Admissions

The University of Maine at Fort Kent is an academic community that welcomes applications for admissions from qualified men and women who exhibit the characteristics deemed appropriate to ensure success in a rigorous academic environment. In evaluating a prospective student’s application for admission, the University considers a variety of factors and indicators. Acceptance results from a mutual determination by the University and the student that the educational experience, which UMFK provides, will offer the applicant the most appropriate opportunities for continued self-development and personal fulfillment.

Admission Requirements

General First Year Admissions Requirements: First-year candidates are required to graduate from an approved secondary school or complete the GED equivalent. It is recommended that the high school record will include the following College Preparatory courses:

• English: four (4) years,
• Social science: two (2) years,
• Mathematics: three (3) years (Algebra I/II & Geometry), and Science with laboratory experience: two (2) years.
• Foreign language is recommended.

First-year candidates for the Traditional Nursing program are recommended to have completed the following College Preparatory courses with a grade of C, or better, in:

• English: four (4) years,
• Social science: two (2) years,
• Mathematics: three (3) years (Algebra I/II & Geometry),
• Science with laboratory experience: two (2) years (Biology and Chemistry), and
• Anatomy and Physiology or Physics.
• Foreign language is recommended.

Students not meeting the Traditional Nursing guidelines may be admitted to the Allied Health Bachelor of Arts and Sciences program. After successful completion of the first semester, students may meet with a nursing advisor to determine eligibility into the Nursing program.

Transfer

General Admissions Requirements: Transfer candidates are required to show proof of high school graduation by submitting an official secondary school transcript, or by submitting official GED scores. Applicants with 60 or more transferable credits are waived from this requirement. Generally, transfer applicants must have left their previous institution in good academic standing and have maintained a 2.0 cumulative grade point average, with the exception of applicants for the Traditional Nursing program, where students are required to have maintained at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average.

Transfer Candidates to the Accelerated Nursing Program are required to hold an earned undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited university or college with a cumulative grade point average of at least a 3.2 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants are required to complete college/university courses in Anatomy and Physiology, including all systems, and Statistics with a minimum grade of C. Students are required to be enrolled full-time.

Transfer Candidates to the RN to BSN Program are required to hold an earned undergraduate Associate of Science degree in Nursing from an accredited college with a cumulative grade point average of at least a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants are required to hold a current, valid nursing license.   

Transfer Candidates to the Teacher Certification Program are required to hold an earned undergraduate Bachelor degree from an accredited university or college with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. UMFK’s Elementary and Secondary Teacher Education programs have been closely coordinated with the educational licensing authorities in the State of Maine and the Canadian provinces.  The teacher certification programs are designed to assist the student in completing all necessary teacher licensing requirements for both the US and Canada. The programs are fully accredited and endorsed by the State of Maine Department of Education. Upon completion of the Certification program, the student applies to the State of Maine for a teaching license. The student then applies to the Department of Education in the respective Canadian provinces for a provincial teaching license.

Elementary Certification applicants are required to have completed a minimum of 6 credit hours in each of the following subject areas: English, Math, Science, and Social Science with a minimum grade of “C” in each course. Secondary Certification applicants are required to have completed a minimum of 24 credit hours in the interested area of certification, with a minimum grade of “C” in each course.

Home-School Policy

The University of Maine at Fort Kent encourages education in all its forms and recognizes that students from varied academic backgrounds contribute to the diversity and academic richness of our campus.  Homeschooling is an important medium for many students, and UMFK welcomes applications from students who have been homeschooled.  The following describes our admission policy regarding homeschooled students.  To help guide homeschooled applicants in the admission process, the following is a list of points that will help you in your application and provide insight into UMFK’s homeschooled admissions practices:

1. Homeschooled students must complete the standard application form used for all applicants.  If certain aspects of the form are not applicable to homeschoolers, then applicants are asked to leave such sections blank. 
2. All applicants, including homeschooled students are encouraged to submit SAT/ACT test scores.*
3. UMFK accepts parent transcripts or homeschooled agency transcripts.  If providing a homeschooled agency transcript, please provide literature that describes the home school agency (if available) or a short description of books/curricula used and covered.  The transcript can be traditionally grade-based or can consist of a competency-based description of learning/portfolio of academic work.  UMFK will also accept GED or HISET scores, but they are not required. 
4. On your application, please indicate whether your homeschooled education was correspondence-based, parent/student designed, “unschooled,” or a combination of approaches.
5. Part of the admissions application asks for letters of recommendation from school counselors or teachers.  Homeschooled students should submit letters from parents, other homeschooled teachers if applicable, or from other individuals who have knowledge of the student’s academic abilities and aspirations.  No official Counselor Recommendation Form is required.
6. The application asks the applicant to list extra-curricular activities.  Please note these activities need not be school related.  Applicants are encouraged to list community activities, public service, social group activities, church-related activities, etc.
7. As with all other applicants, a personal interview may be requested by the Admissions Office

