Start your application process for the University of Southern Maine (USM) right here. Review deadlines and instructions to apply for a bachelor’s degree program.
Admission to our University is based primarily on your academic background, the rigor of your high school program, and the grades you achieved. For transfer students, emphasis is placed on your most recent academic record.
We accept and review applications throughout the year on a rolling admission cycle. However, we strongly recommend that you apply by the dates noted in the following table to take advantage of specific opportunities. Early action deadline, academic scholarship consideration, and other important deadlines are organized by start term.
If you want to enroll in the upcoming fall term, our final application deadline is August 15. We must receive your application and all supporting materials before we can start our review.
For the best overall financial aid package, complete your USM application and submit your FAFSA by January 15.
| Fall term deadline | Admission action |
|---|---|
| December 1* | Early action application deadline |
| December 15* | Early action deadline for supporting materials to arrive in hand at our Admissions office |
| February 1 | Priority application deadline for academic scholarship consideration** |
| February 1 | BS in Nursing application deadline (first-year & transfer students) |
| February 15** | Priority application deadline for supporting materials to arrive in hand at our Admissions office |
| May 1 | Priority enrollment deposit deadline |
| June 1 | International student application deadline |
| August 15 | Final application deadline (supporting materials must also be in hand at our Admissions office) for the upcoming fall term |
**If you apply by February 1, and provide all supporting materials by February 15, you’ll be automatically considered for academic scholarships.
| Spring term* deadline | Admission action |
|---|---|
| October 15 | International student application deadline |
| December 1 | Priority application deadline |
| January 2 | Priority enrollment deposit deadline |
| Summer term deadline | Admission action |
|---|---|
| May 1 | Priority application deadline |
| October 1 | Accelerated BS in Nursing application deadline |
To be considered for financial aid, you must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Review the following information to find your filing deadline.
For the best overall financial aid package, complete your USM application and submit your FAFSA by January 15.
| Expected start term | Deadline | Financial aid action |
|---|---|---|
| Fall semester | January 15* | File your FAFSA |
| Spring semester | ASAP following admission application | File your FAFSA |
IMPORTANT: You may submit your FAFSA after the stated deadlines. However, your financial aid package will be dependent on the remaining funds available for the academic year. Get more information.
Student Financial Services will start sending out financial aid award notifications on December 15 for the following year’s fall term.
In-state, out-of-state, and Canadian applicants
Free to apply
International applicants
US $50 fee to apply
Submit your application first, then return here to pay the application fee.
SAT and ACT
Your test scores do not influence our admission decision. We do not require you to submit SAT or ACT test scores.
However, you may choose to submit scores as reported on your official high school transcript, or directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) or the American College Testing Program (ACT).
If you want to request your scores be sent to the University of Southern Maine from ETS or ACT, you may do so by contacting ETS or contacting ACT. Our CEEB code is 3691.
Advanced Placement Tests and International Baccalaureate
The University of Southern Maine recognizes Advanced Placement Tests and the International Baccalaureate program, and may grant placement and credit toward graduation for superior performance. Contact the Credit for Prior Learning Office for information.
Application requirements
You are a first-year applicant if you completed high school (secondary school), your General Education Diploma (GED), or your High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) and have not earned any college credits since that date.
If this is your first year in the United States, review the international applicants section.
Requirements for all undergraduate applicants
- Completed application form
- Official transcripts of your education history
- Completed personal statement/essay (recommended)
Additional requirements for first-year applicants
- Have your high school (or secondary school) send us your official transcript, listing all courses and grades received to date; or submit your official General Education Diploma (GED) or High School Equivalency Test (HiSET)
- Completed school counselor statement and/or letter of recommendation
NOTE: Official high school transcripts must list all courses and grades received to date if you have not yet graduated
Continue down this page to determine if any additional requirements may apply to you.
You are a homeschooled applicant if you were either educated at home or in an elective home education program for high school (secondary school).
Requirements for all undergraduate applicants
- Completed application form
- Official transcripts of your education history
- Completed personal statement/essay (recommended)
Additional requirements for homeschooled applicants
- Submit your official transcript, which must show your date of graduation or annual assessment of courses completed
- Your transcript should be signed by the person responsible for your homeschooling
- Completed school counselor statement and/or letter of recommendation sent from someone outside your family
Continue down this page to determine if any additional requirements may apply to you.
