program may enroll in another program at the university provided they meet program requirements.
Nursing Transfer Students
A student transferring from a baccalaureate nursing program to the School of Nursing baccalaureate program is required to provide a letter of reference from a faculty member teaching in the student’s most recently attended completed semester and a statement from the head of the nursing program stating that the student is in good academic standing. These materials are to be mailed directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admission, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Orono, ME 04469-5713 from the originating institution. Admission to the nursing program is competitive, based on both the applicant’s credentials and space available in the program. Admission to the Nursing program is extremely competitive and limited because of restricted space.
College of Education and Human Development Transfer Students for Teaching Certification Programs
Effective January 2008, the college of Education and Human Development requires students who transfer into a teacher certificate program to successfully pass PRAXIS I, based on the state of Maine requirements, after 1 semester of attendance at UMaine. Transfer students with 45+ credits not passing PRAXIS I after one semester will not be allowed to continue in a teacher certificate program. All transfer students for any College of Education and Human Development program must have a minimum grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale to be considered for admission. Transfer admission is competitive and will be based on achievement in appropriate academic coursework and available test scores.
Readmission
Former University of Maine degree candidates planning to return to the campus to resume undergraduate work must complete a Re-admit Form and submit it to the academic dean of the undergraduate college or the director of the program in which enrollment is sought. Candidates will be notified by the dean’s office of the readmission decision.
On the Re-admit form students must answer three questions regarding misconduct at other institutions and misdemeanor, felony and other crimes. These questions must be answered in order to be considered for re-admission. If any question is answered with a yes response, further review will be necessary which may delay the student’s reentry date. 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.
Time Limitations of Course Work: Some subject areas have changed dramatically over time. Courses over ten years old will be subject to additional review to determine if they are in fields where there have been significant changes making the material outdated. Those courses that are determined to be missing important new material will be excluded from applying to the 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 Request to Reactivate Admissions Application form (available at http://go.umaine.edu/files/2009/05/reactivation-form.pdf). A $40.00 application fee is required. 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.
On the Reactivation form students must answer two questions regarding misconduct at other institutions and misdemeanor, felony and other crimes. These questions must be answered in order to be considered for re-admission. If any question is answered with a yes response, further review will be necessary which may delay the student’s reentry date. 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 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 $150 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 1 for fall semester enrollment and prior to January 1 for spring semester enrollment.
Deferred Enrollment (Active Military Duty)
The University of Maine 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 1, for candidates who applied for the fall semester and by January 1 for spring semester candidates.
Accepting the Offer of Admission - Enrollment Deposit
Students accepted to the University of Maine for fall entrance must confirm their plans to attend the University and submit a $150 enrollment deposit by May 1. Students choosing to deposit before May 1 may request a refund in writing postmarked no later than May 1. Deposits are not refundable after May 1. Students accepted after May 1 must confirm their plans to attend and submit a non-refundable $150 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 for the spring semester are requested to submit a $150 non-refundable enrollment deposit by January 1 or two weeks from the date of acceptance if the acceptance is later than January 1. Questions about the enrollment deposit should be directed to the Admissions Office.
New England Regional Student Program
Qualified New England residents are given preferred admission consideration to the University of Maine in specific academic programs not available in their home states. Students accepted in these programs pay 150% of the Maine in-state rate rather than the normally charged out-of-state tuition (click here to view New England Regional Student Program Table ).
Each participating New England public college or university has designated the academic majors to be offered on a regional basis and maintains control over its own courses and programs.
Eligible undergraduate programs begin during the student’s first year of enrollment at the University. Currently enrolled students who change their major to a regional major must notify the Office of Student Records, Wingate Hall, Room 201. 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.
Information about the Program may be obtained from any local high school guidance office in New England or from the New England Board of Higher Education, 45 Temple Place, Boston, MA 02111 (www.nebhe.org).
International Student Admission
The University of Maine 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 apply by downloading an application from their website (www.umaine.edu/international) or online at http://apply.maine.edu/. The Common Application is also accepted. A printed application may be requested from the Office of International Programs at 6727 Eastabrook Hall, Room 250, 15 Estabrooke Drive, Orono, ME 04469-5782. The telephone number of the Office of International Programs is (207) 581-2905 and the email address for an application or admission questions is umintadm@maine.edu.
Candidates are required to submit the completed application, an application fee of $40.00 payable by check, money order, credit card or bank draft in US dollars, 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 score of 580 paper/79 Internet based for regular admission.
Transfer students who have studied in the United States for at least two years are not required to submit a TOEFL score. Transfer students outside the U.S. must submit a TOEFL score of 580/79, or IELTS of 6.5 for regular admission, and professionally evaluated transcripts. Suggested evaluation services are listed on the website of the Office of International Programs at www.umaine.edu/international.