*UMFK does not use standardized test scores in the admissions decision process, however submitting such test scores is encouraged. These scores are used for placement purposes.  All students who do not submit test scores or who score below a cut-off point will be required to take the Accuplacer ® Placement Test prior to enrolling in classes.

Application Procedures

Traditional Freshman (Graduation from high school was three (3) years or fewer years from the term you are applying for) are required to submit the following materials:

1. Completed Application form
2. Letter of recommendation from a high school guidance counselor, or a high school teacher (only for applicants who currently are in high school)
3. Official high school transcripts or GED/HiSet test results
4. Official SAT or ACT scores, placement exam results, or appropriate testing waiver*

*UMFK does not use standardized test scores in the admission decision process; however, submission of test scores is strongly encouraged at the point of application. SAT/ACT tests are used for placement purposes. Students who do not provide SAT/ACT scores to the Admissions Office and students with test scores below a cutoff point will be required to take the Accuplacer ® Placement Test prior to enrolling in a UMFK mathematics or English course. Junior year SAT/ACT test scores may be used. Test scores, in conjunction with GPA and class rank, also are used in determining eligibility for some merit-based scholarships.

Non-Traditional Freshman (Graduation from high school was four (4) years or more from the term you are applying for). Non-traditional freshman are required to submit the following materials:

1. Complete Application form
2. Official high school transcripts or GED/HiSet test results

Transfer Students (13 or more transferable credits taken at another postsecondary institution). Transfer students are required to submit the following materials:

1. Completed Application form
2. Official transcript from each prior college or postsecondary institution attended
3. Official high school transcripts or GED/HiSet test results

International Applicants (Freshman):

1. Completed Application form
2. Official transcripts from each institution attended and a final official high school transcript.  For students from non-English speaking countries, transcripts must be evaluated by an outside agency, such as World Education Services to determine US credit equivalency. UMFK will not consider foreign credits for transfer without the outside agency evaluation
3. Official transcripts from a high school and/or college
4. Official copy of TOEFL scores if English is not the student’s first language and language of instruction
5. Financial Documentation Form and supporting bank statements to cover all expenses*
6. Proof of immunization**
7. Proof of health insurance***

International Transfers (13 or more transferable credits taken at another postsecondary institution). International Transfer is required to submit the following materials:

1. Completed Application form
2. Official transcripts from each institution attended and a final official high school transcript Official secondary transcripts or official GED equivalent (not required of students transferring in more than 60 credit hours of college level work transferable credits.) For students from non-English speaking countries, transcripts must be evaluated by an outside agency, such as World Education Services to determine US credit equivalency. UMFK will not consider foreign credits for transfer without the outside agency evaluation.
3. Financial Documentation Form and supporting bank statements to cover all expenses*
4. Proof of immunization**
5. Proof of health insurance***

Financial Documentation Form*

The form is a statement of financial resources to attend the University of Maine at Fort Kent. Once accurately completed, this document will enable the issuance of the I-20 (student visa).  UMFK’s payment policy states that account balances need to be paid in full no later than the first day of classes unless a payment plan is made. Since international students are required to provide a statement of financial resources, students are expected to make payment arrangements at the beginning of each semester. Once on campus, if a sponsor fails to help pay the student’s bill, it is the student’s responsibility to immediately find another sponsor. Students who do not make payments on their account will not be allowed to register for the next semester and their I-20 may be revoked.

Immunization Law**

The State of Maine requires all students born after 1956 to furnish proof of immunization against measles, rubella, tetanus, and diphtheria. International applicants should forward proof of immunization as soon as possible after notification of admission to: Student Life and Development, University of Maine at Fort Kent, ME 04743 USA.

Health Insurance***

All students including international students are required to show proof of health insurance. Students without proof of existing coverage will automatically be enrolled in the Student Injury and Sickness Insurance Plan.

Please note that the financial documentation form and supporting materials including proof of immunization and health insurance may be submitted after you have been accepted for admission to the University.

Residential (On-Campus) Policy for International Students

1. UMFK offers programs both at a distance and in residence on campus. In order to be enrolled in a distance education (online) program, 50% of the student’s course load must be in online courses each semester.
2. International students enrolled in distance education (online) programs are not eligible for F-1 student status at UMFK.
3. International students enrolled in residential (on-campus) programs must conform to Full-Course of Study guidelines to maintain eligibility for continued F-1 status. Students transferring into distance education (online) programs immediately become ineligible for continued F-1 status.

For more information on I-20 (Student Visa) and F1 status, please visit: http://www.ice.gov/sevis/students/

Online/Distance Education Programs

The University of Maine at Fort Kent offers several online programs via the web (See “Distance Education  ” section for Degree and Certificate options).  The admission requirements and application procedures outlined above are applicable for a student applying for an online program. Proof of health insurance is not required for students matriculated in online degree programs except in cases where a student physically attends classes or programs at the school facility or campus. Online students must still provide proof of immunization.

Readmission Applicants

Readmission applies to students who previously have attended UMFK and have sat out for two (2) or more consecutive semesters not including summer session. Students wishing to apply for readmission are required to submit an Adult/Transfer application. Transcripts are requested electronically from the Registrar’s Office. Eligibility for readmission is based on the overall academic performance the student had at UMFK, as well as any specific program requirements.

Students with a break in attendance for two semesters or more (not including summer terms) will lose their status as matriculated students at UMFK. Students losing matriculated status must re-apply for admission upon their return to UMFK and will be responsible for paying any required application fees. Upon re-admission, students will be subject to the catalog requirements in effect at the time of their return to UMFK. This policy will not affect students whose break in attendance is the result of military service.

Dual Degree

Associate Degree to Baccalaureate - A student who has been awarded an associate degree from UMFK may apply for admittance into a program leading to a bachelor degree.

1. A student with no elapsed time since being awarded the Associate degree may submit a Change of Major form to the Registrar’s Office. The requirement term and advisor’s signature are required on the form. If the student is continuing into the BSN program, the director of nursing signature is required. Forms are available in the Registrar’s Office or online.
2. A student with one or more semesters (not including summer semesters) elapsed since being awarded the associate degree, must apply through the Admissions Office for admittance into the bachelor degree program.  A new requirement term will be assigned. Students may use the adult application form and submit the form to the Admissions Office. 

Additional UMFK Associates or additional UMFK Baccalaureate degrees - A student who has completed an associate or a bachelor degree from UMFK and wishes to pursue a second associate or bachelor degree is required to submit an Adult application.  Transcripts are requested electronically from the Registrar’s Office. Eligibility for readmission is based on the overall academic performance the student has had at UMFK, as well as any specific program requirements. A minimum residency requirement must be met for each additional degree, 15 credit hours for an associate degree and 30 credit hours for a baccalaureate degree.

Conditional Acceptance

At times students are admitted to the University of Maine at Fort Kent, but may not meet all admissions criteria. Although a student’s academic history may fall short of certain admissions requirements, the Admissions Office may determine that the student shows great potential to succeed at the University level. These students may be offered a ‘Conditional Admission’. All students who are considered for Conditional Admissions are interviewed by the Conditional Review Committee (CRC) that consists of the Director of Admissions, Assistant Dean of Student Success, a representative from the Student Support Office, and a faculty member, preferably from the discipline that the student plans to study.

Students admitted conditionally will be required to sign a personalized learning contract and are expected to adhere to the learning contract stipulations. Additionally, students admitted conditionally are placed on academic probation during their first semester. Pending review of each student’s progress at the conclusion of their first semester by the Conditional Review Committee, a conditionally-admitted student could either be suspended or conditions removed.

To Obtain an UMFK Application

Application forms can be obtained from the Director of Admissions, University of Maine at Fort Kent, 23 University Drive, Fort Kent, ME 04743, through the school guidance office at most New England high schools, or by calling the toll free number 1-888-879-8635. Prospective students are encouraged and welcomed to apply electronically by visiting the UMFK website at www.umfk.edu.

A completed application for admission should be forwarded to the Application Processing Center, University of Maine System, P.O. Box 412, Bangor, ME 04402-0412.  The University of Maine at Fort Kent “Request for Academic Records” for should be completed by the secondary school guidance counselor, and returned to the Admissions Office, along with the applicant’s secondary school transcript. If submitting test scores, the applicant should request that the results of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) of the College Entrance Examination Board, the American College Testing Service (ACT) test, or the PRAXIS I results be forwarded to the UMFK Admissions Office as soon as they are available. The CEEB code number for the University of Maine at Fort Kent is 3393; the ACT code number is 1642; and the PRAXIS I code is 3393.

