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What is Early Study-Aspirations at USM?Early Study-Aspirations is a fall and spring semester academic enrichment program for qualified high school and homeschool juniors and seniors to enroll in college courses at the University of Southern Maine. ^top Who Is Eligible to Participate in the Early Study-Aspirations Program?Students are selected for participation based upon the recommendation of their guidance counselor or homeschool official. In general, students must be at least 16 years old and have a "B" average. The program is intended to provide students with the opportunity to enrich their high school/homeschool programs and to help them supplement, not supplant, their academic program. ^top What Courses May a Student Take as Part of Early Study-Aspirations at USM?Students may take any course for which they have university and guidance counselor/homeschool official's approval, as long as, space is available and all pre-requisites have been satisfied. Class listings are made available in the late fall for the spring semester and late spring for the next fall semester online via MaineStreet. (The University of Southern Maine's computing system.) ^top Advantages of Being in the Early Study-Aspirations Program:
^top How Do I Obtain an Application?Application materials are available here*. More information about the program may be obtained from high school guidance counselors or Early Study-Aspirations advisors. How Do Students Register for Courses?Students interested in taking college courses must complete the Early Study-Aspirations Application and return it to one of the USM advisors listed below. Students will receive an acknowledgment letter shortly after receipt of their application. Students will not be registered at this time. It is important that students review this letter to ensure their application is complete and submit any needed materials as requested. Accepted students will be registered for classes (based on space availability) starting early August (Fall semester) and early January (Spring semester). The specific dates will fluctuate each year based on our academic calendar and will be noted in the acknowledgment letter. PROCESS FOR SELECTING COURSES:
Review the semester course schedule and information online by going to MaineStreet and then click on ‘Class Search.' Be careful to have the desired term reflected. Click on the hyperlink “section” of any course to review:
Provide a list of preferred classes on the Early Study-Aspirations application and a list of alternate classes should your first choices not be available. Transcripts are available upon request by completing a Transcript Request Form * ^top What Are the Costs of Participating in the Early Study-Aspirations Program at USM?Your acceptance into the Early Study-Aspirations Program enables USM to reduce your tuition by one half for up to 2 classes. The Department of Education will provide funding for one half of 1 class to a maximum of 3 credit hours (this reduction is contingent on continued funding by the State of Maine). All students are assessed mandatory fees which will not be covered by these waivers. These mandatory fees will be the responsibility of the student. FMI (207) 780-4028. A student enrolled in one 3 credit hour course will have all tuition waived but will be required to pay the attached fees. Students can contact their guidance office to explore additional funding possibilities. ^top Information for Guidance Counselor/ Homeschool Official:Students often first learn about Early Study-Aspirations from their guidance counselor, who is acquainted with their students' interests, motivations, and capabilities. Students applying to the Early Study-Aspirations Program must secure the written approval of their guidance counselor/homeschool official on their application. This denotes that the student has the required minimum GPA, will be a junior or senior when taking the course, is at least 16 when the course begins, and is prepared for a college environment. All students need to meet the course prerequisites and requirements. Reading the course description is the best way to identify the course prerequisites. For complete course descriptions visit the USM Undergraduate Catalog. ^top Who can I Contact at USM for More Information?USM has an Early Study-Aspirations advisor at all locations. Their names and contact information are listed below: Portland-Gorham
Jean Kerrigan, Assistant Director of Advising
Lewiston Joan Macri, Student Services Saco Cynthia Young, Coordinator of Student Services Wendy Goodwin, Coordinator of Student Services Bath Lisa Whitney, Coordinator of Student Services ^top |
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