Admissions FAQ

MSSM is Maine's only tuition-free public residential high school for grades 9 through 12. It was created by the Maine Legislature in 1995 to give academically motivated students access to a rigorous, college-preparatory STEM education in small classes with a 9:1 student-to-teacher ratio. MSSM is for students from anywhere in Maine who are looking for more academic challenge, more hands-on STEM opportunity, or a more intellectually engaged peer community than their local school can offer.

Three things set MSSM apart. It's fully residential, so students live and learn alongside a community of similarly motivated peers. It's small and personalized, with a 9:1 student-to-teacher ratio instead of a typical large public-school classroom. And it's tuition-free for Maine residents, so the opportunity isn't limited to families who can afford private-school tuition. Unlike some peer STEM residential schools in other states, MSSM has also historically welcomed the large majority of academically qualified applicants rather than turning most of them away for lack of space.

Academically, MSSM offers college-level coursework in math, science, computer science, and engineering (every student completes calculus before graduating), plus dual-enrollment options through the University of Maine System, taught largely by faculty with advanced degrees. On the residential side, students live in a supported dorm community with dedicated residential-life staff, wellness and counseling resources, and a full slate of clubs, activities, and traditions that come with living on a small, close-knit campus.

MSSM has a strong track record of sending graduates on to four-year colleges and universities, from the University of Maine System to research universities and Ivy League schools. Every MSSM graduate who wants to attend college gets in, typically with substantial merit aid. Some graduates choose a different path instead, including a gap year or military service, and MSSM supports those routes just as fully.

If you're already seeking out extra challenge (advanced coursework, competitions, independent projects, or just more from your education than your current school can offer), MSSM gives you a full high school built around that. You'll take college-level classes in small groups with real individual attention, live alongside peers who share your curiosity, and graduate with a strong foundation for college, all without paying tuition as a Maine resident.

That hesitation is completely normal, and it's worth taking seriously rather than brushing aside. MSSM isn't about leaving something behind. It's about joining a community built specifically for students who want more academic depth and a peer group that shares that drive. Many current students describe the adjustment as easier than expected, in large part because the whole school is designed around supporting new students residentially and academically from day one. If you're weighing this decision, we'd encourage you to visit campus and talk with current students before deciding. Seeing it firsthand answers this question better than any FAQ can.

Students who do well here are usually already seeking out challenge before they arrive, whether that's advanced classes, math or science competitions, independent projects, or simply asking their current school for more. What matters most is wanting to come to MSSM for what it offers, not just wanting to leave a difficult situation elsewhere. Curiosity, self-motivation, and comfort with a residential, community-oriented environment matter more than any single grade or test score.

MSSM's process is selective in that it closely considers academic readiness, motivation, and fit. That said, historically MSSM has accepted the large majority of academically qualified applicants rather than rejecting strong candidates simply for lack of space. Because acceptance patterns vary considerably from year to year depending on the applicant pool, MSSM doesn't publish a fixed acceptance rate or percentage.

MSSM accepts applications from students entering Grades 9, 10, and 11 who are prepared for advanced academics and residential life. Admission to Grade 12 may be possible, but families must contact Admissions before beginning the application to discuss eligibility, graduation requirements, and available space. See our Admission Process page for how to apply.

No. Students from outside Maine may apply, but tuition and costs differ for Maine residents and students from other states. Review the Cost of Attendance page before applying, and see Cost and Financial Aid below.

Yes. A student may request consideration for a grade they've already completed. The Admissions Committee reviews transcripts, current coursework, age, academic preparation, and the student's overall background before confirming placement.

No. MSSM does not offer midyear entry. Students apply for fall enrollment only.

Yes. Homeschooled students may apply. Admissions will help families determine the appropriate transcript, testing, and recommendation documentation when standard school forms aren't available.

MSSM currently cannot enroll a student who requires F-1 status, because the school is not authorized to issue Form I-20. United States citizens and other students who do not require F-1 status, including dual U.S. citizens, may contact Admissions to discuss eligibility.

Entering Grade 9 students are strongly encouraged to complete a comprehensive Algebra 1 course that includes quadratics. MSSM's current introductory mathematics offering is Algebra 2.

The current application includes student information and responses, a parent or guardian statement, recommendations, current and previous academic records, approved testing, and an admissions interview. Full, current requirements and instructions are on our Admission Process page.

Yes. You can begin the application while arranging testing, requesting recommendations, and gathering school records. All required materials must be received by the applicable deadline.

Use your application portal to monitor the checklist. Contact Admissions if an item was submitted but still shows as incomplete after a reasonable processing period.

The interview is a conversation about the student's interests, experiences, goals, questions, and reasons for considering MSSM. Interviews may be completed in person or virtually. Students should prepare examples and questions but shouldn't memorize complete answers. We want to hear how you think, not a rehearsed script.

Parents and guardians may participate in the visit and ask questions, but the student should expect to complete the primary interview conversation independently. Confirm the exact interview format with Admissions when scheduling.

Students may receive limited feedback on grammar, clarity, and organization. No person or tool should write or substantially rewrite a student's response. The final submission must represent the student's own thinking, experiences, and authentic voice.

Email Admissions with the student's name, a description of the issue, and a screenshot if helpful. Don't include passwords or other sensitive information in your email.

After you apply, MSSM's admissions team reviews your application, transcripts, essay, and recommendations, and qualified applicants are typically invited to interview. Decisions are announced in the spring, and admitted students then receive enrollment paperwork and a deposit deadline to confirm their spot. If you're not sure where your application stands at any point, our admissions team can tell you directly. Don't hesitate to reach out.

Tuition is free for Maine residents. Your family will be responsible for room and board, with financial aid available if needed. The application includes an essay, recommendations, transcripts, and an interview. And you don't have to figure this out alone. MSSM's admissions team is available by phone and email throughout the process to answer questions before, during, and after you apply.

Yes. MSSM currently requires an approved standardized test as part of the application.

MSSM currently accepts the PSAT, SAT, ACT, NWEA, or the MSSM Math and English Test.

Contact Admissions for current dates and scheduling options.

Yes. If you submit multiple approved test results, the strongest result will be included in the admissions review process.

Yes. Tuition is waived for qualified Maine residents. Families remain responsible for room and board and other applicable expenses. For the 2026-27 academic year, room and board is $11,400. MSSM's Board of Trustees reviews and votes on this figure each December, and it typically rises modestly year to year in line with inflation, so check the Cost of Attendance page each fall for the current confirmed amount.

Students who aren't eligible for Maine resident tuition support pay tuition, room and board, and other applicable charges. See the Cost of Attendance page directly for current annual amounts.

Yes. Financial aid must be renewed annually, and returning-family deadlines may be earlier than prospective-family deadlines.

Some Maine communities without their own public high school may provide funding through the Maine Town Tuition Program to help cover MSSM room and board costs. Eligibility and the amount depend on the town and its applicable rules, so families should confirm their status with both their town and MSSM.

Yes. MSSM is a residential school, and all students live in the campus dorm.

The residence hall includes student rooms, kitchens, study areas, lounges, gathering spaces, and Residential Life offices. Students use the building to study, relax, cook, participate in activities, and spend time with friends. Learn more on our Dorm Life page.

The longest stretch students typically remain on campus is three to four weeks. Scheduled long weekends and school breaks provide regular opportunities to go home, and families should review the academic calendar each year when planning travel. See the calendar page for more details.

Yes. MSSM provides transportation at no cost during designated long weekends and school breaks to stops in Hermon, Augusta, Lewiston, and Westbrook. The stops change year-to-year based on students' hometowns, but these have been the typical stops for years. Families receive current schedules, departure times, and pickup information before each break. Additional information about transportation, weekend sign-out, and family visits is available through Student Life.

Incoming students go through a roommate preference process after enrollment, usually during the summer. Student Life uses that information to create appropriate placements and sends the assignments in early August.

Students receive support from Residential Life staff, teachers, advisors, Health Services, counseling, and other adults throughout the MSSM community. Health Services coordinates routine care, first aid, medication support, and health guidance, while the School Social Worker provides mental health support. Learn more on our Health Services page.

Students study, participate in clubs and athletics, attend residence hall activities, use outdoor spaces, join regional trips, and spend informal time with friends, with opportunities varying throughout the year. See our Dorm Life page for more.

MSSM courses are designed for students who are ready to engage deeply, ask questions, manage a substantial workload, and seek help when needed. Academic readiness includes curiosity, organization, persistence, and a willingness to use the support available.

After enrollment, MSSM reviews a student's previous coursework and placement information to build an appropriate schedule. Upper-grade applicants may require a more detailed credit review.

MSSM is a Bring Your Own Device campus and does not provide a standard one-to-one device program through MLTI. Students should bring a suitable personal device for academic work.

Yes. Students may use Chromebooks, tablets, laptops, or desktop systems. MSSM uses Google's educational tools across platforms. See our Technology page for details.

MSSM has computer resources in the academic building, but access may be limited to the hours the building is open. Families shouldn't rely on the lab as a complete replacement for a personal device.

No. A campus visit is highly encouraged, but not required to begin an application.

A typical visit may include a student-guided tour, a look at academic and residential spaces, a conversation with Admissions, and the admissions interview when scheduled. Exact visit options depend on the date and school schedule.

Yes. MSSM offers virtual conversations, information sessions, webinars, and other virtual opportunities. See our Visit & Events page for what's currently scheduled. We are also currently working on a virtual campus video tour, created by a student.

A campus tour is a smaller, personalized visit. An Open House is MSSM's most comprehensive visit opportunity and includes academic presentations, a student-guided tour, dorm access, student and parent perspectives, and admissions and financial-aid information. As well as meeting faculty and student ambassadors and attending classes.

Related: Schedule a Campus Visit · Register for Open House · Explore Virtual Opportunities

For the Fall 2027 admissions cycle, the application deadline is February 1, 2027; the financial aid deadline is February 8, 2027; admission decisions are announced March 14, 2027 (Pi Day), traditionally at 1:59 PM; and enrollment agreements and deposits are due April 10, 2027.

Admission decisions are released through the applicant portal. Families should confirm their portal access and contact information before the decision date.

Not every qualified applicant is admitted every year, and a decision not to admit isn't a reflection of a student's potential. Families who'd like feedback are welcome to contact the admissions office directly, and many students who don't gain admission one year strengthen their application and reapply successfully the next.

A waitlist decision means the student remains under consideration if space becomes available. Waitlisted students should follow the instructions in their decision letter and submit any requested continued-interest response by the stated deadline.

Enrolled students receive information about placement testing, course planning, health documentation, technology, Student Life, transportation, move-in, and orientation. There will be an Accepted Students' Day in April and a summer meet-and-greet before school starts.

Click this link to Contact Admissions.