Admission Decisions

Regular Decision

Applications for most programs may be submitted on a rolling basis; however, those received before August 15 for the fall semester and January 10 for the spring semester will be given priority consideration. Admission into the summer session is limited to applicants for the Accelerated Nursing Program and by special request to the Director of Admissions. The Accelerated Nursing applications must be received by February 15. Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis, as soon as files are complete. Accepted candidates are encouraged to confirm (see Tuition/Housing Deposit) their intent to enroll within 30 days of the date of acceptance. Confirmation deposits received after 30 days will be honored on a space available basis.

Early Decision

The University of Maine at Fort Kent offers early decision to those qualified applicants having strong preference for UMFK and who want to make a firm educational commitment to the University. Applicants indicating Early Decision on their applications will be notified (prior to December 1) regarding their admission status. UMFK conforms to the New England Association for College Admission Counseling (NEACAC) guidelines with respect to Early Decision procedures and requirements.

Early Admission

Highly-qualified students in a college preparatory program may be considered for early admission to the University. Those students would begin their university studies following completion of their junior year. Such early admission will be granted only when the secondary school agrees that a college program would be of benefit to the student’s long range educational goals, and certifies that all university work will be accepted in completion of secondary school graduation requirements.

Tuition/Housing Deposit

Upon notice of acceptance, a $150.00 (US funds) tuition deposit is requested and should be sent to the Admissions Office within 30 days. The deposit is credited to the student’s account upon registration of classes and is refundable when a request for refund is made in writing to the Admissions Office prior to May 1 for the fall semester and January 1 for the spring semester. Completion of the medical history, immunization forms, and Residence Hall Questionnaire and Contract also are required as part of the notice of acceptance.

Advanced Placement

An applicant who has taken university level courses as part of a high school program or as a supplement, and who achieves at least a grade of “3” in the Advanced Placement Examinations of the College Board, will receive credit at the University provided the credits are in acceptable subject areas. The number of credits awarded for successful completion of Advanced Placement courses will be proportionate to those granted at the institution for similar courses. It is possible for an applicant to be excused from certain basic course requirements if the applicant presents acceptable scores obtained through Advanced Placement Examinations.

Transfer of Credit Practices

University of Maine System

1. Transferring students must provide official transcripts reflecting all previous postsecondary coursework.
2. An evaluation of transfer credit will be prepared by the Transfer Officer for each accepted transfer student and will be available in the student’s MaineStreet Student Center. The transfer student should meet with an academic advisor to review how the transfer credit will be applied toward the student’s degree program. Transfer evaluations will be prepared based on the following principles:
   1. Within the University of Maine System: Undergraduate courses completed with a C- or higher, including P grades, will transfer from one UMS university to another. Grades will be recorded on the student’s transcript but not computed into the cumulative GPA.
   2. Outside of the University of Maine System: Credit earned with a C- or higher in courses from regionally accredited colleges/universities outside the UMS must have a ‘pass’ defined as a C or higher in order to transfer.
   3. Generally, course grades do not transfer from one college/university to another. Semester and cumulative GPAs reflect only those courses taken at the home university. Students in cooperative degree programs should inquire about any exceptions that may apply.
   4. Coursework defined as developmental by the university to which the student is transferring will not be awarded degree credit. Developmental courses are considered preparatory to college level work and will not count towards a degree.
   5. Courses from colleges and universities outside the United States will be accepted for transfer consistent with established university policies and practices.
3. Credit may be awarded for high school Advanced Placement (AP) exams, College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams, or college-level knowledge gained through life experience (e.g. prior learning, such as military or other training) when validated through the approved campus processes.
4. Students with coursework from non-regionally accredited schools may inquire into the possibility of validating some or all of their learning through testing and/or approved university credit for prior learning processes. Students interested in this option should contact the university Transfer Officer for more information.
5. If a student has concerns about the transfer evaluation, the student should contact the Transfer Officer at the receiving university. After the conferral, the student may appeal through the academic appeals process at the receiving university.
6. Transfer students should consult the University’s catalog and/or meet with an appropriate advisor to determine requirements regarding the number and distribution of credits that must be completed at the University to earn the desired degree.
7. Students must meet the established requirements of the academic program or college into which they are transferring. Transfer credits do not necessarily count towards these requirements.
8. Students may also confer with the Transfer Officer and/or academic advisor regarding possible flexibility in the application of their credits to their program, through approved campus processes.
9. Current UMS students who plan to take courses at another university, inside or outside of the UMS, are strongly encouraged to seek prior approval of their plans from the university where they are matriculated.

