Application Process
Admission to the MSSM is highly competitive. The application process includes multiple essays, a complete academic history, PSAT/SAT scores, three teacher recommendations as well as a counselor recommendation, and a personal interview.
In addition to their academic ability, students are selected on the basis of maturity, motivation, and their ability to contribute positively to the residential environment.
Five Steps to the Admissions Process
- Testing: Those applicants wanting to be considered for Priority Review dates prior to the first of the month preceding their review date. Test dates and registration deadlines are provided on the back of the application booklet. Additional SAT information is available in any high school guidance office.
- Evaluation/Selection of Semifinalists: The selection committee is comprised of various members of the MSSM community. This might include faculty, staff, administrators or alumni. The committee thoroughly reviews each applicant's essays, special accomplishments, transcripts, recommendations, and test scores. Applicants are evaluated in the following areas: motivation, evidence of commitment to learning, intellectual ability, academic accomplishment, leadership and social skills, communication, and overall potential for success at the MSSM. Semifinalists are invited to the MSSM for a personal interview.
- Personal Interview: Each student selected as a semifinalist will participate in a personal interview conducted by an MSSM faculty member and a current MSSM student.
- Selection of Finalists: Finalist selection is based upon the assessment of a student's application as well as the results of the applicant's interview. At the same time, a list of alternates is established. Students who are placed on this list will continue to be considered for admission in the event that openings arise.
- The Application:
a.Complete the Admissions application. It is also available in pdf format on our web site. Ask your parent or legal guardian to complete the Family Supplement. Applications are given priority review three times annually; December 15th, February 15th, and April 15th. Applications received after priority review dates will only be considered on a rolling basis and as openings become available. Send your application to:
The Admissions Office
Maine School of Science and Mathematics
95 High Street
Limestone, ME 04750
Applications received after the Priority Review date will be considered only as openings become available.
Please keep a copy of your completed application for your records.
b.Register to complete your SAT's prior to February 1st. PLEASE NOTE : In registering for the SAT, be sure to use the MSSM Code 3513 in the four-digit space for reports to colleges and scholarship programs. This code will ensure that your scores will be sent to MSSM in a timely manner. Only those high schools registered as testing sites administer the SAT. If you have problems finding a testing site near your home, please call the MSSM Admissions Office.
c.Provide recommendation forms to teachers from at least two of the following disciplines: math, science, and English. The third recommendation form may be completed by a teacher, activity advisor, coach or community leader of your choice.
d.Ask your guidance counselor to complete the Guidance Counselor's Recommendation Form.
e.Request an official transcript from your guidance office which includes:
- a cumulative record of your middle school and high school years, including final grades and mid-semester grades for your current academic year
- educational records for the past calendar year
All recommendation forms/transcripts should be sent directly to the MSSM Admissions Office.
If you have admissions questions, please call (207) 325-3303 or 1-800-325-4484, or
e-mail: Danielle Deschaine at deschained@mssm.org
Also in Admissions:
