Requirements: The SAT I or ACT is required. USM requires applicants to be in the upper 50% of their class. A GPA of 2.0 is required. In addition, applicants must be graduates of an accredited secondary school. The GED is accepted. Either 41 academic credits or 20 1/2 Carnegie units are required. Secondary school courses should include 4 years of English, 3 of math, 2 each of a foreign language and lab science, and 1 each of history and social studies. An essay is required, as are auditions for music applicants and interviews for applicants to the School of Applied Science. USM uses ExPAN software to accept applications on-line. AP and CLEP credits are accepted. Important factors in the admissions decision are extracurricular activities record, evidence of special talent, and advanced placement or honor courses.

Procedure: Freshmen are admitted fall and spring. Entrance exams should be taken between May of the junior year and January of the senior year. There is an early admissions plan. Applications should be filed by February 15 for fall entry priority consideration and December 1 for spring entry, along with a $25 fee. Notification is sent on a rolling basis.

Transfer: 741 transfer students enrolled in a reent year. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.0; 2.75 for those from nonregionally accredited institutions. Students who have fewer than 30 college credits or who have been out of high school for less than 3 years must submit SAT I scores. 30 credits of 120 must be completed at USM.

Visiting: There are regularly scheduled orientations for prospective students, including group information sessions and tours by appointment. There are guides for informal visits and visitors may sit in on classes and stay overnight. To schedule a visit, contact the Admissions Office.

Financial Aid: In a recent year, 81% of all freshmen and 74% of continuing students received some form of financial aid. 32% of freshmen and 57% of continuing students in a recent year received need-based aid. The average freshman award in a recent year was $5500. Of that total, scholarships or need-based grants averaged $1450 ($4000 maximum); loans averaged $700 ($2250 maximum); and work contracts averaged $725 ($2000 maximum). 80% of recent undergraduates work part time. Average annual earnings from campus work are $1200. Stafford loans average $2625. The average financial indebtedness of a recent graduate was $10,200. USM is a member of CSS. The FAFSA is required; the FAT is required for students transferring from another college or vocational school. The fail application deadline is February 1.

International Students: There were 64 international students enrolled i a recent year. Applicants must score 500 on the TOEFL and also take the SAT I or the ACT.

Computers: The mainframe is an IBM 4341. The mainframe is linked to the Bitnet, Internet, and Gopher networks. There are about 1000 terminals and PCs, 250 available for student use. Most residence rooms have computer hook-ups. All students may access the system 16 hours per day. There are no time limits and no fees.

Graduates: In 1997, 893 bachelor’s degrees were awarded. The most popular majors were business administration (11%), nursing (11%), and psychology (6%). 50 companies recruited on campus in 1996-97.

Admissions Contact: Deborah P. Jordan, Director of Admissions.

E-mail: usmadm@maine.maine.edu.

Web: http://www.usm.maine.edu