University of Maine at Fort Kent

The University of Maine at Fort Kent recognizes that students may complete postsecondary work at other institutions. This work is important to the student and also to the University. UMFK will make every effort to recognize the credits through the transfer process and apply these toward its program requirements. Where the content of courses from the previous school is equivalent to that of UMFK courses, students will be given credit toward their degree requirements. Where there is no compatibility of content, elective credits will be given. UMFK also has special arrangements with selected schools whereby credits are accepted directly into UMFK programs (see Index under ‘Articulation Agreements’ for details of these special arrangements).

In order to receive credits for work from other institutions, students must present official transcripts from each postsecondary school. For students who are applying for transfer to the University of Maine at Fort Kent the transcripts must be sent to the Transfer Office. For those taking courses at other schools while being a student at UMFK, the transcript should be directed to the Registrar’s Office.

Once transcripts are received in the Registrar’s Office, they will be evaluated and credit accepted as appropriate. The student will then be notified of the transferability of each course as well as how the credits will apply to his/her degree program. The acceptable credits will then be posted on the UMFK transcript. Decisions on transfer credit evaluations may be appealed to the Vice President for Academic Affairs (see Index under “Academic Policies and Procedures  ”).  

Although all coursework will be considered for transfer, credit will be acceptable for transfer only under the following conditions:

1. Only work from institutions accredited by one of the six regional accrediting agencies will be accepted in transfer.
2. Only work with grades of “C-” and above will be accepted. Courses graded with non-standard letter systems, such as Pass/Fail, will be considered for transfer if the transcript clearly shows the equivalent grade symbol indicating a grade of “C-” or better.
3. Grade Point Averages (GPA) from other schools do not transfer. Grades from all schools are listed on the UMFK transcript but are not included in the UMFK GPA.
4. Only work which applies to a course of study at UMFK will be accepted.
5. Nursing clinical courses are not transferable.
6. Credits from regionally accredited vocational or technical schools are accepted if they are applicable to an academic program.
7. Students who transfer to UMFK, after having completed a previous Bachelor’s degree are exempt from completing the General Education requirements.

UMFK differentiates between courses offered during the freshmen/sophomore years (lower level) and those at the junior/senior years (upper level). For transfer courses, the level is determined at the time of transfer evaluation and may not transfer at the same level as the course at the sending school. Courses, considered upper level at the away school, may be considered lower level at UMFK. It is recognized that conflicts will exist between the numbering schemes. Credits from two-year institutions will be considered the equivalent of lower level work (freshmen and sophomore years) at UMFK.

NOTE: For students transferring within the University of Maine System, the Trustee policy is to provide the maximum opportunity for transfer within the System. When a student is accepted for transfer within the University of Maine System, all undergraduate degree credits, with a minimum grade of “C-“, obtained at any unit of the University will be transferable to any other unit but will not be automatically applied to the specific academic degree program to which the student has transferred. Each student will be expected to meet the established requirements of the academic program into which transfer is affected, and appropriate application of that credit is to be the responsibility of the particular academic unit. To determine which courses are transferable for degree program credit, students who anticipate the need to transfer course credits should consult with their academic advisor prior to enrollment.

Non-Regionally Accredited Institutions

Credits earned at nationally accredited or non-accredited institutions of higher learning may be presented for evaluation and acceptance at the University of Maine at Fort Kent. Any student anticipating the transfer of credits from a non-accredited institution should:

1. Request an official transcript be sent from the institution in question to the Registrar of the University of Maine at Fort Kent. For International Transfers, transcripts must be evaluated by an outside agency, such as World Education Services to determine US credit equivalency. UMFK will not consider foreign credits for transfer without the outside agency evaluation.
2. Secure from the Registrar the following data for each course involved:
   1. Complete syllabus,
   2. List of all required and any optional textbooks or other instructional materials used in the course, and
   3. School’s catalog.
3. The Registrar will review the foregoing documents to determine equity with academic requirements and courses at UMFK. The Registrar may confer with other offices of the University as appropriate.
4. Where equity is found to exist with courses offered by UMFK, the transfer credit may be accepted at full or adjusted value toward satisfaction of the corresponding UMFK course. Where a corresponding course is not offered at UMFK, the course value may be accepted toward fulfillment of elective requirements.