University of Southern Maine
At USM, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and are reviewed as they become complete. Applicants can expect a decision appproximately four to six weeks after all documentation has been received. Counselors initially evaluate applications for entry into the first choice major, if applicable. If an applicant does not meet this major's qualifications or if no space is available in the first choice major, they will be considered for a second major, an undeclared major, or an alternate program.
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. Deadlines exist for Nursing and International students.
Fall Semester
Spring Semester *
* Admission will not be granted to nursing applicants (with the exception of RNs) for the spring semester.
*Member of the Common Application. USM also accepts this form in lieu of its own, giving equal consideration to both. USM also accepts applications in the following formats: College Link and Next Stop College.
At USM, applications are reviewed on a rolling admission cycle. For students who want to enroll for the fall semester the rolling admission cycle indicates that applications are received throughout the calendar year and applicants will be notified of their admission decision beginning in January. Although applications will continue to be reviewed throughout the year, we recommend students have a completed application on file in the Office of Undergraduate Admission by the priority filing date of February 15. All students who want to be considered for academic scholarships are required to have their completed admission application on file in the Office of Undergraduate Admission by the February 1 scholarship consideration deadline. Please refer to the Admission and Financial Aid Calendar below for more complete details.
For those applying to Nursing program, transfer students must submit applications by the January 15 Transfer Nursing Application Deadline. First year Nursing applicants must submit an application by the February 15 First Year Nursing Application Deadline.
A nonrefundable fee of $40 must be submitted with your application for admission. 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 Undergraduate Admission.
USM requires official SAT or ACT test results. SAT and ACT scores are waived for individuals whose high school graduation date was three or more years ago and/or for those with 30 or more earned college credits from a regionally accredited institution.
Not all high schools report official scores on the transcript, so please check with your counselor. If you did not previously request your scores be sent to USM (#3691) from ETS or ACT, you may do so by calling ETS at (609) 771-7600 or ACT at (319) 337-1313.
International and non-native English speaking students should submit their TOEFL 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).
The University of Southern Maine recognizes the International Baccalaureate program, and may grant placement and credit toward graduation for superior performance. Please contact the Prior Learning Assessment Office for additional information at (207) 780-4663, or toll-free 1-800-800-4876, x4663.
You should only complete the Reactivation of Application/Readmission Application if one of the following three categories applies:
Reactivation of Application
1. You applied to USM within the last year but did not enroll in classes as a degree (matriculated) student.
Readmission
2. You received an undergraduate degree from USM and are pursuing a second undergraduate degree.
3. You began your studies at USM as a degree (matriculated)* student more than ten years ago but did not graduate.
*Matriculated degree candidates maintain their matriculation status for ten calendar years from the first semester of attendance at USM. If, for any reason other than dismissal from the University, a student does not register for any length of time during that ten-year period and then resumes registration, no readmission is necessary. If, however, a student wishes to resume studies as a degree candidate after the ten-year period has elapsed, she or he needs to apply for readmission using the Reactivation of Application/Readmission Application.
In order to be considered for financial aid you must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form should be filed either electronically or through the mail by February 15 in order for the federal data to be received in the USM Office of Financial Aid on schedule.
Following deadlines is a key factor in the financial aid process, as it may have a direct impact on the results of your financial aid award package. Application for financial aid submitted after the stated deadlines will be reviewed only to the extent that funds remain available throughout the spring. Please refer to the calendar below, as well as the USM Office of Financial Aid Web site or call (207) 780-5250.
Listed below are links where you can apply online, print an application, or request a printed copy of the application.
