Admissions
Those interested in admission to an Augusta or statewide degree program should contact the Office of Admissions in Augusta. Anyone interested in admission to one of the programs at the University College of Bangor should contact the Office of Admissions and Student Enrollment Services in Bangor.
Responsible Admission Policy
At the University of Maine at Augusta, our first interest is in helping our students to succeed. Success demands that a student begin his or her college work with the proper preparation. To be admitted to UMA in a degree program, an applicant must have a high school diploma or must have earned a General Equivalency Diploma (GED). Applicants should be able to demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics. Generally, we require students to have been in the upper 75% of their high school graduating class or receive comparable GED scores.
For students in the lower 25% of their high school class (or the lower 25th percentile of GED test scores), UMA requires pre-admission testing. All other students without college experience take placement tests after admission but before registering for classes. These tests in reading, writing, and mathematics help new students understand where they can best start their new course of study.
Many students will find their skills are already adequate for UMA's academic demands, and will begin their studies without developmental courses in their schedules. Some students may need an opportunity to review their skills in reading, writing, and/or mathematics. These students will take the appropriate UMA developmental course or courses. Some students might need more intensive work on their skills. These students will be referred to their local adult education program.
Students needing adult education work on a single skill will be offered admission to the University of Maine at Augusta. Applicants who need two or more adult education classes are not offered admission and will be referred to their local adult education program. The University will encourage these students to retake our placement tests after completing their adult education work.
Some degree programs have additional entrance requirements as specified in the individual degree program listings. Contact the Office of Admissions for more information.
Admission Process
A candidate for admission must have earned a high school diploma or have earned a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) and should proceed as follows:
- Submit application for admission with a $40 application fee to the University of Maine System Shared Processing Center:
Application Processing
University of Maine Center
P.O. Box 412
Bangor, ME 04402-0412 - Contact the high school from which you graduated and ask that a copy of your transcript be sent to the Application Processing Center (see address above). GED recipients must forward a copy of their certificate and scores.
- Contact ALL colleges previously attended and request that official academic transcripts be sent to the Application Processing Center. (For more complete information refer to the section on transfer.)
When the applicant's file is complete, the applicant will be notified by letter whether the application has been accepted, denied, referred to another program, or placed among those on a waiting list.
Admission Deadlines
All applications for admission should be filed prior to June 15 for the fall semester and October 15 for the spring semester in order to allow time for admissions and financial aid processing. Applications will be accepted after these preferred dates, although processing may not be completed before the beginning of classes. Students may begin course work on a nondegree basis. Applicants for medical laboratory technology, dental hygiene, or dental assisting should apply for admission prior to February 1 for equal consideration with other candidates. Applications received after this date will be considered as space remains available. Letters of admission issued prior to the completion of the current school year may be modified or rescinded if the high school grade report in June is unsatisfactory. Students admitted have two weeks in which to respond with a $50 acceptance deposit. This deposit is refundable prior to May 1. Application deadlines for international students are as follows: May 1 for fall admission and October 15 for spring admission.
Scholastic Aptitude and Achievement Test
The College Entrance Examination Board Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is encouraged for recent high school graduates applying for all programs, but is not required. Arrangements to take the SAT can be made by contacting any high school guidance counselor or by writing to the College Entrance Examination Board, P.O. Box 592, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, for application forms and information. Official test reports should be requested from the Educational Testing Services, Princeton, New Jersey 08590, and sent directly to the Application Processing Center.
The University's college board code number is 3929. When registering for the SAT, we strongly urge prospective students to complete the "Student Descriptive Questionnaire" as part of the registration procedure.
Early Decision Plan
We offer an early decision plan under the guidelines established by the College Entrance Examination Board. Under this plan, high school seniors who apply to the University as their first choice college before November 1 will be notified by December 1 of the admissions decision. Students accepted for admission under this plan must submit a $50 acceptance deposit two weeks after acceptance. The acceptance deposit is applied toward tuition.
Early Admission Plan
The University offers an early admission plan for those qualified high school students who have completed most, if not all, of their high school graduation requirements at the end of their junior year. These students, with the approval of their high school, may complete their remaining high school graduation requirements and the freshman year of college simultaneously. Students in this category would be registered as full-time students. High school students who enter UMA prior to graduation from high school may not qualify for federally funded financial aid.
