Before you apply:
- High school students who enroll in early college courses are more likely to graduate high school, enroll in college, and earn a college degree. As a result, students are more prepared and successful in their chosen career path.
For example:
-
- Courses are tuition-free for students (up to 12 credits per academic year). Students are responsible for specific course fees and books in some EC programs. (please see our eligibility FAQ to determine if you are eligible for this)
- Students can save up to $14,000 in tuition, fees, and other expenses (estimate is based on transferring up to 30 credits to UMaine).
- Students can show college admissions officers that they are ready for more difficult coursework.
- Students build a college transcript while still in high school. The college credits earned are transferable. While we hope students will attend one of Maine’s Public Universities or Community Colleges, these credits may be transferred to other colleges. Students will need to check with their institution about transferring credits when they enroll.
- Early College programs can provide rigorous courses to enhance the high school curriculum.
- Universities may offer a variety of courses not available at the high school. Some programs offer pathways to a career that can help students navigate through college to future employment, or explore interests before choosing a major.
- Students who participate in Early College have better study skills, more academic confidence, and less anxiety about the transition to college.
- Early College students who graduate from high school and enroll in a Maine Public University are more likely to enroll in college (persist) for a second year.
- Students who participate in Early College are less likely to need remedial courses in college. Remedial, or developmental courses, are courses for students who graduate from high school but are not yet ready for college.
- Students who enter college with Early College credits are more likely to earn a degree on time than students with no Early College credits.
2. FERPA is the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act created by the federal government to protect student information.
Students may give their parents or other 3rd parties access to their information by completing the FERPA form as part of their ExplorEC application. Regardless of age, students enrolled in college courses are covered by federal FERPA law. Official FERPA Guidelines.
The federal Department of Education has put out a video to discuss how this works in detail.
-
- Choose your course from the semester listings.
- Create your account at ExplorEC. (Remember to have your parent sign the application).
- Apply for your course and meet with your school counselor to approve your application.
You can also view our step-by-step presentation.
After you apply:
- I’m enrolled in a course. What happens next?
- Do I have to follow any UMM student guidelines?
- What is orientation? Where is it located?
- I have a question about my course. Who do I contact?
- Can I drop a course if I am not doing well?
- Is the grade I receive permanently on my record?
- How can I get a transcript of classes I have taken to give to my high school counselor?
1. Once we enroll you in a course, you will receive several important emails from us.
You can view the following video for step-by-step details. What next?
2. Yes, all students are required to follow the guidelines in the Student Conduct Code.
3. Orientation happens in 2 different formats. In the fall, we typically hold a live orientation on campus. (Due to COVID-19 this will be strictly remote).
Other semesters, we realize that travel to campus is not easy for parents and students, so we offer orientation through your learning portal, Brightspace. Students will receive pre-orientation information via their email address listed on their ExplorEC application.
4. If you have a question that is specifically related to your course, please contact your professor. You can email them directly with questions. Some may have office hours and times where you can call or meet in person. Please refer to your syllabus for this information.
5. Yes. If you need to drop or withdraw from a course, you may request this in your ExplorEC portal. You will need to pay close attention to the drop date deadline of your course to be sure you are dropping before the last date that a W will appear on your transcript. You can find this date when you click on the calendar icon next to your course under “This Week’s Schedule” on your MaineStreet Student Center. You can also view our step-by-step presentation.
6. Yes, it is. Because of this, it is imperative that you contact us by email if you need help. If you need to drop or withdraw from your course, please access your account on ExplorEC.
7. This is very easy. Any student may obtain an unofficial transcript directly from MaineStreet to print themselves or they can request an official transcript. Go here for step-by-step instructions for each.