You are an adult applicant if it has been more than 3 years since you graduated from high school (secondary school) or you have a gap of 3+ years since you last earned college credits.
You are a transfer applicant if you have earned any college credits after graduating from high school (secondary school).
Requirements for all undergraduate applicants
- Completed application form
- Official transcripts of your education history
- Completed personal statement/essay (recommended)
Additional requirements for adult & transfer applicants
- If you have completed an associate’s or bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution at the time you submit your application for admission to USM, you do not need to submit an official high school transcript
- A 2.0+ cumulative grade point average (GPA) for any completed college/university coursework
- We place more emphasis placed on your most recent coursework
- Specific majors may set higher GPA requirements for admission consideration
- Have each college or university you attended, whether or not credit was earned, send us your official transcripts
Additional requirements for applicants with a gap of 3+ years in your education
If you have a gap of three or more years — for any reason — since your last experience in education (high school, community college, or college/university), include your résumé or a list of life experiences (recommended).
Additional requirements for applicants with an international college transcript
- Submit an official evaluation of university-level transcripts from a professional credential evaluation service with either a NACES or AICE membership. We recommend the following organizations:
- The Evaluation Company (TEC) (formerly SpanTran)
- World Education Services (WES)
- Josef Silny & Associates, Inc., International Education Consultants: Foreign educational credential evaluation application for prospective USM students (PDF file)
- Evaluations must be course-by-course and provide verification that the degree you hold is equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in the United States
- NOTE: Some universities in Canada are exempt
Continue down this page to determine if any additional requirements may apply to you.
You are an international applicant if you are a citizen or permanent resident of a country (outside the United States) to which you intend to return. Currently, you may be residing in your home country or the United States on an educational, worker, or visitor visa.
Since preparations for entering a college in the United States are complex, we recommend that you start your application process one (1) year before you intend to enroll at USM.
Requirements for all undergraduate applicants
- Completed application form
- Official transcripts of your education history
- Completed personal statement/essay (recommended)
Additional requirements for international applicants
- Submit your official secondary school transcripts, exam certificates, and any college-level transcripts including certified English translations
- Provide financial documentation that shows you are able to support educational and living costs
- Submit US $50 application fee (except Canadian applicants)
Additional requirements for applicants with an international college transcript
- Submit an official evaluation of university-level transcripts from a professional credential evaluation service with either a NACES or AICE membership. We recommend the following organizations:
- The Evaluation Company (TEC) (formerly SpanTran)
- World Education Services (WES)
- Josef Silny & Associates, Inc., International Education Consultants: Foreign educational credential evaluation application for prospective USM students (PDF file)
- Evaluations must be course-by-course and provide verification that the degree you hold is equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in the United States
- NOTE: Some universities in Canada are exempt
Additional requirements for international transfer applicants
If you currently hold an F-1 student visa in the United States and wish to transfer to USM from another college or university, you will need to complete a transfer form with the foreign student advisor at your current school.
Continue down this page to determine if any additional requirements may apply to you.
Application deadlines for international applicants
Our international application deadlines allow sufficient time for processing the necessary immigration documents and for you to obtain a student visa.
| Expected start term | Application deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall/September (Law applicants only) | June 1 |
| Fall/September | June 1 |
| Spring/January | October 15 |
International admission representatives
We maintain relationships with international student recruitment agencies in several countries. These agencies are authorized to help you determine if the University of Southern Maine is the right choice for you.
You are a re-entry applicant if one of the following matches your experience:
- Within the last year, you applied to our University and were either denied or admitted and did not enroll in classes as a degree-seeking (matriculated) student
- You want to pursue an additional undergraduate degree and previously earned an undergraduate degree from our University
- You previously enrolled at USM as a degree-seeking (matriculated) student and it has been two or more consecutive years since you have registered for and attended classes
Requirements for re-entry applicants
- Completed Reactivation/readmission form
- Official college transcripts from any colleges attended since applying to or attending USM
Additional requirements for applicants with an international college transcript
- Submit an official evaluation of university-level transcripts from a professional credential evaluation service with either a NACES or AICE membership. We recommend the following organizations:
- The Evaluation Company (TEC) (formerly SpanTran)
- World Education Services (WES)
- Josef Silny & Associates, Inc., International Education Consultants: Foreign educational credential evaluation application for prospective USM students (PDF file)
- Evaluations must be course-by-course and provide verification that the degree you hold is equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in the United States
- NOTE: Some universities in Canada are exempt
Continue down this page to determine if any additional requirements may apply to you.