Students whose English does not meet the University of Maine’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 is no later than May 15.
International Students and their dependents MUST have appropriate medical health insurance that meets limits established and required by the University of Maine.
Applications for the International Student Tuition scholarship can be obtained from the Office of International Programs or by downloading an application as per the information provided above. International student applicants must submit a separate application for the scholarship if they wish to be considered. The deadline for applications is February 1.
Placement Tests
The department of Mathematics and Statistics administers placement examinations for the purpose of appropriate registration in introductory level mathematics courses. Information about the Mathematics placement test is sent to all newly accepted applicants and is available on the UMaine web site. The Department of Modern Languages and Classics offers the Foreign Language Placement Examination for purposes of both placement and credit. For more information about the Foreign Language Placement Examinations, visit http://umaine.edu/mlandc/placement-exams/ .
Advanced Placement (AP)
The University of Maine awards credit for successful completion of most AP exams according to the Advanced Placement Credit Table (Click here to view 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.
Division of Lifelong Learning Admission
The University of Maine offers a variety of academic programs through the Division of Lifelong Learning. Courses are taught on campus, at selected off-campus sites, and through distance technologies including television and the web. Categories of enrollment in Continuing Education include:
Part-time degree Students:
Students who have met all entrance requirements for either undergraduate or graduate degree enrollment may enroll in courses offered through the DLL. Students seeking admission must file applications with the undergraduate Office of Admission or the Graduate School.
Non-degree Students:
Students interested in taking University of Maine courses for personal or professional enrichment are advised to contact DLL office in Chadbourne Hall, Room 122, for class schedules and registration information.
Baccalaureate Students:
The Division of Lifelong Learning offers the Bachelor of University Studies degree. Course offerings are through DLL and Summer Session division. Interested candidates should contact the DLL office for more detailed information regarding entrance requirements.
Information and registration materials may be obtained by writing to the Division of Lifelong Learning, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 122, The University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling (207) 581-3142, by faxing (207) 581-3141, or via the web at http://dll.umaine.edu/. All applications for admission and supporting documents should be submitted to the Office of Admission, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, The University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713.
High School Aspirations Incentive Program
This program provides the opportunity for Maine high school students, who are attending a public Maine high school or a private Maine high school that has been authorized to receive public funds to attend college courses at the University of Maine and is designed to enhance, not replace, the students’ high school curriculum. Tuition waivers (based on available funding) may be available for fall and spring courses. All registration information and grades earned will become a part of the student’s permanent academic record; all grades earned will be included in the student’s cumulative grade point average at the University of Maine in accordance with academic policy.
The High School Aspirations Incentive Program is designed for traditional Maine high school students who are attending Maine high schools that have been approved to participate in the Aspirations Program and who have reached at least the junior level (or equivalent), have permission from their high school and their parent or guardian, and have a minimum grade point average of “B” (3.0 on a 4.0 scale). The program is also open to non-traditional Maine high school students attending approved Maine high schools and who have the approval of an adult education director and/or high school counselor and have a minimum grade point average of “B” (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) on their adult education coursework.
Resident students may pay one-half of the in-state tuition cost per credit hour (most courses are three credits) depending on funds available for the program. Out-of-state students attending Maine high schools are eligible to participate, but will be charged based on the out-of-state tuition cost per credit hour. Funding is based on the availability of University financial resources and funding by the Maine State Department of Education. Courses successfully completed and credits earned may be applied toward a University of Maine undergraduate degree.
Courses may be taken during the fall and spring semesters, only rarely are funds available for summer courses. Approved students who wish to enroll in summer session courses will be charged at the full tuition rate. All students must meet the academic course prerequisites, and registration for classes is subject to space availability. Course selection is limited to classes taught by direct, on-site instruction. Distance courses such as web based courses, compressed video (CV) and Interactive TV (ITV) are not approved for this program. Traditional high school students may enroll in a maximum of two courses or six credits, whichever is greater, per semester for their junior and senior years. Adult education students may enroll in a maximum of two courses or six credits, whichever is greater, per semester for up to two semesters only. Financial aid is not available to cover the cost of courses. All registration information and grades will become a part of the student’s permanent academic record, all grades earned will be included in the student’s cumulative grade point average at the University of Maine in accordance with academic policy.
For more information and application material contact the Office of Admission at (207) 581-1561.
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 faculties of each of the colleges of the University of Maine have adopted policies on the granting of CLEP examinations.
(Click here to view the 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
- 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.
- Each department is free to develop or adopt examinations other than CLEP examinations for the purpose of granting credit for specific courses.
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