FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is AdvantageU?
AdvantageU is the name of a new guaranteed admission program in Maine. It allows Maine Community College students graduating with an Associate in Arts degree in Liberal Studies guaranteed admission to any institution of the University of Maine System. The program is a result of a recent agreement between the Maine Community College System and University of Maine System.

What is guaranteed?
Upon completion of an associate degree in Liberal Studies from a Maine Community College, a student is guaranteed admission with junior standing to any Maine public University. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA. The University of Maine requires a 2.5 GPA for guaranteed admission, and the University of Maine at Farmington has an enrollment cap. Note that only grades C- or above will transfer.

What is not guaranteed?
Students are not guaranteed admission to a particular University degree program. Individual programs offered through Maine’s public Universities may have specific GPA requirements and/or program-specific criteria for admission and class standing.

How does AdvantageU benefit students?
AdvantageU provides a smooth pathway for students who wish to earn an associate degree at a Community College and transfer to a University for a baccalaureate degree. Students receive early advising toward their University major, and are guaranteed admission to a University, at junior level. Other benefits include: 1) no University application fee; 2) a streamlined transfer process; and 3) the opportunity to participate in advanced course registration with other University students.

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How does AdvantageU benefit Maine?
Research shows and experience tells us that transfer programs like AdvantageU result in an overall increase in postsecondary degrees over time. This means better jobs and higher incomes for Maine citizens, a more highly educated workforce, and a stronger economy for Maine.

Who is eligible?
Students enrolled in the Associate in Arts in Liberal Studies program at a Maine Community College beginning Fall 2005 or later are eligible to participate in the AdvantageU program.

Do I need to apply to participate?
Yes. To participate, students must complete an AdvantageU Participation Form (available online or at your Community College) prior to completion of 45 credits. However, it is strongly recommended that students enroll as early as possible in order to receive early advising toward their desired bachelor degree program.

How will my credits transfer?
Your credits will transfer as specific course equivalents, department equivalents or general electives, depending on the transfer policies at the University you will be attending. Be sure to ask your advisor about the particular requirements for the University major you are working toward.

Will AdvantageU students truly be “juniors?”
AdvantageU students transfer to the University with junior standing. Some University majors, however, may require a student to complete more than two additional academic years beyond the completion of the Community College degree. Early advising can minimize the number of additional credits a student will need to complete their baccalaureate degree.

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