Admission of International Students
Because of limited financial aid, applications are encouraged only from international students who are able to fully fund their educational expenses from their own resources. To verify this, a certification of finances statement must be filed as part of the application process. Applicants whose native language is not English must receive a score of at least 500 on the written test or 173 on the computer version of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and have their original testing report forwarded to the appropriate admissions office. Transfer students must present a translation of their college work in English rendered by a qualified translator and an evaluation from World Education Services. Once accepted, students will be expected to remit to the Office of Student Accounts sufficient funds to cover all tuition costs and fees for the first semester. The I-20 immigration form will not be sent to the student until this amount has been received and has been cleared by a bank. Students are personally responsible to bring with them sufficient funds for books, room and board, and other incidental expenses.
Immunization
Maine state law requires UMA to certify that students born after 1956 have been immunized against measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, and tetanus. Students must provide appropriate documentation of immunization history to the Office of the Registrar.
Admission to NEBHE
UMAparticipates in a regional cooperative program administered by the New England Board of Higher Education. This program, known as the New England Regional Student Program, permits qualified residents of the New England states to study with reduced tuition in certain programs at New England public institutions of higher education. UMA charges 50 percent above resident tuition for those students admitted under the New England Regional Student Program.
The purpose of the program is to expand opportunities in higher education for New England residents by making it available on an equal basis to all students in those programs not commonly offered at every institution. Detailed information about this program can be obtained through UMA's Office of Admissions.
Programs Available to New England Residents at Reduced Tuition
| Programs | Eligible State Residents |
|---|---|
| Applied Science (B.A.S) | MA, VT |
| Architectural Studies (B.A.) | CT, NH, RI, VT |
| Dental Hygiene (B.S.) | CT, MA NH, RI, VT |
| Graphic Arts (A.A.A.) | CT, MA, RI, VT |
| Jazz & Contemporary Music (B.M.) | RI |
| Jazz & Contemporary Music (A.S.) | CT, MA, NH, VT |
| Justice Studies (B.S.) | RI |
| Library & Information Services (B.S.) | CT, MA, NH, RI, VT |
| Library & Information Services (A.S.) | MA, NH, RI, VT |
| Medical Laboratory Technology (A.S.) | VT |
| Mental Health & Human Services (A.S.) | CT, NH, VT |
| Veterinary Technology (A.S.) | RI |
Notice to Canadian citizens: Canadian residents qualify for a special lowered out-of-state tuition rate.
Service Members' Opportunity College
UMA has been designated as an institutional member of Service Members' Opportunity Colleges (SOC), a group of over 400 colleges and universities providing voluntary postsecondary education to members of the military throughout the world. As a SOC member, we recognize the unique nature of the military life style and have a commitment to easing the transfer of relevant course credits, providing flexible academic residency requirements, and crediting learning from appropriate military training and experiences. SOC has been developed jointly by educational representatives of each of the armed services, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and a consortium of thirteen leading national higher education associations. It is sponsored by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) and the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC).
Admission by Transfer from Accredited Institutions
A student transferring from another college or university should file an application with the appropriate admissions office at least three months prior to the semester of registration. The application must include a statement of the names and addresses of all high schools, postsecondary schools, junior colleges, and universities attended. A "C-" grade or higher is required for transfer credit. The transfer student should normally have a minimum of a 2.00 cumulative grade point average in order to be admitted.
Transcripts and Course Evaluations
Applicants must arrange for official transcripts to be forwarded from all previously attended junior colleges, colleges, and universities to the Application Processing Center. The transcript evaluation of previous academic work will be completed by the transfer officer and mailed after the letter of acceptance to UMA. Advanced standing also may be obtained in certain programs by audition, presentation of portfolio, or by departmental examination.
Outside the University of Maine System: Transfer credit may be given for course work completed at a regionally accredited institution of higher education and grades of "C-" or higher are considered for transfer credit.
Within the University of Maine System: Trustee policy is to provide the maximum opportunity for transfer within the System. When a student is accepted for transfer, all undergraduate degree credits obtained at any unit of the University will be transferable to any other unit, but will not automatically be applied to the specific academic degree program to which the student has transferred. Each student will be expected to meet the established requirements of the academic program into which transfer is effected; and appropriate application of that credit is to be the responsibility of the particular academic unit. To determine which courses are transferable for degree program credit, students who anticipate the need to transfer course credits should consult with their academic advisor prior to enrollment.
A student who has been suspended either for academic or disciplinary reasons by one campus of the University of Maine System shall not be admitted as a matriculated student for the next academic semester, nor thereafter, until the conditions established for termination of that suspension have been met.
Within UMA: A student who wishes to change programs or declare a concentration or minor should secure a Change of Major/Program, Declaration of Concentration/Minor form from the college office or the Office of the Registrar. The request must then be approved by the college dean or the Office of Admissions. Veterans who are changing their major should also complete additional forms for the Veterans Administration at the Office of the Registrar.
