university of maine essay prompt

University of Maine

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• Essay prompt

Want to see your chances of admission at University of Maine?

We take every aspect of your personal profile into consideration when calculating your admissions chances.

University of Maine’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Common app personal essay.

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you‘ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?

• Apply to UMaine

Application Information

Selecting an academic program.

Indicate your first and second choice of study on your application or to let us know if you are undecided about what program to choose in a particular college. Details on specific academic programs can be found here.

Academic Preparation

High school coursework should be at the college preparation level or higher. Advanced, honors or AP coursework is encouraged. Candidates should have four units of English, three to four units of mathematics (at least algebra I and II, and geometry; some programs require advanced mathematics), two to three units of a lab science (some programs require specific science courses), two units of foreign language and two to three units of social studies. Computer science and fine arts courses are strongly recommended. 

Transfer students may use completed college coursework to replace missing required high school courses.

Applications

A complete application for first-year and transfer applicants includes:

• a completed application (either the  ApplyMaine Application, the Common Application , ReActivation Form , or our Certificate Program Application )
• an official high school transcript
• official college transcripts for all attempted college coursework
• a school recommendation (first-year applicants only)
• an essay or personal statement is recommended
• Nursing applicants are required to submit written responses to specific Nursing essay prompts available for first year applicants at:  https://go.umaine.edu/nursing-application-essay-fyr/  and for transfer applicants at:  https://go.umaine.edu/nursing-essay-trf/
• it’s free to apply!
• UMaine has adopted a test optional status for all of its programs.

All application material should be submitted online or to our University Processing Center, PO Box 412, Bangor, ME 04401. Click here to apply now.

Scholarships

All first-year students accepted through Early Action (application deadline Dec. 1) will be considered for merit scholarships . First-year students accepted through the regular rolling admission process will only be considered on a funds-available basis.

All transfers accepted through June 1st will be considered for  merit scholarships . Transfers accepted after June 1st will be considered on a funds-available basis. College/department scholarships are also available. More scholarship information is available here.

AP and IB Credit

Advanced Placement credit is available for more than 40 UMaine courses, depending on your AP test scores. Credit also is available for students who have earned the International Baccalaureate diploma. See the UMaine Advanced Placement credit table . Please submit official test results to receive credit.

Transfer/Military Credit

Transfer credit is awarded for college-level courses from regionally accredited institutions depending on grades earned. A list of courses already evaluated for course credit may be found at umaine.edu/mainestreet . Credit for military training may be awarded based on American Council on Education (ACE) guidelines.

New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) Regional Student Program (RSP)

Through the NEBHE Regional Student program, UMaine is able to make certain programs available to residents of specified states at a discounted NEBHE tuition rate. For more information about the NEBHE program, click here.

Housing Requirement

All first-year students are required to live on campus. 

Transfer students may choose to live on campus and many select the Transfer Living and Learning Community.

For full housing information, visit the Housing website.

Financing Your UMaine Education

UMaine is committed to providing financial assistance to qualified students through a combination of scholarships, grants, student employment and loans. To apply for financial aid submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For full consideration, the FAFSA must be received at the Federal Processor by March 1 for first-year students and by June 1st for transfer students. A late FAFSA is a disadvantage in the awarding process. Be sure to include UMaine’s code (002053). We encourage you to submit the FAFSA online. More information about UMaine’s financial aid programs can be found here.

Important First-Year Deadlines:

• Please Note: Applications for Mechanical Engineering that are received after February 28 will be considered on a space available basis.
• March 1: Preferred regular application filing date.
• March 1: FAFSA and International application.
• May 1: Candidates’ reply and housing filing.

Important Transfer Deadlines:

• June 1: FAFSA on-time filing date, Nursing application date
• July 1: Applications submitted after July 1 will be considered on a space available basis.
• Spring Transfers should apply and submit their FAFSA’s early in the fall semester, applications submitted after January 1st will be considered on a space available basis.

University of Maine

Academic Programs

• Art & Design
• Communication
• Engineering
• Finance/Accounting
• Government/Political Science
• Health Science
• Liberal Arts
• Performing Arts
• Social Science
• Visual Arts

Student experience

• Co-op/Internship Opportunities
• Disability Services
• Distance/online learning
• Intramural/Club Sports
• LGBTQIA Services
• Military/Veteran Services
• On-Campus Housing
• ROTC Program
• Study Abroad
• Undergraduate Research
• Veteran Fee Waiver

Application information

Find out about requirements, fees, and deadlines

Admission to the University of Maine and our regional campus in Machias is competitive. The admission selection process looks at the strength of the high school curriculum, grades received and grade point average to identify potential for academic success. Additional information such as essays, counselor recommendations and community involvement may help the admissions committee evaluate student applications. UMaine recognizes advanced work completed in secondary schools through Advanced Placement tests, honors, or higher education courses. Students who pass examinations may be exempt from certain courses at UMaine. All completed applications are reviewed for merit scholarships.