You are a performing arts applicant if you plan to enroll in an Osher School of Music or Department of Theatre program.
Our Osher School of Music programs require an audition in addition to meeting your application requirements as noted in the sections above.
Our Department of Theatre programs require an interview or audition in addition to meeting your application requirements as noted in the sections above.
Continue down this page to determine if any additional requirements may apply to you.
You are a nursing applicant if you plan to enroll in a School of Nursing program.
Additional requirements for transfer applicants
Additional requirements for Accelerated BS in Nursing applicants
Continue down this page to determine if any additional requirements may apply to you.
You are an Applied Technical Leadership applicant if that is the program in which you plan to enroll.
NOTE: As of 11/1/22, we are not currently admitting students to this program. Please check with your Admissions Counselor for any changes to this status.
Additional requirements for first-year applicants
- Training and work experience equivalent to an occupationally-oriented associate’s degree
- All applicants must be screened by department
Additional requirements for transfer applicants
- Associate’s degree in an occupationally-oriented career field
Additional requirements for applicants with an international college transcript
- Submit an official evaluation of university-level transcripts from a professional credential evaluation service with either a NACES or AICE membership. We recommend the following organizations:
- The Evaluation Company (TEC) (formerly SpanTran)
- World Education Services (WES)
- Josef Silny & Associates, Inc., International Education Consultants: Foreign educational credential evaluation application for prospective USM students (PDF file)
- Evaluations must be course-by-course and provide verification that the degree you hold is equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in the United States
- NOTE: Some universities in Canada are exempt
Continue down this page to determine if any additional requirements may apply to you.
If your first language is not English, you may be required to provide test scores or credentials for English language proficiency — unless you hold a degree from an institution with English instruction.
We accept the following test scores and qualifications for admission into undergraduate programs:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- Scores of 79 or higher on the internet-based test
- Scores of 550 or higher on the paper-based test
- Scores of 213 or higher on the computer-based test
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Scores of 6.5 or higher
- Pearson Test of English (PTE)
- Scores of 60 or higher
- Duolingo Test of English
- Scores of 105 or higher
- NOTE: We are accepting Duolingo scores on a trial basis for the 2022–23 academic year
If you have questions regarding your experience and our requirements, email the Office of Admissions.
Academic guidelines
While high school (or secondary school) preparation may vary, we generally require the subjects listed in the first table for regular admission to the University. Some majors have additional requirements, which are listed in the second table.
General requirements
| Subject | Number of units |
|---|---|
| English | 4 |
| Mathematics | 3: Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 (or equivalents) |
| Science | 2 with lab components |
| Social Science | 2 |
Majors with additional requirements
| Major | Subject | Additional requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting (Business) | Mathematics | 4 total units; the last must be a college preparatory course exceeding Algebra 2 |
| Athletic Training | Science | Biology & Chemistry with labs |
| Biochemistry | Science | 3 units of Natural/Physical Science with labs |
| Biology | Science | 3 units of Natural/Physical Science with labs |
| Chemistry | Science | 3 units of Natural/Physical Science with labs |
| Engineering | Mathematics | 4 total units; the last must be a college preparatory course exceeding Algebra 2, preferably Trigonometry |
| Engineering | Science | Chemistry & Physics with labs |
| Environmental Planning & Policy | Science | 3 units of Natural/Physical Science with labs |
| Environmental Science | Science | 3 units of Natural/Physical Science with labs |
| Exercise Science | Science | Biology & Chemistry with labs |
| Finance (Business) | Mathematics | 4 total units; the last must be a college preparatory course exceeding Algebra 2 |
| French (Linguistics/Education) | French | 3 units |
| General Management (Business) | Mathematics | 4 total units; the last must be a college preparatory course exceeding Algebra 2 |
| Health Sciences | Science | Biology & Chemistry with labs |
| Marketing (Business) | Mathematics | 4 total units; the last must be a college preparatory course exceeding Algebra 2 |
| Mathematics (including secondary education) | Mathematics | 4 total units; the last must be a college preparatory course exceeding Algebra 2 |
| Nursing | Science | Biology & Chemistry with labs |
| Physics | Science | 3 units of Natural/Physical Science with labs |
| Sport Management (Business) | Mathematics | 4 total units; the last must be a college preparatory course exceeding Algebra 2 |
While high school (or secondary school), college, and university preparation may vary, some majors have additional requirements, which are listed in the following table.
