How to Apply to UMaine CBE
Students are accepted into the program for start dates in either the Fall or Spring semester, although the majority of graduate students begin in the Fall semester. Applications must be received at least three months prior to the start of the term. For priority admission for the Fall semester, it is recommended to submit applications before Jan 20 of that year.
Information about the online application and materials can be found at the UMaine Graduate School, which sets the admission procedures for graduate study. The application is submitted electronically. Standard requirements for admission to both the chemical and biomedical engineering graduate programs administered by CBE (i.e., M.S. in CHE and BME and Ph.D. in CHE) include original copies of transcripts, letters from three references, and a personal statement describing the applicant’s motivation for graduate study.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the GREs required?
Our department began waiving the requirement for GRE test scores at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Presently, we do not require GRE scores, although this requirement is subject to change. If the GRE becomes required again, we will post notification on this page at least one year prior to the change taking effect.
Do I need to contact potential advisors prior to applying?
No – students are matched to advisors during the first month of graduate study, so there is no need to contact faculty requesting to join their research group. Moreover, it is often difficult for faculty to determine more than a month or two ahead of time whether they will take students in a given semester. However, you may still want to contact individual faculty to learn more about their research programs.
Is there funding available/How do I apply for funding?
All applicants are automatically considered for funding as either a Research Assistant or a Teaching Assistant. However, funding is not guaranteed. There is no separate application for funding, and if made an offer of admission your offer letter will also include details about any potential assistantships you have received.
Can the application fee be waived?
Generally the answer is no, except in truly exceptional circumstances. Unfortunately, the application fee cannot be waived due to financial hardship. The Graduate School lists some application fee waiver options on their FAQ site.
If I send you my application materials before applying, can you tell me if I would be admitted?
No – the only way to have application materials evaluated is to submit a formal application for admission.
My undergraduate degree is not in Chemical or Biomedical Engineering. Would I be admitted?
We do admit students whose background is not in Chemical or Biomedical Engineering, although these students are generally required to take some number of prerequisite engineering courses. The particular courses depend on your background and will be determined by the admissions committee when making a decision. Note that some prerequisite courses may not count for graduate credit and may not be eligible for tuition coverage by an RA or TA position.
Is an English Language Test required?
An English language proficiency exam is not needed if your undergraduate (or master’s) degree was taught in English or if English is an official language of your home country. The Graduate School accepts TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, and PTE test scores.
When can I expect a decision regarding my application?
Applications are generally reviewed in the Fall semester for Spring admission and in the Spring semester for Fall admission. If you have submitted an application for the Fall semester, please wait until late March before inquiring about the status of your application. If you have submitted an application for the Spring semester, please wait until early December before inquiring.
I was not admitted – what went wrong?
The admissions process is highly competitive, with many applications received for only a small number of positions. Successful applicants have very high GPAs, high test scores, detailed and well-written personal statements, and very strong, detailed, and personalized letters of recommendation from those who are qualified to assess a student’s potential for graduate study. If your application was not successful and you wish to reapply, then we recommend highlighting the areas where you feel you are the strongest, keeping in mind the qualities of successful applicants above.
Other FAQs
Answers to other frequently asked questions can be found on the Graduate School’s FAQ website.