Apply to USM

Start your application process to the University of Southern Maine (USM) right here. You'll find checklists, deadlines, and instructions for applying as an undergraduate or graduate student. If you have any questions, the Admissions team is ready to help.

Please note: Maine residents can apply for free — for both undergraduate and graduate admission.

First-Year (Current High School Students)

Maine System Short App (Transfers & Adults)

Graduate Application

Undergraduate Degree Application Process

First Year & Homeschooled Applicants

  • Completed application form: Common Application or paper .
  • $40 application fee payable to the University of Southern Maine. Maine residents apply for free.
  • Official transcript sent by the high school, listing all courses and grades received to date; or official General Education Diploma (GED); or High School Equivalency Test (HiSET).
    • If homeschooled, transcript must show date of graduation, or annual assessment of courses completed, and should be signed by the person responsible for homeschooling the student.
  • Official SAT or ACT test scores sent directly from the testing agency or included on official high school transcript.
  • Completed school counselor statement and/or letter of recommendation.
    • If homeschooled, the statement and/or letter should be sent from someone outside the student’s family.
  • Completed personal statement/essay (recommended).
  • Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores (may be required of those applicants whose primary language is not English).
  • Performing arts applicants:

NOTE: Homeschooled applicants must be at least 17 years old at the start of their first semester. A personal interview may be required.

Adult & Transfer Applicants

  • Completed USM Short Application (or paper application ).
  • $40 application fee payable to the University of Southern Maine. Maine residents apply for free.
  • Official final high school transcript that certifies the date of high school graduation; or official General Education Diploma (GED); or High School Equivalency Test (HiSET).
    • This is not required if you have completed an associate's or bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution at the time the application is submitted.
  • Official transcripts from all colleges attended, whether or not credit was earned, sent directly from each institution.
  • Completed personal statement/essay (recommended).
  • Resume: If you have had a significant gap (three or more years) since your last experience in education, it is recommended you submit a resume or list of life experiences.
  • Official SAT or ACT scores. These scores are not required if you have completed more than 12 post-high school college credits or if you are at least 20 years old at the time you submit your application.
    • Please Note: Students who earned college credits only while in high school through early studies/dual enrollment courses must still submit SAT or ACT scores.
  • Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores may be required of applicants whose primary language is not English.
  • International College Transcript Evaluation: Official evaluation of college-level transcripts from a USM-approved transcript analysis agency.
  • Nursing Transfer applicants only: Supplemental application .
  • Accelerated BS in Nursing applicants only: Supplemental application .
  • Performing arts applicants:

International Applicants

  • Completed application form:
  • $40 application fee payable to the University of Southern Maine.
  • Official secondary school transcripts, exam certificates, and college level transcripts including certified English translations.
  • Official transcripts from all colleges attended, whether or not credit was earned, sent from the institution.
  • International College Transcript Evaluation: Official evaluation of college level transcripts from a USM-approved transcript analysis agency.
  • Completed personal statement/essay (recommended).
  • Declaration of Finances form accompanied by the appropriate financial documentation.
  • Optional: official SAT or ACT scores.
    • If you have completed more than 12 college credits or are age 20 or older at the time you submit your application, SAT or ACT test scores are not required.
  • Nursing Transfer applicants only: Supplemental Application .
  • Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores may be required of applicants whose primary language is not English.
  • Performing arts applicants:

Re-entry Admission Materials

Admission and Financial Aid Deadlines

Priority filing dates indicate when information should be received by the University. The dates upon which we receive your application and then enrollment deposit may impact other factors, including financial aid awards, priorities for on-campus housing, orientation dates, and course selection. Please note the following dates, references, and deadlines.

Admission Deadlines

Fall Semester

  • January 15 — BS in Nursing deadline for transfer students.
  • February 15 — Priority filing application date and Traditional BS in Nursing deadline.
  • May 1 — Priority enrollment deposit date.
  • July 1 — International student application deadline.
  • August 15 — Deadline for application and all supporting materials to be received by Admissions.

Spring Semester*

  • November 15 — International student application deadline.
  • December 1 — Priority filing application date.
  • January 2 — Priority enrollment deposit date.

*Admission will not be granted to nursing applicants (with the exception of RN to BS in Nursing program) for the spring semester.

Summer Semester

  • May 1 — Priority deadline.
  • October 1 — Accelerated BS in Nursing application deadline.

Rolling Admissions

Applications are accepted throughout the year and are reviewed on a rolling admission cycle. The application deadline for students who want to enroll in the fall semester is August 15.

Although applications will be reviewed throughout the year, we recommend students complete their applications by the priority filing date of February 15. All students who want to be considered for academic scholarships must have their completed application on file by the February 15 scholarship consideration deadline.

Nursing program applicants: Transfer students must submit applications by January 15. First-year Nursing applicants must submit an application by the February 15.

Financial Aid Deadlines

In order to be considered for financial aid, you must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For fall applicants, this form should be filed either electronically or through the mail by January 15, in order for the federal data to be received by Student Financial Services on schedule.

