FARMINGTON – In an effort to entice students considering transferring to the University of Maine at Farmington, the college will hold Transfer Tuesday events featuring admissions counselors, transcript evaluations and, potentially, on-the-spot acceptance.
The first Transfer Tuesday will be next week, Dec. 15, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Education Center building on Lincoln and High Street. UMF officials are hoping for a good turnout.
“The idea is to allow students to transfer in the most convenient way possible,” Director of Admissions Elaine Vincent said.
Vincent, who has been at UMF for three weeks, said that the idea had been a hit at the last college she worked at. She said it had been beneficial for students, allowing them a chance to have questions answered and cutting out phone calls and waiting periods, but also for the staff. With advisors from all of UMF’s different departments on hand, Vincent said she hoped the process gave them a chance to see the admissions process from start to finish.
People can show up to ask questions if they prefer. However, advisors will review college and high school transcripts, as well as a written essay or personal statement. Vincent said that UMF was looking for “four to five paragraphs, well-written” to give advisors a chance to review a writing sample and learn about the prospective student. Transcripts can be unofficial, but official transcripts must be sent to UMF prior to the would-be student attending class.
Advisors will also help people fill out admission forms.
Students who qualify could be approved on the spot, Vincent said. She noted the Transfer Tuesdays were designed to shortcut the approval process, not bypass it. Those approved at the Transfer Tuesday events will have their application fee waived.
“We’re considering students we would have accepted through the regular process,” she said. She also noted that anyone approved for transfer into the education program would be required to complete the Praxis Series certification test and that transfer into the creative writing program would be contingent upon a review of the student’s portfolio.
People interested in transferring should expect to spend a minimum of an hour with advisors, possibly more depending on the turnout and questions they might have. Those who can’t attend the Dec. 15 event shouldn’t worry; UMF is planning a second Transfer Tuesday for Jan. 5, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Education Center building on High Street.
Anyone with questions can contact the Office of Admission at 207-778-7050 or through email at umfadmit@maine.edu.