| Major | Subject | Transfer GPA | Transfer coursework | High school units |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting (Business) | Mathematics | 2.33+ | Mathematics readiness | 4 total; the last must be a college preparatory course exceeding Algebra 2 |
| Athletic Training | Science | 2.50+ | Biology & Chemistry with labs | Biology & Chemistry with labs |
| Biochemistry | Science | 3 total of Natural/Physical Science with labs | ||
| Biology | Science | 3 total of Natural/Physical Science with labs | ||
| Chemistry | Science | 3 total of Natural/Physical Science with labs | ||
| Engineering | Mathematics | 2.25+ | 4 total; the last must be a college preparatory course exceeding Algebra 2, preferably Trigonometry | |
| Engineering | Science | 2.25+ | Physics & Chemistry with labs | Chemistry & Physics with labs |
| Environmental Planning & Policy | Science | 3 total of Natural/Physical Science with labs | ||
| Environmental Science | Science | 3 total of Natural/Physical Science with labs | ||
| Exercise Science | Science | 2.50+ | Biology & Chemistry with labs | Biology & Chemistry with labs |
| Finance (Business) | Mathematics | 2.33+ | Mathematics readiness | 4 total; the last must be a college preparatory course exceeding Algebra 2 |
| French (Linguistics/Education) | French | 3 | ||
| General Management (Business) | Mathematics | 2.33+ | Mathematics readiness | 4 total; the last must be a college preparatory course exceeding Algebra 2 |
| Health Sciences | Science | 2.25+ | Biology & Chemistry with labs | Biology & Chemistry with labs |
| Marketing (Business) | Mathematics | 2.33+ | Mathematics readiness | 4 total; the last must be a college preparatory course exceeding Algebra 2 |
| Mathematics (including secondary education) | Mathematics | 4 total; the last must be a college preparatory course exceeding Algebra 2 | ||
| Nursing | Science | Biology & Chemistry with labs | ||
| Physics | Science | 3 total of Natural/Physical Science with labs | ||
| Psychology | 2.75+ within the last 30 credits earned | |||
| Sport Management (Business) | Mathematics | 2.33+ | Mathematics readiness | 4 total; the last must be a college preparatory course exceeding Algebra 2 |
Did you know?
- Your SAT and ACT test scores do not influence our admission decision.
- Our School of Business is among the 5% of AACSB-accredited business schools worldwide.
- We are designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense for our Cybersecurity major.
Send us your admission materials
If we receive any supporting documents before your application arrives, we'll keep them in a holding file until we receive your application.
If you choose to collect all your application materials yourself before mailing or delivering everything to us at once, do not open your official transcripts* or recommendation letters*.
NOTE: All your application materials become the property of the University of Southern Maine once you submit them and will not be returned.
We must receive official transcripts* and recommendation letters* in the original, sealed envelope. If an envelope is opened before it arrives, we'll put your application review on hold until we receive a new, sealed document.
Application Processing Center
University of Maine System
P.O. Box 412
Bangor, ME 04402-0412
Official transcripts* and recommendation letters* must be emailed to us directly from the institution or author. If an email is forwarded to us from your account, we'll put your application review on hold until we receive a new email directly from the source.
Any of the following items may also be emailed to edocs@maine.edu:
- Essays
- Résumés
- Additional supporting documents
*To be considered "official," transcripts must be sent by your previous institution through a secure clearing house; recommendation letters must be sealed or sent directly by the author. Our graduate admission application also offers an option to submit supporting documents through CollegeNET.
Do you need more information? Our friendly Admissions team is happy to help!