Fall 2018 Applicants

  • January 15 – FAFSA application filing deadline.
  • Beginning March 15 – Financial aid award notification.

Spring 2019 Applicants

  • Spring semester applicants should file their FAFSA as soon as they apply for Admission.

Application for financial aid submitted after the stated deadlines will be reviewed only to the extent that funds remain available throughout the spring. For more information, visit Student Financial Services or call (207) 780-5250.

Application Fee

A nonrefundable fee of $40 must be submitted with your application for admission. Maine residents apply for free. Checks should be made payable to the University of Southern Maine. If submission of this fee causes a financial hardship, please contact the Office of Admissions.

Standardized Test Scores

SAT & ACTs

The University generally requires official SAT or ACT test scores. If you have completed more than 12 college level credits or are age 20 or older at the time you submit your application, these scores are not required.

Please Note: Students who earned college credits while in high school through early studies/dual enrollment courses must still submit SAT or ACT scores.

Applicants may submit SAT or ACT scores as reported on official high school transcript or directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) or the American College Testing Program (ACT). If you did not previously request your scores be sent to the University (CEEB code #3691) from ETS or ACT, you may do so by calling ETS at (609) 921-9000 or collegeboard.com or ACT at (319) 337-1313 or actstudent.org.

TOEFL and IELTS

International and non-native English speaking students should submit their Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores. SAT or ACT scores may be submitted to us as reported on the official high school transcript or directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) or the American College Testing Program (ACT).

Advanced Placement Tests and International Baccalaureate

The University of Southern Maine recognizes the Advanced Placement Tests and the International Baccalaureate program, and may grant placement and credit toward graduation for superior performance. Please contact the Office for Prior Learning Assessment for additional information at (207) 780-4663, or toll-free 1-800-800-4876, ext. 4663.

Where to Send Admission Materials

Send all Undergraduate Admissions official transcripts* and other supporting materials to:

Application Processing Center
University of Maine System
P.O. Box 412
Bangor, ME 04402-0412

Colleges and universities that participate in electronic submission of transcripts can send official transcripts to edocs@maine.edu.

* A transcript is official when it comes directly from the institution. If an applicant is submitting an official transcript, it must be in a sealed envelope from the institution indicating that it is an official document. If the envelope has been opened prior to arriving at the Office of Admissions, it is no longer considered an official transcript.

Graduate Program Application Process

Application Instructions by Program

Master’s Degree Programs

Certificates of Graduate Study

Doctoral Degree Programs

Certificates of Advanced Study

Program Deadlines

About deadlines:

  • Applications must be postmarked or submitted online by the applicable program deadline.
  • If the deadline falls on a Sunday or a holiday, applications will be accepted through the following business day.

Master’s Degree Programs

  • Biology (MS): February 1 priority filing deadline for fall admission; October 15 deadline for spring admission.
  • Business Administration (MBA): Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Candidates are encouraged to complete applications by August 1 for fall admission, December 1 for spring admission, and April 1 for summer admission.
  • Creative Writing (Stonecoast MFA): March 1 for summer residency; September 1 for winter residency.
  • Education
    • Adult and Higher Education (MS): May 1 for fall admission; October 1 for spring admission; and February 1 for summer admission.
    • Counseling (MS):
      • Clinical Mental Health Concentration (MS): November 15 and March 15 for fall admission.
      • School Concentration (MS): November 15 and March 15 for fall admission.
      • Rehabilitation Concentration (MS): November 15 and March 15 for fall admission.
        • Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling (CLRC) specialization: May 31 for fall admission.
    • Educational Leadership (MSEd): Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, however, the following priority filing deadlines apply: May 1 for fall admission; October 15 for spring admission; and March 15 for summer admission.
    • Educational Psychology (MS)
      • Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, however, the following priority filing deadlines apply: November 1 for spring admission; March 15 for summer admission; and May 1 for Fall admission.
      • School Psychology Concentration: January 1, 2019, for summer or fall 2019 admission.
    • Literacy Education (MSEd): Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
    • Montessori Childhood Education (MSEd): Priority filing deadline of January 30; if space is available, applications will continue to be reviewed on a rolling basis after January 30.
    • Professional Educator (MSEd): Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, however, the following priority filing deadlines apply: May 1 for fall admission; October 15 for spring admission; and March 15 for summer admission.
    • Special Education (MS): Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, however, the following priority filing deadlines apply: May 1 for fall admission; October 15 for spring admission; and March 15 for summer admission.
    • Teaching and Learning — Extended Teacher Education Program (ETEP) (MSEd): January 31; if certain certification areas have openings, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis after January 31.
    • Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) (MSEd): Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
  • Leadership Studies (MA): Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
  • Music (MM): Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
  • Nursing
    • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (MS): October 1, 2018, for spring 2019 admission; April 1, 2019, for fall 2019 admission.
    • Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (MS): April 1 for fall admission.
    • Education (MS): April 1 for fall admission.
    • Family Nurse Practitioner (MS): April 1 for fall admission.
    • Option for Non-Nurses with Baccalaureate Degrees (MS): November 1 for summer admission.
    • Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (across the lifespan) (MS): April 1 for fall admission.
    • RN to Master of Science Degree Program for Registered Nurses (MS): April 1 for fall admission.
  • Occupational Therapy (MOT): October 1 for fall admission.
  • Policy, Planning, and Management (MPPM): Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
  • Public Health (MPH): Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
  • Social Work (MSW): October 15 for fall admission.
  • Statistics (MS): Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, however, the following priority filing deadlines apply: March 15 for fall admission; and October 15 for spring admission. Students who apply by January 15 will be eligible to apply for a tuition waiver the following academic year.

