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.
Undergraduate Degree Application Process
First Year & Homeschooled Applicants
- Completed application form: Common Application, University of Maine System application, or paper
.
- All applicants 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.
- 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).
- (Optional) Official SAT or ACT scores are optional for admission consideration. If submitted, scores must be provided directly from the testing agency or included on official high school transcript.
- Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score (may be required of those applicants whose primary language is not English).
- Nursing applicants:
- Review the School of Nursing application process.
- Performing arts applicants:
- The School of Music requires an audition. Review music audition dates and information.
- The Department of Theatre requires an interview or audition. Review theatre interview/audition information.
Adult & Transfer Applicants
- Completed application form: University of Maine System application or paper
.
- All applicants 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.
- (Optional) Official SAT or ACT scores are optional for admission consideration. If submitted, scores must be provided directly from the testing agency or included on official high school transcript.
- 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 applicants:
- Transfer applicants only:
- Accelerated BS in Nursing applicants only:
- Performing arts applicants:
- The School of Music requires an audition. Review music audition dates and information.
- The Department of Theatre requires an interview or audition. Review theatre interview/audition information.
International Applicants
- Completed application form: Common Application, University of Maine System application, or paper
.
- All applicants apply for free.
- 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.
- Additional resources are available for international applicants.
- (Optional) Official SAT or ACT scores are optional for admission consideration. If submitted, scores must be provided directly from the testing agency or included on official high school transcript.
- 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.
- Nursing applicants:
- Transfer applicants only:
- Accelerated BS in Nursing applicants only:
- Performing arts applicants:
- The School of Music requires an audition. Review music audition dates and information.
- The Department of Theatre requires an interview or audition. Review theatre interview/audition information.
Re-entry Admission Materials
- Completed Reactivation/Readmission Form
.
- All applicants apply for free.
- Completed personal statement (essay).
- Official final high school transcript or GED results.
- Official college transcripts from any colleges attended since applying to or attending USM.
- Performing arts applicants:
- The School of Music requires an audition. Review music audition dates and information.
- The Department of Theatre requires an interview or audition. Review theatre interview/audition information.
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
- December 1 — Early Action deadline.
- February 1 — BS in Nursing deadline for transfer students.
- February 1 — 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 1. 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: First-year Nursing applicants and transfer students must submit an application by February 1.
Early Action
Students that submit an undergraduate admission application by December 1 — and provide all supporting materials by December 15 — to apply for the following fall semester will be guaranteed an admission decision by January 15.
Students offered admission to the University through an Early Action application, must respond to the offer by May 1.
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 2020 Applicants
- January 15 – FAFSA application filing deadline.
- Beginning March 15 – Financial aid award notification.
Spring 2021 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
All applicants apply for free.
Standardized Test Scores
SAT & ACTs
Beginning with the 2020-2021 academic year, undergraduate degree applicants are no longer be required to submit SAT or ACT test scores to be considered for admission (this includes BS in Nursing).
Applicants may submit SAT or ACT scores as reported on the 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 that your scores be sent to USM (CEEB code #3691) from ETS or ACT, you may do so by contacting ETS at collegeboard.org or by contacting ACT at act.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. The University of Southern Maine accepts score reports sent directly from the testing agency.
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 CenterUniversity 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 Degree Program Application Process
Application Instructions by Program
- All applicants: Submit the online application.
- Application requirements and deadlines vary by program. Browse the links below for details.
Master’s Degree Programs
- Athletic Training (MS)
- Biology (MS)
- Computer Science (MS)
- Counseling
- Creative Writing (Stonecoast MFA)
- Cybersecurity (MS)
- Data Science (MS)
- Education
- Adult and Higher Education (MS)
- Educational Leadership (MSEd)
- The MSEd in Educational Leadership offers two options for program completion:
- Literacy Education (MSEd)
- Special Education
- Teacher Education — Extended Teacher Education Program (ETEP) (MSEd)
- Teacher Leadership (MSEd)
- The MSEd in Teacher Leadership offers two options for program completion:
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL):
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) (MSEd)
- The MSEd in TESOL offers two options for program completion:
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL): Initial K-12 ESL Certification (MSEd)
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) (MSEd)
- Educational Psychology
- Leadership Studies (MA)
- Music
- Nursing
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (MS)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (MS)
- Nursing Administration and Leadership (MS)
- Nursing Education (MS)
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (across the lifespan) (MS)
- RN to Master of Science Degree Program for Registered Nurses (MS)
- On-campus program
- Fully online programs:
- Occupational Therapy (MOT)
- Policy, Planning, and Management (MPPM)
- Public Health (MPH)
- School Psychology
- Social Work (MSW)
- Statistics (MS)
Doctoral Degree Programs
International Student Instructions
In addition to the standard application materials, international students must also provide the following materials before their application will be reviewed:
- International College Transcript Evaluation: Official evaluation of college-level transcripts from a USM-approved transcript analysis agency.
- Declaration of Finances
accompanied by the appropriate financial documentation.
- The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) may be required from international applicants and/or applicants whose primary language is not English, unless the applicant has received a degree from an English-speaking institution. Official scores need to be submitted 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.
- Additional resources are available for international applicants.
- Creative Writing (MFA) applicants only: Please review additional information regarding residency requirements through our Office of International Programs.
English Proficiency Test Scores
Official English proficiency examination scores are required from international applicants and/or applicants whose primary language is not English, unless the applicant has received a degree from an English-speaking institution. The University of Southern Maine accepts the following score reports sent directly from the testing agency. 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 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 CenterUniversity 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.
Application Requirements
Candidates for admission must submit:
- Online application
- Official transcripts or copies of official transcripts from secondary school and/or all colleges and universities from which you received a degree
- 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.
- Some programs specify additional admission requirements. Browse the program list below for details.
Please note, students who are enrolled solely in an undergraduate certificate program are not eligible for Federal financial aid.
Programs with Additional Admission Requirements
- Event Planning and Management: Resume also required.
- Gerontology: Resume also required. Next admission: Fall 2022.
- Risk Management and Insurance: This program is open to non-matriculated USM students only.
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.
Application Requirements
Candidates for admission must submit:
- Online application
- Official transcripts or copies of official transcripts from secondary school and/or all colleges and universities from which you received a degree
- Some programs are open to non-matriculated USM students only. Browse the program list below for details.
Please note, students who are enrolled solely in an undergraduate certificate program are not eligible for Federal financial aid.
Programs open to non-matriculated USM students only
- Accounting
- Actuarial Science
Certificates of Graduate Study
A bachelor’s degree or higher is required in order to pursue a Graduate Certificate.
Admission Materials
- All applicants: Submit the online application
- Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Priority filing deadlines may apply for some programs.
- Application requirements vary by program.
- Browse the links below for details.
Graduate Certificate Programs
- Data Science (Certificate of Graduate Study)
- Education
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- Assistant Principal
- Culturally Responsive Practices in Education and Human Development
- English as a Second Language
- Gifted and Talented Education
- Literacy
- Literacy Coaching
- Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician/Community (MHRT/C)
- Teaching and Assessment Practices to Meet Learning Expectations
- Food Studies
- Geography-Anthropology
- Leadership Studies
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Policy, Planning, and Management
- Public Health
- Technology:
Certificates of Advanced Study
A master’s degree or higher is required to pursue a Certificate of Advanced Study.
Admission Materials
- All applicants: Submit the online application
- Application requirements and deadlines vary by program. Browse the links below for details.
Certificate of Advanced Study Programs
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