Readmit Policy
Students who seek readmission after having withdrawn voluntarily, or having been dismissed due to academic standing, or for disciplinary action should contact the Office of Admissions for information on steps to be taken to gain readmission. A student who was not academically dismissed need apply for readmission only if the student has not attended UMA for two years or became a degree student at another college after leaving UMA. Readmission is reviewed on an individual basis. All former Cornerstone Program students seeking readmission should meet first with a Cornerstone counselor to review previous course work and to develop an academic plan. All students withdrawing voluntarily or through failure in course work in veterinary technology, architectural studies, medical laboratory technology, dental hygiene, health information management, or nursing must apply for readmission. If readmission criteria are met, readmission is granted on a space available basis.
Academic Assessment Services
UMA offers placement testing in reading, writing, and mathematics to help students determine their readiness for college-level courses. New students should register to take all three placement tests unless they have been waived from testing by the Office of Admissions. Testing is provided at both campuses, at all off-campus centers, and at selected ITV sites.
Placement test results are used to help students and advisors determine appropriate course selections. Also, many courses carry prerequisites which can be satisfied by sufficiently high scores on the placement tests.
After placement testing, developmental (or college preparatory) courses in reading, writing, or mathematics may be required. These courses give students the opportunity to increase their proficiency in basic skills that are essential to success in college. Classes employ both small-group and individualized instruction. Peer tutors and additional learning support also are available to supplement classroom instruction.
Credit For Prior Learning
In addition to traditional transfer credit, UMA recognizes several procedures for the assessment of college-level learning acquired outside a college setting. For more information on the following assessment methods, contact the Augusta Advising Center.
College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) is the most widely accepted credit-by-exam program in the United States. UMA participates in the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) of the College Board by recognizing specific examinations for college credit. Students in degree programs may earn a maximum of 45 credits through CLEP. CLEP testing sessions are scheduled monthly in Augusta. A passing score on the corresponding CLEP examination is considered equivalent to successful completion of the course. For UMA-accepted examinations for which there is no equivalent UMA course, elective credit is awarded. Letter or numerical grades are not assigned for successful achievement on CLEP examinations; credit is granted on a pass-fail basis and does not affect grade point average (GPA). A failing score on a CLEP exam does not result in a failing grade on the student's transcript. CLEP examinations may be retaken after six months.
DANTES: UMA participates in the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support Program (DANTES) of the College Board by recognizing specific subject examinations for college credit. Successful achievement on appropriate DANTES examinations is considered equivalent to successful completion of courses that these examinations supplant. Letter or numerical grades are not assigned for successful achievement on DANTES examinations; credit is granted on a pass-fail basis and does not affect grade point average (GPA). A failing score on a DANTES exam does not result in a failing grade on the student's transcript. DANTES examinations may be retaken after six months.
The Advanced Placement Program (AP) sponsored by the College Board offers secondary school students the opportunity to participate in challenging college-level course work while still in high school. UMA recognizes specific AP grades enabling students to receive credit for their achievement.
Challenge Examinations are defined and prepared by UMA faculty which allow students to earn credits for particular courses. Challenge examinations are available for CHY105/106, Fundamentals of Chemistry; COM101, Public Speaking; HUS101, Introduction to Social Service Systems; HUS212, Case Management; and MAT030, Algebra I. Credits cannot be transferred to other institutions.
Portfolio Assessment is a process used to validate college-level knowledge gained through experience and grant college credit for that knowledge. The portfolio is a formal written document, presented by the student to the college, requesting credit or recognition for extra-collegiate learning. The portfolio must make its case by identifying learning clearly and succinctly, and it must provide sufficient supporting information and documentation so that faculty can use it alone or in combination with other evidence as the basis for their evaluation.
Armed Services Experience: UMA recognizes credit based on the American Council on Education's Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services. Interested students should contact the Office of the Registrar for more information.
Professional Licensure and Certification
Students who are pursuing degrees leading to application for professional licensure or certification, and/or who will be participating in clinical placements, internships, or practica through their UMA program should be aware that their host facility may require a criminal background check, finger printing, or drug screening. In such situations, each student is responsible for obtaining and paying for the background check or other screening process and for delivering required documentation to the facility. Although the University will make reasonable efforts to place admitted students in field experiences and internships, it will be up to the host facility to determine whether a student will be allowed to work at that facility. Students should further be aware that a criminal record may jeopardize licensure by the State certification body. Students may consult the certification body corresponding to their intended occupation for more details. Successful completion of a program of study at UMA does not guarantee licensure, certification, or employment in the relevant occupation.