The University of Maine and our regional campus in Machias welcome transfer students and the value they bring to our educational communities. Admission is competitive and transfers are encouraged to apply as soon as possible for the best course selection. A completed transfer application includes official transcripts for all completed college coursework and an official final high school transcript or GED or HiSET results. UMaine has a generous AP, IB, CLEP and transfer credit policy to allow transfer students to make maximum use of their prior educational work. Transfer merit scholarships are available based on prior academic achievement. Students wishing to live on campus can select a transfer living and learning community if they would like to live with other transfer students. For information about the transfer admission process or to set up a phone appointment with a transfer admission counselor please visit the UMaine or UMaine Machias Transfer Admission webpage. We look forward to working with you to support your transfer process to UMaine or our regional campus in Machias.

Additional Information

Admissions office

Office of Admission , 5713 Chadbourne Hall Orono , ME 04469-5713 , United States of America

[email protected]

Phone number

(207) 581-1561

For first-year students

Admissions website.

go.umaine.edu/

Financial aid website

umaine.edu/stuaid/

For transfer students

New England

View more in this region

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Nursing — Traditional Program

Tuition & fees.

Costs include tuition, fees, & other costs such as books. See cost details

Financial aid

On average, 92% of enrolled students who file a FAFSA receive an offer. 91% of offers include scholarships, grants, waiver, and/or work-study. Explore aid

Program duration

Typical completion time: 4 years. Flexible options may save time. Explore options

SAT & ACT scores optional. Apply by February 1 for fall term only. View application process & deadlines

Program highlights

• Gain generalist nursing knowledge , an orientation to leadership, and a foundation to begin graduate studies.
• Engage in a variety of clinical experiences at inpatient, outpatient, and community-based facilities.
• Become eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®) upon graduation.
• Be supported by dedicated academic advisors who will guide you through each semester’s course selection process.
• Study with engaged faculty members who are committed to advancing excellence in nursing.
• Take advantage of our lab facilities, which include a Simulation Center, Physical Assessment Lab, and Fundamentals of Nursing Lab.

Clinical experience

You’ll spend your final three semesters in clinical settings. Our students work in small groups along with a clinical faculty member. In your final semester, you’ll be assigned to work with a preceptor in a direct-care setting for your practicum experience.

Hands-on learning

In addition to clinical experience, you’ll work with underserved populations to identify risks and establish plans for improvement. Our students provide primary care, public health, and mental health services to the clients of community-based organizations.

Learning spaces

We offer robust learning environments and laboratories. For example, our Learning Resources and Simulation Center provides an environment to develop clinical judgment and reasoning while focusing on best practices.

Program requirements

You’ll follow a sequence of didactic and clinical courses with a student cohort group. Learn to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate care for people of all ages: in families, groups of clients, and communities across the health continuum.

Career opportunities

Our program will prepare you to begin your nursing practice in a variety of health care settings, including specialty areas.

Accreditation

This program is approved by the Maine State Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Upon program completion, you’ll be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®).

Dedicated faculty

Our faculty are active in research and policy issues at the state and national level, are board members of state and national nursing associations, and frequently publish in leading nursing journals.

Scholarship opportunities

Scholarships offer valuable financial aid that doesn’t need to be repaid. You’ll be automatically considered for Merit Scholarships when you apply for admission by the deadline. Additional opportunities are available.

Considering transferring to USM?

We welcome students who are transferring from another four-year university or community college. Our knowledgeable Admissions Counselors will help you to navigate the admissions and credit-transfer process.

Exercise Science

Health sciences, occupational therapy assistant, public health, therapeutic recreation, social work, deaf studies, holistic and integrative health.

Our helpful admissions counselors are here to answer your questions about the admissions process, our academic programs, and student support services. We also invite you to explore the many ways to visit campus or to engage with us through online experiences.

Admission information: Nursing — Traditional Program BS

Because the baccalaureate nursing program includes supervised clinical experiences, the nursing faculty reserves the right to limit enrollments. Admission to the program is highly selective.

There are three different application processes for this program. Prospective students should select the appropriate application process for their current student type.

This application process is intended for students who have not attempted any college credits since graduating from high school or earning a GED/HiSET.

Applicant Criteria

• Applicants must meet the University’s general undergraduate admission requirements, which can be found in the Admissions section of the Undergraduate Catalog.
• High school GPA of 3.25 or above
• Completed high school biology and chemistry with labs, with grades of B or above in those courses.

Applicants who do not meet one of the above criteria will be reviewed by the Office of Admissions for possible nursing admission consideration.

Application process

• Apply to the University of Southern Maine
• Select Nursing as the first choice of major on the application

This application process is intended for admitted USM students who can meet Applicant Criteria before they have completed more than 32 college credits. If students wish to pursue this option, they should meet with their Professional Academic Advisor to discuss plans.