Certificates of Graduate Study

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Priority filing deadlines may apply for some programs. Review Application Instructions by Program for details.

Doctoral Degree Programs

  • Nursing (DNP): April 1 for fall admission.
  • Public Policy with a Concentration in Educational Leadership and Policy (Ph.D.): The next cohort will be admitted in fall of 2020. Application deadline is TBD.
  • School Psychology (PsyD): January 1, 2019, for summer or fall 2019 admission.

Certificates of Advanced Study

  • Education
    • Adult Learning (Certificate of Advanced Study): May 1 for fall admission; October 1 for spring admission; and February 1 for summer admission.
    • Counseling (Certificate of Advanced Study): May 1 for fall admission; October 1 for spring admission; and March 15 for summer admission.
    • Educational Leadership (Certificate of Advanced Study): May 1 for fall admission; October 1 for spring admission; and March 15 for summer admission.
    • English as a Second Language (Certificate of Advanced Study): Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
    • Literacy Education (Certificate of Advanced Study): Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
  • Nursing — Post-Masters (Certificate of Advanced Study):
    • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Concentration: October 1, 2018, for spring 2019 admission; April 1, 2019, for fall 2019 admission.
    • Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Concentration: April 1 for fall admission.
    • Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration: April 1 for fall admission.
    • Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (across the lifespan) Concentration: April 1 for fall admission.

International Student Instructions

In addition to the standard application materials, international students must also provide the following materials before their application will be reviewed:

  • Declaration of Finances .
  • TOEFL or IELTS scores*, may be required by all programs for international students whose primary (or first) language is not English.
  • Creative Writing (MFA) applicants only: Please review additional information regarding residency requirements through our Office of International Programs.

*TOEFL or IELTS
Students whose first language is not English may be required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and submit official scores as part of the application process. Only applicants with TOEFL scores of 550 or higher on the paper-based test, 213 or higher on the computer-based test, or 79 or higher on the internet-based test; or IELTS scores of 6.5 or higher will be considered for admission to a graduate program.

Students Whose Primary (or First) Language is Not English

Students whose primary (or first) language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and submit official scores as part of the application process. Only applicants with TOEFL scores of 79 or higher on the internet-based test, 550 or higher on the paper-based test, or 213 or higher on the computer-based test; or IELTS scores of 6.5 or higher will be considered for admission to a graduate program.

Where to Send Admission Materials

If we receive application materials such as test scores or recommendations before your application arrives, we will keep them in a holding file to add to your folder once the application is submitted. If you choose to collect all application materials yourself and mail or deliver everything to us at once, do not open any official transcripts or recommendation letters. Once submitted, all application materials become USM property and will not be returned.

Please send all application materials to the following address:

Application Processing Center
University of Maine System
P.O. Box 412
Bangor, ME 04402-0412

Electronic submissions of official transcripts and other application materials (resume, essay, etc) can be emailed to edocs@maine.edu.

Applications in Progress

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that his or her application is complete by the applicable deadline date.

  • Check Status-Account Activation Required: If you have submitted an application and have received your account activation letter from our office, follow the link below to activate your account.
  • Check Status-Account Activation Complete: If you have already activated your account, and you wish to check on the status of your application, follow this link to MaineStreet.

Certificate Application Process

Undergraduate Certificates

Undergraduate certificates provide students with a solid foundation in a chosen area of study and in a variety of career fields. These certificates can be pursued in conjunction with a major or independently.

Admission Materials

  • All applicants: Submit online application.
  • Additional materials may be required. Browse the program list below for details.
  • Applicants who are not currently enrolled at USM: Provide high school transcript; or General Education Diploma (GED); or High School Equivalency Test (HiSET).
    • If homeschooled, transcript must show date of graduation, or annual assessment of courses completed, and should be signed by the person responsible for homeschooling the student.

Undergraduate Certificate Programs

Post-Baccalaureate Undergraduate Certificates

Undergraduate certificates provide students with a solid foundation in a chosen area of study and in a variety of career fields. A bachelor’s degree is required in order to complete these certificate programs.

Admission Materials

Post-Baccalaureate Undergraduate Certificate Programs

Certificates of Graduate Study

A bachelor’s degree or higher is required in order to pursue a Graduate Certificate.

Admission Materials

Graduate Certificate Programs

Certificates of Advanced Study

A master’s degree or higher is required to pursue a Certificate of Advanced Study.

Admission Materials

Certificate of Advanced Study Programs

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