Application Deadline: Students should apply at the end of the semester in which Applicant Criteria are met, after final course grades are posted.

• Complete at least one semester at the University; and
• Achieve a 3.0 or higher GPA at the University; and
• Be eligible to take, or have completed MAT 120 or a direct equivalent statistics course; and.
• Complete one of these sets of science courses with a grade of C or better: CHY 107 Chemistry for Health Sciences (CHY 113 also accepted) or BIO 111 and BIO 112 Human Anatomy and Physiology I with lab; and
• Complete two of these social sciences with grades of C or better: PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology, SOC 100 Introduction to Sociology, or HRD 200 Multicultural Human Development; and
• Complete College Writing with a grade of C or better.
• If a student does not meet the above criteria before completing more than 32 credits, the student still can apply to the School of Nursing through Process 3. See below for Process 3 application instructions.

Application Process

Students should contact their Professional Academic Advisor to get started. Their Professional Academic Advisor will assist students with planning courses to meet the criteria for the change of major to nursing. If the applicant criteria are satisfied, their advisor will assist with the change of major process at the end of a semester after all final grades are posted.

For more information about the change of major process and the nursing program application process, please contact your Professional Academic Advisor. Not sure who your Advisor is? Check your MaineStreet Student Center to find out.

This application process is intended for current USM students who have completed more than 32 credit hours and any external applicant who does not meet the criteria for application process 1 or 2, including students who have completed college credits at another institution of higher education or who are currently enrolled at another higher education institution.

Students should verify that they meet the eligibility requirements listed below. Applicants who do not meet all of the criteria will not be considered for admission into the BS in Nursing – Traditional Program.

• Hold a minimum cumulative college GPA of 3.0 (note that the cumulative college GPA is calculated from the combination of all college courses completed by the student at any institutions that they have attended); and
• Hold a minimum natural science GPA of 2.67 in natural science courses for nursing that have been completed at the time of application. These courses include direct equivalents of Anatomy and Physiology I with lab, Anatomy and Physiology II with lab, Microbiology with lab, Human Nutrition, an introductory Chemistry course (lab not required), and Pathophysiology. Applicants who have retaken more than 3 natural science courses for nursing, or retaken the same science course more than twice in their college academic history will not be considered for admission.

Application Process for current USM students with more than 32 credit hours

• Nursing essay — the essay prompt is described on the Online Supplemental Form.
• Notify your Professional Academic Advisor of plans to apply to the Nursing program.

Application Process for students currently enrolled at another higher education institution or who have completed college credits at another higher education institution and are not eligible for Application Process 1 or 2:

• Apply to the University of Southern Maine as a Transfer applicant;
• When applying select Nursing as your first choice major; and
• Online Supplemental form: Nursing — Traditional Program BS
• Essay using this prompt: In 500 words or less, discuss the reasons why you have chosen nursing and the strengths you bring to the profession. Your essay should reflect your academic strengths and strategies for success in this rigorous program.

For questions about the application process, or to check the status of a completed application, please contact the Office of Admissions .

University of Maine Undergraduate College Application Essays

These University of Maine college application essays were written by students accepted at University of Maine. All of our sample college essays include the question prompt and the year written. Please use these sample admission essays responsibly.

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College Application Essays accepted by University of Maine

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Naturally Content Marcus S. McCue

The crisp fall breeze swirls through the trees, and with each gust an increasing number of leaves detach themselves from the tree where they once lived. Upon reaching the ground the leaves form a colorful mosaic of reds, oranges, and yellows,...

Out and Back Lilly Vittum

It hit me. Not while I was scaling cliffs that were sculpted with the help of a straightedge, not even while I dreamed that I was suffocating, only to wake up and realize I really did have a snow-covered tarp pressed against my face. Not the first...

Milestones Anonymous

We packed the U-haul truck and grabbed the last boxes. My step-father put the cardboard box labeled Kitchen Stuff in the back of the truck. My stomach felt uneasy. That was the last time I would stand in that backyard filled with uncut grass and...

Trading in the Apron for a Lab Coat Anonymous

Minuscule white particles floated down gently through the air, but, it wasn't snowing, and I was inside. In my haste to take the next batch of (most likely burning) cookies out of the oven, I had turned the mixer up a touch too high, causing the...

The Voice I Found Anonymous

It was time for me to go. I didn’t think it could get any more complicated than it was but it did I timidly shuffled into the daunting assembly room of a church to approach a rather unwelcoming judge panel. My heart raced as the heat from the...

An Action and An Initiative Anonymous

Vision blurry, fastened heartbeat, confused & humid head. There’s an excruciating pain all over my body and fear has engulfed my heart. The sun aggressively embraces my eyes. I raise my right hand to block the light, simultaneously bringing my...

Recent Questions about University of Maine

The Question and Answer section for University of Maine is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.